Visit to the Hennessy Estate
Winston and special guest Katja travelled in true luxury to the Hennessy Estate. They were picked up by the private jet of Hennessy. Hennessy is one of the most well-known cognac manufactures in the world and has a rich history. The foundation of Hennessy was laid by Irish aristocrat Richard Hennessy in 1765. Hennessy got a piece of land in the French city Cognac. The brandy he manufactured and sold is as of today still known as Cognac. In 1971 Hennessy merged with the respected champagne producer Moët & Chandon. The brand merged with Louis Vuitton in 1987 and became the most prominent luxury goods business as it still is as of today.

What is Cognac?
Cognac is a brandy produced in the region surrounding the French town Cognac. It needs to be made from special selected grapes for at least 90%. The distillation process must be done twice in copper pot stills and need to be aged for at least two years in French oak barrels. Cognac is sold in official quality grades determined by the Bureau National Interprofessionel du Cognac:

• VS Very Special, or *** (three stars) where the youngest brandy is stored at least two years in cask.

• VSOP Very Superior Old Pale, where the youngest brandy is stored at least four years in cask, but the average wood age is much older.

• XO Extra Old, where the youngest brandy is stored at least six, but average upwards of 20 years.

• Napoleon Although the BNIC states this grade is equal to XO in terms of minimum age, it is generally marketed in-between VSOP and XO in the product range offered by the producers.

• Hors d'age The BNIC states that also this grade is equal to XO, but in practice the term is used by producers to market a high quality product beyond the official age scale. Hence the name "Hors d'age" (ageless).