Hennessy XO Cognac

Hennessy X.O is the Cognac that defined an entire category. First created in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for his closest friends, it was the original expression to bear the “Extra Old” designation, and it remains the reference point for X.O Cognac today. 

At the heart of Hennessy X.O is an exceptionally complex blend of more than 100 eaux-de-vie, drawn from leading Cognac growth areas including Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies and Fins Bois. Each component is distilled from Ugni Blanc grapes, then matured in French oak barrels, many of them Limousin oak, for years and, in some cases, decades. Certain eaux-de-vie in the blend can reach up to 30 years of age, well beyond the minimum 10-year requirement for the X.O classification. This extended, carefully supervised aging is what gives Hennessy X.O its remarkable structure and length.

In the glass, Hennessy X.O offers a generous aromatic profile: notes of candied and dried fruit, warm baking spice, vanilla, and polished oak rise from the glass, supported by hints of cocoa and toasted nuts. On the palate, it is full-bodied and layered. A rounded sweetness opens into darker flavors of prunes, figs and dark chocolate, followed by an intensifying, peppery warmth that slowly spreads and lingers. The finish is long, dry, and refined, inviting slow, appreciative sipping rather than quick drinking.

Bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), Hennessy X.O is crafted to be enjoyed neat in a tulip or balloon glass, or served over a large ice cube to gently open up its aromas. While it can feature in ultra-premium cocktails, most enthusiasts reserve it for special moments, after dinner, with a fine cigar, or alongside rich desserts and aged cheeses.

Presented in its instantly recognizable faceted decanter, originally introduced in 1947, Hennessy X.O is as much a centerpiece as it is a spirit. Whether you are adding to a serious collection, selecting a milestone gift, or choosing a bottle to mark important occasions, Hennessy X.O delivers heritage, craftsmanship, and a genuinely memorable Cognac experience.