Hennessy X.O Chinese New Year 2026

Same legendary cognac, dressed for the occasion. This is Hennessy X.O in its limited-edition Chinese New Year 2026 livery — the liquid inside is the original Extra Old, the bottle outside is a collector's piece marking the Year of the Horse. If you love the cognac and the presentation matters, this is the one to give.

Hennessy X.O was created by Maurice Hennessy in 1870 and effectively invented the Extra Old category. The blend gathers over 100 eaux-de-vie from the four great crus — Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies and Fins Bois — with some aged up to thirty years in French Limousin oak. It's bottled at 40%.

In the glass it's rich and dark: candied fruit on the nose giving way to cocoa, prune, raisin and a touch of leather. The palate is full and velvety, dark chocolate and dried fruit set against Hennessy's signature peppery, "rising flame" spice, before a long, warming finish. It's a powerful, grown-up cognac that rewards slow drinking.

As a gift for the New Year — or for anyone who appreciates fine cognac — the special livery turns an already-iconic bottle into an event. Just don't let the packaging stop you from opening it.

How to Serve

Neat at room temperature in a tulip glass. Give it a minute to open and take your time. This is a sipping cognac, not one for the shaker.

Where to Drink It

The Connaught Bar for full ceremony. Dukes Bar in St James's for quiet occasion. Artesian at The Langham for something memorable.

Food Pairings

Dark chocolate is the natural partner — a 70% truffle in particular. It also pairs handsomely with a strong blue cheese after dinner.