If you prefer brevity, my advice is to purchase something different!! It lacks scent, structure, body, aromas, and most notably... the aftertaste. The only positive aspect, and it was quite harsh, was the oak note. It smells predominantly of alcohol, and the taste is mostly oak and wood notes, which vanish very quickly... Compared to Martell VS, which is less expensive (from what I can find), Martell is superior in every way... Even when mixed with coffee, this Hennessy VS isn't impressive.. I plan to experiment with making ice cream using it later, but for now, I'll be drinking something else!!????
Hennessy VS Cognac
Brandy Cognac Cognac No age statement 40% ABV
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About this bottle
First introduced by Maurice Hennessy in 1865, Hennessy VS was initially labeled as "Three Star" instead of VS. Since 2016, Renaud Fillioux de Gironde has held the position of Master Blender, continuing a family tradition of blending for Maison Hennessy that spans over two centuries.
How it tastes
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Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 50 parsed reviews.
It's interesting that this is my initial tasting, and due to a lack of knowledge, I always assumed it was a Tennessee whiskey. I was misled by the name. What's amusing is that even after sipping, I still perceived it as a whiskey. It has a sweet blend of vanilla and honey with ginger, which becomes more prominent toward the end. However, I then noticed it becomes overly sweet at the finish with some sharp, citrusy notes. It lacks depth and complexity, making it a potentially good component for other beverages. It has a refreshing finish that gives a minty sensation. Cheers!
Bold and vibrant with a strong character; it's suited for those who appreciate their cognac with a bit of intensity. On the nose, it presents powerful notes of toasted oak, vanilla, and a hint of grape skin. The palate echoes this with undertones of caramel, spice, and charred wood, reflecting its youthful character. The texture is spirited and a little unrefined, yet it has its own appeal. The finish is brief but leaves a warm, smoky sweetness. It's best enjoyed in mixed drinks or on the rocks—this is not a spirit for subtle sipping, but it offers substantial flavor for its cost.
A refined brandy from the Hennessy Distillery in Cognac, France. It's crafted from a blend of over 40 Eaux de Vie sourced from the four primary growing regions in Cognac, aged for at least two years in oak barrels. It presents an aromatic beginning with hints of fruit, flowers, nuts, wood, and spices. Its rich and delicate development introduces notes of apple, caramel, vanilla, warm pecans, almonds, cedar, and oak, culminating in a warming, medium-length finish with notes of grape must. December 2021 / September / October 2025
I decided to have a serving of this neat at a work event. My first impression was that it reminded me of fruit punch, with berry and grape flavors from the start, followed by a mouthfeel that was a bit too sweet. It doesn't have much of a finish, but the experience wasn't unpleasant at all. I understand why it's a popular choice. However, if you were to look up 'overpriced' in the dictionary, this would be right there alongside the Macallan.
Primarily aromatic, and a captivating one at that, with minimal presence on the palate. The discernible flavors are mostly from the barrel, appearing on the lengthy and drying finish. A bit more dilution might enhance it, but neat it's mainly just ethanol. To each their own, but I think it prioritizes being inoffensive over having a distinct personality.
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Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.