Hennessy Pure White is one of the rarer Cognacs. If you were to get your hands on it at the RRP, give it a try and consider yourself lucky. Also, this release is not actively marketed and sold in the US. You can get it in the factory store in Cognac, France, and selected stores in Barbados and the Bahamas.
I will give you an in-detail review on appearance, aromas, flavors, taste, and price, so you can get an idea of what to expect of Hennessy pure white. But let's start with some information about Hennessy and their Cognac first.
Hennessy Cognac
Hennessy Cognac is a French distiller that produces high-quality Cognac. Their head office is located right in the commune of Cognac, France. With more than 50 million bottles sold worldwide, Hennessy by far is the largest and most influential Cognac manufacturer worldwide. The brand is responsible for over 40% of the world's Cognac production.
Cognac, the spirit, is a specific type of Brandy named after the commune in the Charente department. The grapes used for making Cognac have to grow in specified regions. They're the base for the raw spirit that's double distilled. And after distillation, the distillate has to age in Limousin oak casks for a minimum of two years.
Hennessy Pure White Review
Hennessy Pure White is a very rare spirit. And if you find it online or in a liquor store, you'll have to pay a small fortune. Even though it's primarily sold in the Caribbean, some stores occasionally sell it online. Just prepare to pay around $200 for a bottle, excluding taxes.
But let's talk about the actual Cognac. Hennessy Pure White is bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), 80 proof. It's sold in 700ml bottles in a simple and cleanly designed bottle with a screw top. At first sight, this Cognac doesn't look like a premium product. But then, one can't deny that a screw top is far more practical than classic corks. Resealing is much easier and will preserve the contents better once you open the bottle.
The common Hennessy Cognac has quite a bite to it. Hennessy Pure White is the exact opposite. Served neat on ice, the mellow and soft taste of this Cognac makes it an excellent sipper. Its flavors are mild, sweet, and balanced. -Just like in a good Champagne.
First Impression
Hennessy Pure White is an extravagant product with a unique and special character. The color ranges from light honey to a glowing yellow. Responsible for this is the unusual blend. Pure White is a blend of Cognacs of various ages, ranging between 2 and 50 years. This alone shows how hard it is to place this Cognac into a specific category.
Aroma
At first, you'll notice the typical rich scent of a strong Cognac. But in this case, the harsh notes are missing. Overall, the nose is pretty light and floral. Notes of fresh tropical fruit and blooming flowers create a delicate and gentle bouquet.
Palate
The Pure White Cognac is a sophisticated, balanced Cognac. Already the first sip greets you with fresh fruit and notes of flowers. These subtle notes create a very delicate taste that's complex but in a very restrained way.
Hennessy Pure White is light and has a young taste to it. In no way comparable to the full-bodied flavor profile you usually get with aged Cognac.
Flavors
The grapes used to produce this Cognac grow in the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne region. After double-distilling the grape wine, it ages in oak barrels to develop its delicate flavor profile. The resulting floral and tropical aroma is followed by a long, light finish. The harshness of other Hennessy products is nearly completely absent. It shows a beautiful range of subtle aromas. A delicate sweetness complements the soft fruity flavors.
Price
The RRP for a bottle of Hennessy Pure White in the Caribbean ranges between $40 - $50 a bottle. But in the US, it's super hard to get. If you find a store that sells it, prepare to pay around $200 per bottle. If you're lucky, you may find an importer that offers it for less.
Pros & Cons
The Pure White Cognac is a splendid Cognac for sipping but can also be used in premium Brandy cocktails. Its unique, smooth, soft, and mellow taste makes it an excellent fit for Cognac lovers and people new to this kind of spirit. The fact that a bottle is so hard to find also makes it a fabulous gift fitting in every Cognac collection.
However, the limited availability raises the price you have to pay well above its actual worth. Don't get me wrong, Hennessy Pure White is a good Cognac. It's just not worth a $200 price tag.
Final Verdict
Hennessy Pure White is a smooth and elegant Cognac without the typical harsh bite. The unique taste makes it a great sipper, and for $50, it's well worth it. However, if you have to pay $200 for a bottle, I recommend opting for another product. That price tag really is too high for what you get, and then you're better off with a Hennessy X.O.
Hennessy Pure White FAQs
Hennessy Pure White has a delicately sweet and smooth taste. Notes of fruit and flowers make for a light and tropical flavor.
Pure White Hennessy is not illegal. Hennessy just decided not to market and sell it in the US. But you can find individual importers that sell it online.
To fully enjoy the flavors and aromas of Hennessy Pure White is best enjoyed neat on ice. This way, the delicate flavor profile and its smooth flavors are optimally highlighted.
The main difference between Hennessy Pure White and regular Hennessy is that Pure White lacks the typical harsh bite. Pure White is exceptionally smooth with delicate aromas.
Yes, Hennessy Pure White is an exceptional mid-range Cognac. It's smooth with a unique taste. As all Hennessy Cognac, it's double-distilled and then aged in oak barrels.
Yes, you can buy Hennessy Pure White in the US. But only from independent importers. Hennessy decided not to market and sell it in the US directly.
