Which Is Better: Hennessy Or Courvoisier?
Hennessy and Courvoisier are among the top Cognac powerhouses in the world today. In no particular order, the 4 leading global cognac brands are Courvoisier, Hennessy, Martell, and Rémy Martin. Due to their dominance and peculiar identities, you could easily recognize each of these “Big 4” “French Brandy” brands anywhere you might find them in the world today.
It’s not uncommon to see people developing a bias, preference, or special liking for one or more of these Cognac big names, and over time, claim that their choices are ‘the best. However, while these brands essentially produce and market the same type of liquor, there are distinctive features that distinguish one from the other.
Let’s examine some major differences between Hennessy and Courvoisier, and essentially, answer the probing question: “Which is better?”
Hennessy vs Courvoisier: History
Known as the world’s largest producer of Cognac, Hennessy’s history began in 1765 when founder Richard Hennessy an Irish Jacobite military officer settled near the French town of Cognac and started his winemaking business. The company remained a family-run enterprise until the 1970s when it merged with Moët and Chandon. Later in 1987, the company merged with Louis Vuitton to form the drinks part of the luxury goods company Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH), one of the largest of such companies in the world.
On the other hand, Courvoisier Cognac was founded in 1809 by Emmaneuel Courvoisier and partner Louis Gallois who was the mayor of Bercy. The company later relocated to Jarnac, at the heart of the Cognac region. Said to be Napoleon’s favourite cognac, Courvoisier was served and celebrated at the unveiling of the Eiffel Tower in 1889.
Hennessy vs Courvoisier: Taste
Hennessy and Courvoisier differ significantly in taste. This could be largely attributed to their distinct ingredients and the aging process. While Hennessy is aged in handmade French oak casks, Courvoisier is aged in handmade oak barrels well over 200 years old.
The Hennessy cognac range comprises Hennessy VS, Hennessy VSOP, and Hennessy XO, with the latter being the most popular. In terms of taste, Hennessy VS has a prevalent woody and nutty taste, with hints of spice and vanilla, VSOP has an exciting aroma with dominant notes of vanilla and oak, light nuance berries, followed by gentle shades of hazelnut, while XO has a rich, fruity palate with hints of dark chocolate and spice.
Similarly, the Courvoisier range also comprises VS, VSOP, XO, VSOP Exclusif, including 12-Year-Old, 21-Year-Old, and other age-statement Cognacs. Courvoisier VS has a fruity, delicate taste with ripe fruit and spring flower flavours. Courvoisier VSOP has a well-balanced taste with an oaky bouquet and alluring flavours of almonds, peach, toffee, and jasmine. Courvoisier VSOP Exclusif has a fruity taste with hints of chocolate, caramel, and vanilla.
Hennessy vs Courvoisier: Price
Comparing their prices, Courvoisier is slightly cheaper than Hennessy. The price of Hennessy VS 70cl in Nigeria ranges between ₦17,000 and ₦19,000; while the price of Hennessy VSOP 70cl ranges between ₦33,000 and ₦40,000, and Hennessy XO 70cl is ₦68,000.
On the other hand, the price of Courvoisier VS 70cl ranges between ₦14,000 and ₦17,000; Courvoisier VSOP 70cl is priced between ₦21,000 and ₦25,000, and Courvoisier XO 70cl goes for a range between ₦54,000 and ₦57,000.
Hennessy vs Courvoisier: Which is Better?
Side by side, Courvoisier, and Hennessy are both distinguished, top-rated Cognac brands. While Courvoisier is slightly more affordable, it doesn’t really lag in quality. In fact, it’s your better choice if you prefer a sweeter cognac to be slightly sweeter. Meanwhile, if you prefer to splurge and go for luxury, Hennessy is your better alternative.
