As the summer of the Aperol Spritz comes to a close, it’s time to turn to cocktails of a darker variety, suitably enjoyed next to a fire with a good book. While there are many a bottle of beautifully aged Scotch in the running, Cognac is being widely pegged as the proverbial next big thing in the world of spirits. Distilled from wine, Cognac offers floral and citrus flavors that lend themselves well to some unexpected recipes.
Now, instead of just ordering it at your local watering hole, Hennessy has introduced Le Voyage, a masterclass in all things Cognac. Announced in celebration of the spirit purveyor’s 200th birthday, Le Voyage spans a succinct two hours and is available to a maximum of 25 students per session. It’s described as a “multi-sensory taste odyssey,” and from firsthand experience, we can confirm that the course does indeed live up to the hype.
Pen and paper aren’t necessary, but a good nose is essential, as you begin your Cognac exploration with a guided tasting led by one of the many talented experts enlisted for the course. Throughout, guests are encouraged to identify distinctive flavor profiles of the Hennessy suite, including two of the house’s most revered blends, Hennessy V.S.O.P and X.O.
The tasting is followed by a second portion that is equal parts history and mixology as a bartender gives a demonstration before turning the tools over to you. Among the many cocktails on offer, Hennessy Sazerac is the crowd-favorite. It’s comprised of more than a few ingredients not often found in your cabinets like Absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and of course, a healthy portion of Hennessy V.S.O.P. Privilège.
In the end, you’ll leave with a rare savoir-faire of cognac flavors and recipes, and, best of all, the official title of Cognac Connoisseur. Currently available in New York and Chicago, but slated to arrive across the U.S., of-age participants can try to score one of the coveted seats at Hennessy’s Le Voyage here.
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