If you are an avid cognac drinker, you’ve probably heard of Pure White Hennessy. This elusive cognac is a sought-after gem by many. But, the question still remains – is Pure White Hennessey illegal?
Made from a blend of 4 Eaux-de-vies, aged between 2 and 50 years, the cognac develops a unique flavor and character. Additionally, the cognac develops a floral and fruity taste profile with subtle smoothness.
The flavor profile and character of the cognac enhance its versatility. This means you can enjoy the cognac however you want, whether neat or in a cocktail.
Also check: How Much Does White Hennessy Cost?
However, this elegant cognac variety is difficult to get your hands on in the US. This guide shares everything there is to know about White Hennessy – even how to get your hands on it.
View this post on Instagram
Is Pure White Hennessy Illegal?
Pure White Hennessy is not illegal and has never been illegal in any country. However, the brand doesn’t supply this cognac variety in many countries, including the US. Unfortunately, Hennessy has remained tight-lipped on its decision not to distribute.
White Hennessy to many countries, including the US. While you will find Pure White Hennessy in a few select countries, you will barely find the bottles on any US store shelf. If you come across these bottles by some miracle in the US, you should expect to pay top dollar.
Also check: What Is Hennessy?
Why Is Pure White Hennessy Illegal?
Pure White Hennessy is not illegal and has never been illegal in any country. It’s just the brand doesn’t distribute the cognac variety in many countries, which creates high demand.
But, to date, Hennessey refuses to disclose why it doesn’t distribute White Hennessy in many countries, including the US.
Why Is Pure White Hennessy Not Allowed In The US?
Pure White Hennessy is allowed in the US. The cognac is neither illegal nor banned in the country. The only problem is that the brand doesn’t distribute Pure White Hennessy bottles in the country.
The lack of Pure White Hennessy cognac’s distribution around the country makes it a pretty elusive product.
The Hennessy brand dishes out several Pure White Hennessy at its main offices in Cognac, France. You can also find it in a few stores in countries, such as the Bahamas, Barbados, and other countries in the Caribbean.
During travel, you can also find Pure White Hennessy stocked in some duty-free airport stores across the world. If you are lucky, you may even find a few bottles in some liquor stores in the U.S. But, because of its rarity, you should expect to pay a bit more for a bottle.
Why Is Hennessy Pure White So Expensive?
The high cost of Hennessy Pure White is associated with its high production costs, seasonal limitations, and rarity. The blend of the Eaux de vies along with the type of white wine grapes used for the cognac significantly raises its costs.
The cognac uses white wine grapes which are seasonal and difficult to grow. Further, these grapes are usually harvested in just a 4-month window every year.
The limited supply of white wine grapes creates a demand, driving up their costs. Additionally, the overall high demand and low supply of White Hennessy Pure across the world also increases the price tag.
You will typically pay about $04-0 to $50 for a bottle of Pure White Hennessy in Cognac, France, or in some Caribbean stores. However, in other places, you can pay upwards of $250 to $290 for a single bottle.
View this post on Instagram
What Is Special About White Hennessy?
White Hennessy is special because of its elusiveness. The limited supply of these bottles creates curiosity which raises their demand on the market. But, this is not all that makes the cognac special. The cognac’s taste profile and character also make it pretty special.
Pure White Hennessy originates from four Crus, with Fins Bois cru being the most dominant. This gives the cognac a light aroma and fruity and floral flavors that are pleasant to enjoy in different styles.
In fact, according to the cognac house, White Pure Hennessy is somewhat difficult to produce.
Also check: What To Mix With Hennessy
The cognac is double distilled and aged in oak barrels. It is then blended with eau de vie between 2 and 50 years old from the Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderis, and Fins Bois regions. This combination, in turn, produces an intricately elegant and delicate pure cognac.
The cognac achieves a profile that can be characterized between VS and VSOP. The cognac is housed in a 70cl old-fashioned glass bottle secured by a gold twist cap (instead of a cork) to retain its freshness.
The cognac develops a light and honey color with an amber glow while its nose is gently sweet, floral, and robust without being overpowering. You will also get a faint whiff of oak from the cognac.
The cognac offers subtle floral notes with fresh fruit notes on the first sip. The White Pure Hennessy then finishes robust, but, gentle cognac finish complemented by a longer floral finish without any bitter alcohol or burning sensations to ruin the experience.
How Many Bottles Of Pure White Hennessy Can You Bring Back?
There really isn’t any limit to how many bottles of Pure White Hennessy for personal use you can bring back into the country.
After all, cognac is not a controlled substance. You will have to place your bottles in the checked luggage due to the 100ml liquid limit on carry-on luggage.
However, you will probably draw attention if you carry more than 5 liters (or 5-6 70cl bottles) with you. Before traveling, it is a good idea to check out the laws and regulations around travel with alcohol to be on the safe side.
You will also have to declare the bottles when you arrive at the airport to avoid raising any suspicions or incurring hefty fines.
Is Pure White Hennessy Low Quality?
Pure White Hennessy is not of low quality at all. After all, the cognac is made using a blend of up to 4 Eaux de vies. But, what makes it special is that these high quality Eaux de vie are typically aged between 2 and 50 years to develop that unique taste.
In fact, according to experts, White Hennessy Pure can be categorized as an aged quality between a VS and a VSOP. Taking a sip of this cognac alone is enough to confirm this.
In addition to its pleasant floral and fruity flavor notes, the cognac is pleasant on the palate and throat without any burning sensation or bitter alcohol taste you get from low quality liquor.
What Makes White Hennessy Different?
White Hennessy is different from its distillation to its flavor and character. First, the cognac is made from a blend of up to 4 Eaux de vies aged between 2 and 50 years which gives it its unique taste.
Further, the cognac used old oak barrels for its aging to give it its smooth finish. The combination of these processes also gives the cognac its signature elegantly light, floral, and somewhat fruity flavor.
Is White Hennessy Better Than Regular?
White Hennessy definitely tastes better than regular Hennessy to some drinkers. This cognac tends to have a smoother finish with a less alcoholic bite or burning spirit sensation. The cognac’s signature sweet floral and slightly fruit taste profile also makes it a pretty unique Hennessy variety.
How Do You Drink White Hennessy?
There are several ways you can drink White Hennessy. Due to its unique flavor profile and smooth finish, you can enjoy White Hennessy straight to enjoy its full flavor and character.
However, you can also enjoy the cognac with a splash of water or on the rocks for a cool refreshing feel.
The floral and slightly fruity flavor notes of the cognac also make White Hennessy an excellent alcohol base for many cocktails. However, it is best to use it on cocktails with minimal ingredients to avoid losing its flavors in the blend.
How Strong Is Hennessy Pure White?
Hennessy Pure White is equally strong as most Hennessy cognacs. The cognac contains about 40% ABV/ 80 US proof alcohol concentration. The cognac is also housed in a 70cl/750ml glass bottle with a gold cap.
Conclusion
Pure White Hennessy is certainly not an illegal cognac in any country. Its elusiveness is connected to the limited distribution of this cognac by the brand. Unfortunately, it is difficult even for experts to explain why this is the case.
Nonetheless, investing in Pure White Hennessy is always worth it – whether you buy it on holiday in the Caribbean, or order it only, among other options. The cognac’s unique floral and slightly fruity flavors enhance its versatility, allowing you to enjoy it how you want.
But, what truly makes it stand out among other Hennessy varieties is its smooth finish. Drinking Pure White Hennessy, you don’t have to worry about the burning alcohol sensation or intensely bitter alcohol aftertaste.
