Hennessy XO: The Original “Extra Old” Cognac and How to Enjoy It

Hennessy XO is one of the world’s best-known Cognacs and a favorite gift at weddings, banquets and Lunar New Year. It also has a claim to fame: Hennessy created XO, short for “extra old,” as a style of its own.

From 1765 to the first XO

Richard Hennessy, an Irish officer who settled in Cognac, France, founded the house of Hennessy in 1765. In 1870, Maurice Hennessy created a blend of older eaux-de-vie for family and friends and called it XO. Later, that blend became the model for the “XO” category that Cognac houses use today.

How it is made

First, producers distill Cognac twice from white wine. Then they age it in French oak. Hennessy XO is a blend of many eaux-de-vie, some aged for decades and selected by the house’s master blenders to keep the same rich style year after year. In addition, Cognac rules require every eau-de-vie in an XO to spend at least 10 years in oak.

How it tastes

Hennessy XO is full and powerful, with dried fruit, dark chocolate, cinnamon, pepper and toasted oak, and a long, warm finish.

How to serve

• Neat: at room temperature in a tulip glass or snifter.
• On a large ice cube: softens the spice on a warm evening.
• With food: a favorite at Chinese banquets alongside roast duck, braised dishes and dim sum, or with dark chocolate after dinner.

Gift editions: Hennessy releases special XO packaging for the holidays, Lunar New Year and partnerships such as the NBA. However, the Cognac inside is the same XO blend, and the boxes make them popular gifts.

Buy Hennessy XO in Millbrae

T&Y Wine & Spirits at 260 Broadway, Millbrae carries Hennessy XO, gift editions, VSOP and Paradis. You can also order online for pickup or Bay Area delivery.

Frequently asked questions

Please enjoy responsibly. You must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol.