Hennessy V.S.O.P Chinese New Year 2026

Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège in festive dress — the same balanced, mid-aged cognac Hennessy has made its name on, released in a limited Chinese New Year 2026 livery for the Year of the Horse. It's a smart gift: recognisable, refined and dressed for the celebration.

The Privilège blend brings together around 60 eaux-de-vie from all four crus — Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies and Fins Bois — aged roughly four to fifteen years in French Limousin oak. It sits right in the sweet spot between the youthful energy of a VS and the depth of an XO. It's bottled at 40%.

The nose is fruity and lightly floral: blackcurrant and blackberry with soft oak, toasted almond and a hint of tropical fruit. The palate is where it shines — apple and pear, cinnamon and nutmeg, vanilla and a gentle pepper spice, all wrapped in a rich, full-bodied texture with a thread of honey. The colour is a warm mahogany. It's balanced and versatile, equally at home neat or in a well-made cocktail.

This is arguably the most useful cognac Hennessy makes — grown-up enough to sip, generous enough to mix. The New Year livery just makes it look the part.

How to Serve

Neat in a tulip glass to appreciate the balance, or in a cocktail — it makes an excellent Sidecar and a superb Vieux Carré. A single ice cube suits it on a warm evening.

Where to Drink It

Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood for a fine Sidecar. American Bar at The Savoy for a classic serve. The Connaught Bar for something neat and refined.

Food Pairings

Try it with a dark chocolate and orange dessert. It's also excellent with roasted nuts and dried fruit over conversation after a meal.