Beyond Hennessy: 5 Cognacs That Deserve the Spotlight
Let’s go ahead and say the quiet part out loud: Hennessy is overrated.
Now, don’t get us wrong — Henny has earned its place in pop culture. It’s the bottle you’ll find at house parties, music videos, and VIP sections across the globe. But when it comes to the actual taste, quality, and depth of flavor? There’s a whole world of cognac out there that deserves just as much love — if not more.
If you’ve only been sipping Hennessy and calling it a day, you’re seriously missing out. The cognac game runs deep, and some of the best bottles fly under the radar. So if you’re ready to elevate your glass and expand your palate, here are five bottles that go beyond the hype — and honestly, leave Hennessy in the dust.
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1. Rémy Martin XO
Let’s start with a heavy hitter. This is luxury in a bottle. Rémy XO is made from over 400 different eaux-de-vie (that’s fancy French for distilled wine) aged up to 37 years. The result? A rich, smooth pour with layers of dried fig, candied orange, cinnamon, and warm oak. It’s perfect for slow sipping — no ice, no mixer, just straight-up elegance.
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2. Pierre Ferrand Reserve
This one’s a favorite among connoisseurs and for good reason. Pierre Ferrand goes for substance over flash. Their Reserve expression brings deep, comforting notes of baked apple, clove, and toasted almond. It’s smooth without being boring and has a handcrafted feel that makes it stand out from mass-market brands.
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3. Camus Borderies XO
Ready for something a little different? Camus (say it with us: Kah-moo) is a family-owned gem. Their Borderies XO is made from grapes grown in a small, fragrant region — and it shows. Floral, velvety, and soft with hints of violet, hazelnut, and vanilla, this is the kind of cognac you pull out when you want to impress.
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4. D’Ussé VSOP
Yes, it’s got celebrity backing (shoutout to Jay-Z), but this bottle is more than just branding. D’Ussé VSOP is bold and full-bodied, with a smooth finish that leans into dried fruit, honey, and a little spice. It’s approachable, refined, and looks good on any shelf. If you’re looking for an upgrade without diving too deep into the craft world, this one’s for you.
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5. Hine Rare VSOP
Light, bright, and criminally underrated. Hine Rare brings something fresh to the table — think apricot, wildflowers, and just a kiss of white pepper. It’s perfect for someone who prefers their cognac a little lighter, a little livelier, and a lot less predictable. Great as a solo sipper or even in a high-end cocktail.
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Final Sip: Try Something New
Hennessy may be the name everyone knows, but real cognac lovers know that the best bottles aren’t always the loudest ones. From floral and elegant to rich and complex, these five bottles prove that there’s life — and serious flavor — beyond the Henny bottle.
So next time you’re shopping for a new pour, skip the usual and try something different. You just might find your new favorite.
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