If your tastes in cognac veer into more exclusive and extravagant territory, then you’re already acquainted with Hennessy White Pure. But if you haven’t heard of this delicious and highly sought-after beverage, don’t despair. You’re still a hip drinks enthusiast, but you probably live in a part of the world where it’s not officially available. 

Sadly, that part of the world also includes the USA, leading to limited distribution and hefty price tags for this tasty cognac. Another reason for the higher prices is that Hennessy White Pure is one of the more challenging cognacs to produce. Similarly to all the best French spirits, it’s a beverage steeped in custom with a fascinating backstory.

However, the Hennessy brand doesn’t only appeal to grizzled cognac connoisseurs. The African-American community and notable Hip-Hop artists like 2Pac, Digital Underground, and Snoop Dogg have embraced the brand. Beyond that, Hennessy backs the Hennessy Literary Award and the New Irish Writing contest, helping launch the careers of several writers. 

Without any doubt, Hennessy has left its mark on contemporary literature and music culture. But you’re probably more interested in why Hennessy White Pure is such a compelling drink. Read on, as we’re about to reveal why it’s time to give the ultimate beverage from France a chance!

When And Where Was Hennessy White Pure Invented?

Richard Hennessy, a former Irish military officer who served in Louis XV’s army, founded Maison Hennessy in 1765. After retiring to the Cognac commune in southwestern France, Richard Hennessy started distilling and selling his range of brandies. Initially, he focused exclusively on Britain and Ireland, but later sold his brandies in the USA. 

In 1813, Richard’s son — James Hennessy — gave the distiller its trading title: Jas Hennessy & Cie. He also picked Jean Fillioux to serve as the distiller’s Master Blender, with eight generations of the Fillioux family subsequently fulfilling this role exclusively. Then, in 1817, the distiller received a unique request from the Prince of Whales, who had a fondness for cognacs. 

But the Prince didn’t want any old cognac, as he insisted on a “very superior old pale” beverage. During that period, the clear cognac enjoyed significant popularity among enthusiasts. The famous French distiller fulfilled several orders of pales eaux-de-vie. Yet, only a century later did the distiller set out to innovate on these early clear cognacs with Hennessy White Pure.

How Is Hennessy White Pure Made? 

The core ingredient of Hennessy White Pure consists of grapes grown exclusively in Cognac, France. The grapes undergo fermentation and distillation, transforming them into eaux-de-vie. Then, Maison Hennessy will use oak barrels for the blending and aging processes, but this only applies to their traditional cognac flavors. 

However, a long aging process is often unnecessary for the production of Hennessy White Pure. Instead, slight aging in old oak casks leaves a mark on its clear gold texture and delicate taste. Hennessy will age their eaux-de-vie for as little as two years and up to 50 years. 

The Master Blender also ensures that the eaux-de-vie immaculately encapsulates fruity and floral tones. The carefully blended white pure cognac is then bottled and shipped to customers and select markets.  

But What Does White Pure Cognac Taste Like? 

Due to the minimal aging process, there’s a significantly neutered woody taste. Instead, the fruity and floral flavors are much more notable during an initial tasting. Subtle yet complex floral aromas combined with fruity tones like apples, grapes, pears, and even apricots are apparent. 

Fortunately, these aromas are so gentle they won’t interfere with the beverage’s authentic taste. A sharp, fresh, and citrusy flavor that’s smooth in the mouth and throat cuts through. There’s next to no burning sensation, making it easy to enjoy the many subtle aromas and flavors. 

For this reason alone, Hennessy White Pure is ideal for those tired of the bitter and sour flavors of many cognacs in the market. But its light flavor doesn’t mean it doesn’t bite since each bottle has 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). And given its versatility, it’s also an excellent option for mixologists and cocktail lovers. 

What Cocktails Can I Create With Hennessy White Pure?

Mentioning cocktails, here’s a list of several delectable cocktails you need to try today: 

• Fruity-Summer Girly Drink with White Pure
• Hennessy And Coke
• Hennessy And Passion Fruit
• Hennessy Pure Pleasure Cocktail
• Hennessy Pure White with Club Soda
• Pure White Creed Punch
• Tropical Hennessy Pure White Cocktail
• White Hennessy Classic Gold Margarita
• White Hennessy Peach Martini
• White Sangria Cocktail

Where Can I Purchase White Pure Hennessy? 

Hennessy White Pure is only available in France, the Caribbean, and Central America. However, the beverage is available in specific liquor stores across the USA, such as BottleBuzz, Kahn’s Fine Wine & Spirits, and Wooden Cork. 

Expect to pay between $200-$300 in most outlets in the USA, which is significantly more than the $100-$150 (excl. shipping) you’d pay through official channels. But most travelers have reportedly paid between $60-$75 for a bottle, with many lining up for hours at duty-free shops to make a purchase. 

For this reason alone, it’s not uncommon for travelers to purchase a case or two when visiting the Caribbean or Central America. And then, sell a few bottles to friends and cognac enthusiasts at double the asking price. 

Due to growing demand in the USA, Hennessy recently announced the “Henny White.” This is a 25th-anniversary limited-edition release aimed predominantly at Caribbean and USA-based enthusiasts who have supported the brand. But the jury is still out on whether this move by Hennessy is enough to satisfy those who can’t get enough of the brand and White Pure Cognac. 

Learn More About Your Favorite Craft Spirits with Distillery Nearby!

Hennessy White Pure is no ordinary cognac, as it boasts a flavor and aroma that defy logic. Many consider it one of the best cognacs on the market, while others feel that it’s way too overhyped. But given its ever-growing popularity and desirability standing in stark contrast to its limited availability, there’s something magical about this particular French spirit. Follow Distillery Nearby to learn more about cognac and other trailblazing spirits.