Surprising Irish history. What's behind Hennessy Cognac?
Today we take a look at the journey of this popular drink. How it made its way into aristocratic circles, where it was in great demand. In addition, we will explain its roots and the influence of Irish history on the overall development of the brand.
When one thinks of an iconic brand that has spirit, Hennessy has to be at the top of that imaginary list. It's mentioned on TV, in music, on the internet, in films and pretty much everywhere.
After all, it is the world's best-selling cognac and has a rich history behind it. It is produced in the French town of Cognac, where it traces its roots. Did you know that the story of its origins goes back to one of the most important moments in Irish history?
The saga of the wild goose
As part of the Treaty of Limerick in 1691, Patrick Sarsfield's army, which fought against William of Orange's army, was given the opportunity to sail to France. His aim was to join the Catholics.
Sarsfield believed at the time that he had negotiated a treaty that guaranteed rights for about 20 thousand Irish soldiers. What the devil, this pact was cruelly attacked by Britain, which replaced it with a penal law. This, in turn, took away the rights of Irish Catholics in Britain, where they were persecuted for their religion. This was the betrayal that began the saga of the Wild Goose.
For the next 100 years, the French army had an Irish brigade, initially made up of Sarsfield's soldiers. It was actively supplemented by a stream of young men from Ireland. These gained the nickname of the Wild Geese. Their opportunities were severely limited by the penal laws.
Many of them were lucky and rose to prominence in the European armies. They fought in various conflicts throughout Europe and the world. One of the most famous wild geese was Richard Hennessy.
Cognac Hennessy, born on the banks of the river Charente
At the age of twenty, Richard Hennessy left home to fight in the French army of King Louis XV. France was victorious in 1745. However, it was during the fighting that the Irish brigade suffered its heaviest losses. Richard Hennessy did not escape injury either.
After the war, he settled in the Cognac region , on the banks of the River Charente, where he began distilling wine to make brandy. It was here that the legendary Hennessy cognac was born.
Its delicious taste has already charmed many people during its beginnings. Alongside his son James, Richard Hennessy made deals with merchants in London and New York by 1800 . This was preceded by much praise from those who tasted the cognac.
The words of praise even landed him among the nobility. It was also a very popular drink in aristocratic circles. It was the beginning of the global Hennessy empire, which celebrated its 255th anniversary this year 2020.
Today, this legendary cognac is doing so well that in 120 countries around the world, it sells more than 60 million bottles a year. The brand remains popular thanks to the fact that it has lost none of its flavour over the years.
It has collaborated with world-class artists, celebrities and musicians who affectionately call it "Henny". If Richard Hennesy could see his cognac still thriving today after all these years, he would no doubt be very proud.
