A Visit to the Hennessey Factory in Cognac

Last weekend Spike had some family over for a visit so we decided it was high time that we booked a tour of the famous Cognac House of Hennessey.

We decided that we would go on the 'XO Symbole' tour which included at the end a tasting of their celebrated Extra Old Cognac accompanied by some chocolate (how could we resist?)  This tour cost 22€ per person and was double the price of their standard tour but we thought that being a rare family visit it would be worth going for the more expensive option.  

The Hennessey building from the warehouses across the River Charente

An example of the alambics used traditionally for distilling Cognac

The coopered barrels made by skilled artisans

The warehouses where the Cognac is made and stored is on the other side of the river Charente to the main Hennessey building so a charming little boat trip across the river was the first part of the experience. 

The Hennessey Warehouses

We were then expertly guided around the warehouses and all the processes behind the making of this wonderful drink were explained by our guide.  If I have any criticism at all it would only be that the tour felt a little corporate (especially when we were led into a screening room to watch a corporate style presentation complete with "aritistic" images outlining the various stages of making Cognac).  This particular kind of experience is not really my truc but apart from that the visit was very informative.        

All was going well until having crossed back over the river to the main Hennessey building we were led into the tasting room.  Before we had a chance to explain a group of other tourists who had only paid for the standard 11€ tour had swigged our very expensive XO Cognac.  Of course the staff were apologetic and rectified the problem by quickly pouring us some more accompanied by a lovely, if a little lonely, square of chocolate for each of us.

The tasting/buying area where the unfortunate faux pas took place!

Unfortunately by this time it would be fair to say we were a bit miffed, not only because the sole difference between the two tours was the tasting at the end but due to the tasting itself being so disorganised we had just paid double for the privilege of watching another group swig our exclusive drinks for half the price! Needless to say we decided not to buy especially having found it is cheaper in the local supermarkets.

So in short it was a good experience but we left with the feeling that the company had been pitched to us as if we were potential shareholders.  So unless you are a fan of Hennessey Cognac in particular and if you love history as I do I would personally recommend the Otard Cognac tour as my clear favourite not only because it explains just as well how the Cognac is made but you are also treated to the beautiful historic surroundings of the Chateau where King François 1st was born (the king who brought the Rennaissance to France).  

I felt that the Otard tour was an altogether more intimate experience and there is a little more interaction with the actual drink itself like smelling different glasses of Cognac to see if you can pick up on the different fragrances.

The ancient Chateau - Birthplace of King Francois 1st

The vaulted ceilings inside the Chateau of Baron Otard

I suppose what it comes down to is a matter of taste.  Being an Irish whiskey drinker myself I'm no expert but Spike, like Napoleon, prefers Courvoisier - a Cognac made in the neighbouring town of Jarnac - so that's definitely a tour to try in the future.