Hennessy Cognac XO The Original Extra Old
Hennessy Cognac XO The Original Extra Old
Hennessy X.O is the original "Extra Old" Cognac, first created in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for his circle of close friends — a blend so defining that it gave the X.O classification its name. The category now recognised across Cognac as the top tier of age labelling began with this bottle, and Hennessy X.O has remained the reference point ever since.
Crafted from over 100 carefully selected eaux-de-vie aged up to 30 years in French oak, Hennessy X.O is bold, layered, and deeply complex. On the nose, expect dark chocolate, candied fruit, toasted oak, and a subtle hint of leather. The palate builds in rich cocoa, dried apricot, nutmeg, clove, and a warm pepper that pulls through the center of the drink. The finish is remarkably long — smooth, spiced, and sweetly-oaked, with the kind of depth that rewards slow sipping. Served in its iconic decanter, X.O is designed to be savored, not rushed.
Hennessy has been producing Cognac since 1765 and remains the largest Cognac house in the world. X.O sits above V.S.O.P and below the ultra-prestige tiers like Paradis and Richard Hennessy — a once-a-week-or-special-occasion pour rather than a daily bottle. Pair with our Hennessy V.S and V.S.O.P for a full Hennessy range tasting. Ships to most US states. Adult-signature required at delivery.
Tasting Notes
Shipping
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Manufacturing
Our products are manufactured both locally and globally. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
Why Gifted Pour recommends it
First created in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for his circle of close friends, this is the blend that gave the X.O classification its name, which makes it a gift with a story attached. It suits the person who appreciates a slow, deliberate pour: a mentor marking a retirement, a parent on a milestone birthday, or a colleague celebrating a well-earned promotion. More than 100 eaux-de-vie, aged up to 30 years in French oak, come together in a full-bodied Cognac that opens with candied fruit, cocoa, cinnamon, and aged oak. The palate layers dried fig, black pepper, leather, and dark chocolate, and the long finish lingers with spice, vanilla, and elegant wood tannins. Presented in its iconic decanter, it looks considered the moment it is unwrapped. Your recipient will get the most from it neat in a tulip glass, warmed slightly in the hand, perhaps alongside dark chocolate or an aged cheese. It is a special-occasion bottle, made to be savored rather than rushed.
Pairs well with
- Dark chocolate truffles — The Cognac's cocoa and dark chocolate notes echo the truffles while its lingering spice keeps each bite lively.
- Aged cheese board — Dried fig, leather, and elegant wood tannins give the Cognac enough depth to stand up to rich, aged cheeses.
- Retirement or promotion celebration — A long, powerful finish of spice and vanilla makes it a fitting toast for a career milestone worth savoring slowly.
Questions about this bottle
Why is this called the original Extra Old Cognac?
Maurice Hennessy first created this blend in 1870 for his circle of close friends, and it was so defining that it gave the X.O classification its name. The X.O category, now recognized across Cognac as the top tier of age labeling, began with this bottle.
What is Hennessy X.O made from?
It is made from Ugni Blanc grapes and blended from over 100 carefully selected eaux-de-vie aged up to 30 years in French oak. Maison Hennessy produces it in the Cognac region of France.
How does X.O compare with Hennessy V.S.O.P?
Within the Hennessy range, X.O sits above V.S.O.P and below the ultra-prestige tiers such as Paradis and Richard Hennessy. It is positioned as a special-occasion pour rather than a daily bottle, and it can be tasted alongside V.S and V.S.O.P for a full Hennessy range comparison.
What does it taste like and how should it be served?
Expect candied fruit, cocoa, cinnamon, and aged oak on the nose, then dried fig, black pepper, leather, and dark chocolate on a full-bodied palate, with a long, spiced finish of vanilla and wood tannins. Serve it neat in a tulip glass and let it warm slightly in the hand.
