Notorious Beam Team

Hennessy have launched a new cognac for the first time in decades. It is designed for mixing, not unlike Courvoisier Exclusif which has been around for a few years.

Here's what Spirit Me Away said:

"For the first time in 48 years, the folks over at Hennessy are launching a new cognac to the market. Hennessy Black is the name, and they are focusing on mixability with it. Rolling out in 10 markets initially (they include Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New York City, Ohio, Washington DC and Massachusetts), Hennessy Black is accompanied by a Swizz Beats “theme” song sure to grab it some name recognition. You can hear it and check a video at their site. I haven’t tried it yet, so here’s some more info from the press release til I have my own report."

"Hennessy Black is a new highly versatile, decidedly different cognac. This exciting new distinctively smooth blend allows consumers more ways to enjoy Hennessy and tastes great on its own or mixed. It is Hennessy’s first major new launch since Hennessy V.S. was introduced in 1961. Hennessy Black offers an intriguing new choice for social occasions and will aim to take Hennessy beyond the cognac category to be the premium mixed spirit of choice. Its consumption versatility will be supported through the creation of a new drinking ritual as it is perfect for enjoying up (shot) or down (mixed drink).

Packaged in a sleek, bold black bottle, Hennessy Black is a versatile blend of 35 to 45 unique, pale and gold colored eaux-de-vie selected for their elegant floral characteristics. These are subsequently aged in French oak barrels previously used by Hennessy for at least five years. Hennessy Black has a more gentle wood influence. The result is a different expression of Hennessy Cognac: lighter and fresher with scents of jasmine, daffodils and orange flowers that are delicately mixed with hints of citrus, honey, and fresh grapes to create a distinctively smooth cognac with surprising finesse balance, floral notes

Hennessy Black comes to market with a variety of mixed drink recipes that highlight its mixability and sophisticated flavor and can be served as simple, easy to make drinks or enhanced shot options, with ice or without. They include; HENNESSY BLACK Ice, neat with a dash of lemon juice and simple sugar with a sugar-dipped lemon slice; HENNESSY BLACK Bull, coffee liqueur and cola served as a layered shot or long over ice; HENNESSY BLACK Spice, with fresh ginger, a dash of simple syrup, lemon juice; and HENNESSY BLACK Royale, with champagne, a dash of lemon juice and simple syrup."