Hennessy is one of the most respected and popular cognac makers in the world. If you’re a fan of cognac, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve tried one of Hennessy’s expressions over the years. But what do you know about the history of this iconic brand? Ever think its name sounds much more Irish than French? Well, there’s a reason for that.
For over two centuries, Hennessy has written new chapters in the story of cognac. Today, the House is the unrivaled market leader and one of the top high-end spirits brands in the world.
Hennessy – 250 Years of History
Founded in 1765, the House of Hennessy originated in the vision of one man, Richard Hennessy. “For over two centuries, eight generations of the Hennessy family and seven generations of the Fillioux family have worked together to ensure the quality and consistency of our Cognacs,” says Yann Fillioux, 7th Generation Hennessy Master Blender.
IDENTITY
The story of the House of Hennessy began with one man’s vision. An Irish officer in the service of the King of France, Richard Hennessy foresaw the extraordinary international commercial potential of Cognac’s eaux-de-vie. In 1765, he set up his own business and founded a House that has since met with unequaled and unfailing success. That success is the result of a constant quest for excellence in the creation of exceptional cognacs, coupled with an ambitious business development strategy.
Richard Hennessy.
© Jas Hennessy & Co / The Makers Entertainment.
At the end of the 18th century, Hennessy began to grow in all four corners of the globe, starting with the United States. At the beginning of the 19th century, the House set its sights on Australia and Southeast Asia. The South American, Japanese and Chinese markets were conquered in turn.
In 1860, a quarter of cognac exports bore one name: Hennessy.
In the 20th century, the work begun by the House’s founder was continued. A million cases were shipped in 1967, and twenty years later that figure was two million. With over five and a half million cases in 2013, Hennessy is now the top French wine and spirits brand by value in the world. In addition to the fabulous commercial success of a brand present on every continent and in over 130 countries, Hennessy cognac is an ambassador for French art de vivre the world over.
Creation date: 1765
CEO: Bernard Peillon
Head office: 1, rue de la Richonne, 16100 Cognac – France
Website: www.hennessy.com
Photo: © Jas Hennessy & Co
