Description
Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection No. 5 is a limited cognac made as one single batch. Hennessy says this blend will never be made again. It is the fifth release in a small series that began with No. 1 in 2016. The edition before it, No. 4, came out in 2021.
Master Blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde chose every eau-de-vie in it. He is the eighth generation of his family to blend for Hennessy. The spirits come from 18 family-run distillers who work only for the house. Each one aged for at least seven years in French oak. It is bottled at 43% ABV, the only Hennessy at that strength.
In the glass, it glows a deep amber with gold glints. The nose opens with warm spice and candied orange. Your first sip brings cocoa, sweet spice and a soft, creamy feel, almost like pastry. Light tobacco and more candied orange follow. The finish stays sweet and fruity.
Pour it neat into a snifter to catch every layer, or add a single ice cube. Sip slowly and keep a glass of water close. A small square of dark chocolate is a lovely match. So is a strong blue cheese like Roquefort or Stilton. If you want a cocktail, it makes a rich Sidecar.
Only limited quantities reach select U.S. shops, so this bottle makes a thoughtful gift. Cognac collectors and curious sippers will both find a lot to like.
