Hennessy Bottle Catalogue (last updated: Dec 6, 2024)

(1161 full-sized bottles but still not complete; miniatures, mid-sized bottles, magnums, sleeves, hip flasks and more on separate pages)

  

Introduction

Hennessy was established in 1765, forty years after Rémy Martin and fifty after Martell, but they are by far the number one cognac company in de world and have been number one since 1891! They are now part of the LVMH-group. Hennessy is the company that first used the abreviation VSOP in 1817 and introduced the use of stars in 1865 as an indication of the quality of their cognacs and only a few years later the use of the acronym XO (Extra Old) in 1870. Their emblem is the arm with the axe.
They are not well known for their slogans, but one that is used frequently is ‘world’s most civilized spirit’ and derived from that: ’the civilized way to…’ followed by sentences that imply how to seduce a lady. More recently they are now promoting with: ‘What’s your wild rabbit’ and ‘never stop, never settle…’

Contents:


1. No indication, Three stars, Bras Armé and VS

— 1a. No indications
— 1b. Three stars
— 1c. Three stars and Bras Armé
— 1d. Bras Armé, high shoulder bottles
— 1e. Bras Armé, low shoulder bottles
— 1f. Three stars and VS
— 1g. VS, emblem in gold in front of the name “Hennessy”
— 1h. VS, emblem in red and gold
— 1i. VS, emblem in gold above the name “Hennessy”
— 1j. VS, others

2. Fine de Cognac

3. VSOP, VVVV, VO and SO

— 3a. VVVV, VO, SO and VSOP, cognaçaise bottles
— 3b. VSOP old wide tapered bottles
— 3c. VSOP Réserve and Grande Réserve
— 3d. VSOP, bottles with a neck emblem in a blob and an oval shoulder label
— 3e. VSOP wide tapered bottles, liqueur cognac and fine champagne
— 3f. VSOP wide tapered bottles, just VSOP
— 3g. VSOP new look 2023
— 3h. VSOP Privilege (not limited editions)
— 3i. VSOP flasks

4. Bras d’Or and Napoléon

5. XO and XXO

— 5a. XO Cognaçaise bottles
— 5b. XO, JAS Hennessy & Co.
— 5c. XO, emblem in front of the name Hennessy
— 5d. XO, no emblem on the label
— 5e. XO The Original, old glass adornments
— 5f. XO The Original, new glass adornments
— 5g. XO Grande Champagne
— 5h. XXO

6. Extra and Paradis

— 6a. Extra and XVSOP
— 6b. Paradis
— 6c. Paradis Extra rare and Paradis rare
— 6d. Paradis Imperial

7. Richard

8. Vintages

>> 9. Limited Editions and specials: separate page

>> 10. Miniatures, midsize bottles and magnums: separate page

1. No indication, Three stars, Bras Armé and VS

1a. No Indication:

Flask, empty; no indication of quality or content Flask, empty; no indication of quality or content; this one had a screw cap  Probably mid 19th century After 1856; with glass stopper (probably around 50cl) Said to be from 1890  Said to be from 1882  Old label Not sure Old bottle, probably 3 stars, sadly the text next to 'bottled' is not legible, maybe the Royal Warrant?; below it possibly: Hudson Bay; estim 1920s or before

1b. Three stars (the dates are best estimates):
Without Hennessy on a seperate label and with driven corks. 19th century till about 1910s:
said to be 1920s (is it 19th century?)  Without a separate band with Hennessy on it; said to be 75cl on auction. 1 Pint 8 3/4 Fluid ounces, 45%; US bottle from before the prohibition, so late 1910s  Early USA import bottle  Without a separate band with Hennessy on it; old capsule: silver with a thin gold stripe (1920s)   Early USA import bottle; contents 1 pint 8 3/4 fluid oumces net.; alcohol 45 per cent (est. 1920s) (shoulder label has come off?)
With filigrain and Hennessy on a separate label below the main label, driven corks; estim. 1920s:
three stars, 'Hennessy' beneath; with filigrain; early 20th century? 1 Pint, three stars, 'Hennessy' beneath on seperate label; with filigrane In banana-leaf; around 1920
around 1924-1940, driven corks:
  1924; Hennessy on a seperate band above the main label; the brown border around it is a bit thin 1920s; back has explanation of the different qualities the brown border around Hennessy is now thick (est. 1920s) Average contents 25 1/2 Fl.OZS; the brown border around Hennessy is now thick. est. 1920s UK bottle, 30°U.P. (30 under proof, equals 40°alc.)  Dutch import; before WW-II (est. early 1930s) Second half 1920s or early 1930s  Not sure about capsule; renewed? Französisches Erzeugnis; cap possibly renewed...
1934-1937, screw caps:
1934 bottle with a screw cap; these screw caps were used from around 1934-1937 US import 1934, Schieffelin; notice the closure (used for US market in the early 1930s). The little label has 'Alcoholic beverage tax' on it (I think, difficult to read).
Capped corks with crimped foil. These probably started after 1937:
 three stars, no text underneath three stars, no text underneath; with text on the capsule: 'tear to open' With Französisches Erzeugnis on the shoulder (1940s) three stars, no text underneath. Beneath in very small print is written: 'cette bouteille ne doit pas etre revendue hors de France' (1940s) three stars, no text underneath; with a metal duty 'head' seal. 72cl and 42% stated on the back (stamp); (1947-1949) with text 'imprimé en France' very small on both labels (1950s) three stars, no text underneath, with 42% in red (1950s); 73cl  For US Navy Mess  With a paper duty seal (Spanish) Text on the back in Spanish; around 1950s
1940-1944:
Text: Réserve's aux troupes françaises et alliés (early-mid 1940s) Wehrmachts Marketenderwahre, 1941 Marketenderware (sold during World War II to the German troops) 1940-1944  Marketenderware (sold during World War II to the German troops) 1940-1944; label with Hennessy could have fallen off or omitted because of paper shortage during the war. different capsule; 70cl; with 'armées alliées' printed and 'vente interdite dans le commerce' on the borders of the main label
With additional info below on the label, often information about the importer (1940s-60).
US bottles:
 three stars; 4/5 quart stated, Schieffelin, New York import (1940s) three stars; Schieffelin, New York import (1940s); different capsule  three stars; Schieffelin, New York import (1940-50s); 4/5 quart; different capsule and with embossed text: Federal law forbids sale or reuse of this bottle three stars; Schieffelin, New York import (early 1960s); 4/5 quart (stated differently; text also different); different capsule and with embossed text: Federal law forbids sale or reuse of this bottle; longer capsule than previous bottlethree stars; Schieffelin, New York import; different capsule and different back side (1960s)  Full Quart, imported by Schieffelin New York (ca 95cl); est. 1940s
Italian bottles:
three stars, Italian import (Gancia, Canelli) 73cl stated; Italian import for Soffiantino, Genova (est. 1940s) 73cl stated; Italian import for Soffiantino, Genova; letters more crispy; (est. 1940s) Three stars, 72cl (1940s)  Three stars, 73cl. Italian metal star seal (1949-59) 72 centilitres stated, with P.S.C. added below on the right side; Italian metal 'star' seal (1950s); three stars 73cl, Italian import (Gancia, Canelli); with paper around cap; (est. 1950s)  Italian import with a backside label, around (late 1950s-60)  Three stars, 73cl (1960s) with a paper duty seal from Verona, import by Soffiantino, Genova.
UK bottles:
Imported by Harrisons & Crossfield (UK firm trading in South-East Asia) At the bottom is written: 'Specially imported under licence from H.M. Government' (1940s)  With 'maximum price 37 /- per bottle' stamped on it (1940s) 70 proof underneath, with 'Great Britain' on neck label (est. 1940s) With 'maximum price 42 /* per bottle' stamped on it; 73cl. (1940s) 70 Proof underneath (1960s)
Other countries:
Französisches Erzeugnis below (1950s) With importer named underneath, Spanish (around 1960) Importer by the Federation of Malaya. Underneath: Sole Agents L. Rondon & Co. (Japan) Ltd. Underneath: Calbeck, Macgregor & Co.; Hong Kong import (1950s)    Produce of France at the bottom and Chinese characters on top
Flasks:
three stars flask Three stars flask with 42% on it
Different shape of bottle, three stars with an armed arm, around 1960:
Asian import by Boustead  Asian import for Boustead, Malaysia; different text  Three stars (Asian)  Produce of France underneath volume not stated; Produce of France underneath; Asian stamp  Full Quart (prob. UK)
Asian import for Boustead, Malaysia, screw cap; with a duty free stamp (1970s) Three stars, with a screw cap (Asian) 1 Quart bottle, screw cap
 
1c. Three stars and Bras Armé (transition period, ca. 1961-1965):

With 40° on it With 40° on it and Französisches Erzeugnis  With 40° on it and Französisches Erzeugnis attached With 40° on it and Französisches Erzeugnis (in bigger letters) attached With the three stars beneath the armed arm and the armed arm between 'bras' and ' armé'

With Hennessy on a separate label; on the neck label is printed: 'The Hennessy Crest'; content not stated; corked cap. 4/5 Quart, Schieffelin & Co. (looks like a low shoulder bottle, but most likely is a high shoulder bottle); corked cap volume not stated; Produce of France underneath; corked cap With the text: N.A.A.F.I stores for H.M. Forces (1970s) With the text: Shipstores, 40° indicated (1970s)

Three stars bras armé. Not less than 24 FL OZS.; screw cap Much like previous bottle, but 70 proof and 'not less than 24 fl. oz' on different places  Three star Bras armé, no additional label at the bottom; 74cl (1960s)  30° U.P. indicated; screw cap

4/5 pint (0,70L) 1940s? Without embossed letters on the shoulder and with a Maryland tax stamp (1960s)

bras armé, three stars, both on the shoulder; Hennessy not on a separate label  Same as previous but different colour of letters and adornment (1970s)  N.A.A.F.I. STORES FOR H.M. FORCES, 100 Centilitres  Content not stated, but this is a 1L bottle

Three stars, bras armé; three stars on the label (Asian) Same, but with a duty stamp 700ml Three stars, bras armé (Asian, variant) 1 quart

1d. Bras Armé, high shoulder bottles (ca. 1965-1972, except first one)
1da. Bras Armé with the logo running through the ‘s’ of bras armé:

Bras Armé very small on neck logo (est. 1920-30s)

paper seal on top (70cl, 1970s) 40% stated. 1966 Belgium import stated on the back Like previous, but said to be 1980s (?) With a 'for duty free sales only' stamp on it (said to be 1960's on auction) Like previous, but with a paper duty seal on top (1980s) Casa Armendariz, San Sebastian (1960s); volume not stated (70-75cl) 730cc; bras armé, logo overlaps 's' of bras, import Vitale Genova   Idrato cl. 73; bras armé, logo overlaps 's' of bras, import Vitale Genova. (1970s) 73cl; Italian import (Gancia & C., Canelli); 1970s 26 FL.OZ.; punctured label (est. early 1970s, barcode is put on later); probably Australian import Different text underneath; screw cap For duty free sales only the line below says: Ausländisches Erzeugnis in Österreich abgefüllt; click to see text of the hanging card (nice detail) Französisches Erzeugnis; logo overlaps 's' of bras (1960s)  70cl (on the bottom); 'Cognac Französisches Erzeugnis' underneath Different back label With on the back the text: 'Unverbindlicher Richtpreis DM 18,60' No back side label 1L, not stated, but said at auction; 'Cognac Französisches Erzeugnis' underneath 26 FL OZ (ca 73cl); bottled under Common Wealth supervision (ca. 1970-80) Full Quart, pour l'exportation seulement (probably UK: 1.14L) ca 70cl flacon (est. 1960s) 700ml flacon, screw cap

1db. Bras Armé with the logo not running through the ‘s’ of bras armé:

Three stars and Bras Armé on the shoulder label (1960s)

Bras Armé 70cl, no additional text (1960-1970s) Content or ABV not stated; with paper seal on top (70cl) Bras armé, 40% on label Produce of France stated (early 1960s)  70 cl and 40% printed 70 centilitros stated and 40% G.L.; Mexican import (est. 1960s) Not less than 24 fl.ozs (1970s) 4/5 quart (1967); Schieffelin import (US), crimped cap  Full Quart; US import by Schieffelin; on the back they explain that bras armé is the replacement for the three star quality 4/5 quart (1970); Schieffelin import (US), screw cap 4/5 quart (1970); Schieffelin import (US), different screw cap  24 fl.oz (1960s) Crimped foil cap, idrato cl. 73; Wax & Vitale, Genova (1960s) Contenuto idrato legale 750 cc; Wax & Vitale, Genova (1970s), screw cap Idrato cl. 73; Wax & Vitale, Genova, different screw cap. With 'for duty free sales only' stamp (1960s) 70cl bottle with 'armées alliées' on it and 'vente interdite dans le commerce' (1970s) On top of the label: Cognac Hennessy; Französisches Erzeugnis, crimped cap (1960s) Screw cap. On top of the label: Cognac Hennessy; on the bottom of the label: Französisches Erzeugnis (1960s); 0,7L stated at the bottom. Französisches Erzeugnis (1960s); with 40% stated Französisches Erzeugnis (1960s); with 40% stated; newer type capsule 40° stated and Ship Stores (1970s), 1 quart stated on the box 1L variant

1e. Bras Armé, low shoulder bottle (from ca. 1973)
– on the neck above the emblem: Maison Fondée en 1765, below: Bras Armé:

70cl, not indicated; with a trade mark registration number 0.70L and 40G.L stated; bras armé above Hennessy (1970s) bras armé above Hennessy; with paper seal bras armé above Hennessy; 40% underneath cognac, crimped cap (said to be 1960s, but probably ca. 1973) bras armé above Hennessy; 40% underneath cognac, different capsule (1960-1970s) bras armé above Hennessy; 40% underneath cognac; different capsule (1960-1970s) 40° and 0,70L stated Capacidad lit 0.70 indicated (Portuguese import) 40% G.L underneath cognac and additional text in lower right 40% alc./vol and 700ml stated No ABV stated, only one line of text underneath (address line); probably 70cl (see width of address line in comparison to 1L bottle) Screw cap; ALC. 40% and INH. 0,70 LTR stated 70cl not stated; Belgium import (Chassart) 70cl Suisse import, E. Oehninger, Montreux (1970s) bras armé above Hennessy; 750cc (min.gar. 730cc); Italian import (Wax & Vitale); 1970s bras armé above Hennessy; 750cc (min.gar. 730cc); Italian import (Wax & Vitale); 1970s; screw cap is a bit different Same as previous, but colour of label less yellow-green, more ecru. bras armé above Hennessy; 750cc (min.gar. 730cc); Italian import (Claretta); 1970s 40° G.L. and Lit 0,70 stated; Portuguese import (Candido da Silva) ALC 40% and INH 0.70 LTR stated, Dutch import, Wilmerink & Muller, Naarden Content not stated; Produce of France underneath Duty Free Shop. Said to be 70cl at auction. Duty Free Stores Supply; content (70cl) not indicated  Bras armé, fine cognac, 4/5 quart, Schieffelin New York  0,7L with an Asian stamp; dated 1975 24 3/4 FL OZ (probably Australian bottle) 1 Quart (stated on the neck)  1 Quart (stated on the neck); with 0,945L stated too and 'SHIP STORES' oblique  1L, stated at the bottom of the bottle, click to see detail. (difference with 70cl bottle: width of the address line) 1L, not stated; with alc. 40° on it and Produce of France 1L bras armé 1L (not stated), Hills Duty Free Shop, London  flask, content not stated

Cognac stated above 'Hennessy' and bras armé underneath; Französisches erzeugnis

– on the neck above the emblem: Maison Fondée en 1765, below: Fine Cognac:

 

bras armé, fine cognac (on neck label); 24 fl ozs  Almost same as previous bottle: the cap is a little different (different ribs) Almost same as previous bottle: type of letter used is a bit different: compare the length of the sentences; also the colour of the capsule and the label is a bit different (1970s) Not less than 2 pints; fine cognac stated on the shoulder (1970s) 2 Pints (ca 1.136L); fine cognac on neck label; 1970s

1f. Three stars and VS (from late 1970s-80s):

XXX-Very Special; very special is printed above Hennessy. 68cl stated right next to 'cognac' and 24 fl ozs in the right bottom corner; left is 70 proof stated XXX-VS. Left: 70 proof and 40%vol; right24 fl.oz and 68cl. Very special is printed above Hennessy.  XXX-Very Special; 68cl stated in the right bottom corner and 70proof and 40%vol on the bottom left (1970s) XXX-Very Special; Very Special is printed below Hennessy. 68cl stated in the right bottom corner, EAN on the back (ca 1980).  XXX-Very Special; Very Special is printed below Hennessy. 'e 68cl' stated in the right bottom corner (ca 1980).   XXX-VS; 40% stated left below and 0,70L on the right. 40 G.L. stated on the left below and 0,70L on the right   XXX-Very Special; Very Special is printed below Hennessy. 'e 0,70L' stated in the right bottom corner (1980s).  Three stars also on the main label; HKDNP stated on back. 70cl stated on the box.  0,70l bottle (stated on the box); Three stars also on the main label and 'very special' below Hennessy. HKDNP stated on back-side. (1970s)  Three stars also on the main label and 'very special' above Hennessy. HKDNP stated on back-side differently. (1970s, 70cl, not stated.)

With a red and gold emblem on top (1980-90s):

e68cl; text underneath in English; the back side has an EAN (1980)  XXX-VS logo in red and gold and 'very special' printed below Hennessy; e70cl stated; text underneath is in French; with a green point symbol (early 1990s)    XXX-VS logo in red and gold; e70cl; text underneath in English e0,70L stated, text below in French, Dutch import, Naarden (1980s) XXX-VS logo in red and gold, text below in English; e75cl (1980s)

1g. VS, Emblem in front of the name Hennessy (1970-80s)
Very Special placed below Hennessy:

VS, logo before 'Hennessy'; yellow label (1970s)  VS, logo before 'Hennessy'; ecru label (1980s) 40vol and 68cl stated  Content 70cl and '40°vol%'! stated; imported by Ernest Favre, Geneve  VS, logo before 'Hennessy' with content (e70cl) and alcohol percentage stated. Beneath it also says: 'produced en France' More text underneath: Claretta import, e70cl Different text stating alcohol percentage and content 750ml; US tax seal (1980-1985) 750ml and 80 Proof, without a duty seal; EAN on the back (after 1985)1L, 'N.A.A.F.I. stores for H.M. Forces'; on the back it says: 'contents 100 centilitres' 1,00 Litre, indicated on the back; also 33 US FL ozs, 40%vol and 80Proof (around 1980) e1,00L stated; on the back 70°proof and 40°G.L (end 1970s or early 1980s)  1.13 cl and 40%vol stated (ca. 1980)

Very Special placed above Hennessy:

Content and abv not stated (on auction: equal to full-size bottle) Content and abv stated on the back, 70cl, Dutch import Content and ABV not stated; with a paper duty seal 40%G.L. and 0.70L, Französisches Erzeugnis on the front With 40°G.L. and e0,70L stated; Französisches Erzeugnis on back (1970s) With 40%vol and e0,70L stated; Französisches Erzeugnis on back (1970s) 40% alc/vol and 700ml stated Italian import by Claretta; e70cl; notice it has a UK sticker too; paper emblem on the shoulder (end 1970s)  Claretta import; 75cl; shoulder: emblem printed on the glass  750ml and 80proof indicated; US import 750ml and 40° indicated; probably Australian import 94cl, not stated, but definitely a bigger sized bottle with shoulder more round; paper shoulder label one quart indicated on the neck; paper shoulder emblem; 0.94L (US) one quart indicated on the neck; shoulder emblem printed on the glass; on the bottom: 0.94L (US) 1L (stated on the box); paper label on the shoulder 1L, again not stated on the bottle, but stated at auction; with a sticker on the back

1h. VS with emblem in red and gold (second half 1980s).

68cl stated; VS is left off of the shoulder emblem 70cl stated right below (1980s) e0.70L stated right below e0.70L stated right below and with a Duty Free Shop stamp; on the back side: 40°GL and 70°Proof stated e70cl stated, with a paper duty seal on top; Lissabon import Italian import, Claretta; e70cl VS, logo in red and gold; 750ml left below and 80 Proof right below; US import by Schieffelin 750ML in lower right; ALC 40% BY VOL (80PROOF) in lower left; Schieffelin import 40%alc/vol on the lower left and 750ml on the lower right 750ml stated and 'Product of France'   1L bottle (1980s) 1L bottle with a paper duty seal (Spanish import) 0,70L flask 0.70L VS with a yellow screw cap (1980s)

1i. VS, emblem in gold above the name
1ia. VS is stated on the shoulder label above the emblem:

e70cl and 40%vol are stated (around 2010) No content and no percentage stated With 'Product of France' stated underneath; 700 or 750ml: very hard to read (said to be 750ml on auction)  750ml stated 750ml (not stated) 1L bottle, stated is e1,00L Stated is: 1,0L Travel Retail indicated; 1000ML (From New Zealand)

1ib. VS is stated on the shoulder label below the emblem:

e70cl stated; the back has a cotisation symbol, a green point and a tidyman symbol (1990s)  Same as previous, but with a paper seal on top; back side has several symbols: cotisation, green point and tidy man (1990s)  Label is more yellow and cap is more gold (1990s) Japanese import; cotisation sign, barcode and tidyman on back side 700ml stated 40% alc/vol and 750ml stated e1,00L indicated (1990s) 1L bottle with a paper duty seal (Spanish) 1L Duty Free

1ic. VS is left off of shoulder label:

Maison fondé en 1765 on the shoulder emblem; still a crimped cap; e70cl stated. Round shoulder (around 1990) Maison fonée 1765 on the shoulder emblem+ 40%ALC/VOL and 700ML stated; new type of capsule. Round shoulder 750ml indicated on the front; US import bottle

1id. VS, new bottle design: pininfarina (2013)
(Shoulder line is sharper and foot is more elegant; 1765 in the glass below the label)

40%Vol on the bottom left and e70cl stated on the bottom right (ca. 2022) e70cl, same as previous but with a different backside (UK import) e70cl, same as previous but with a different backside (UK import) Same as previous, but with a paper seal on top 70cl stated on the bottom right; ABV not stated No content or ABV indicated (70cl) Arak Mengandungi 40% Alkohol 70cl  40%ALC/VOL and 700ml stated 40%vol and 700ml stated; Brasil import volume not stated, probably 750ml (US bottle)  750ml stated; below Jas. Hennessy & Co: Produced and Bottled in Cognac, France 750ml stated in a little square on the lower right; on the lower left is a B-number in a little square (South African bottle)   750ml stated; below: Jas. Hennessy & Co: Cognac, France  1 Liter (stated) e1,00 L stated (2018) 1L Travel Retail

1j. VS, Others

700ml VS, red and gold label 0,70L flask

2. Fine de Cognac (from 2002)

[The fine de cognac series have a lot of different releases in which only the packaging is different; click on the bottles to see them]

Yellow label, Quality rare (started 2002):

2002 (1st edition) 'Quality rare'; e70cl e70cl, fine de cognac; different back side (UK) Same as previous, but with a paper seal on top 2006 (vs 2001 in gift package) 2006, version paper 2006, version cuir 2007 (Giriat) 2007 (Giriat), with a paper duty seal  2008 gift package 2008, Thomas bastide gift package. Bastide created the exclusive stopper that goes with it. 200g edition, without 'qualité rare' gift package, DVD collector edition: mixing refined (2009)

White label (Started from 2010):

2010, white label with the word 'cognac' just below Hennessy; no little orange beam below 2010 (2nd edition); white label without the word 'cognac' just below Hennessy 1L from 2010  Tea edition (2010-11); made in collaboration with the Parisian tea shop Theodor. (click to see two different packagings) 2012 Celebration: ten year anniversary of Fine de Cognac; click to see details 2012: ten year anniversary of Fine de Cognac, German edition; click to see details  2014; different packaging: box with black frame 2014, different packaging, with orange handles

No label (2012):

2012 (4-10 year old cognac)

Grey label (from 2014):

2014 2015 2016 gift packaged 2016 (limited edition) 2017 'limited edition'

3. VSOP, VVVV, VO and SO, cognaçaise bottles

3a. VVVV, VO, SO and VSOP, cognaçaise bottles

Hennessy was the first house to use the abreviation VSOP. They started using it in 1817 for the cognacs they produced for King George V of England.
(V.O = over 15 years old and S.O over 25 years old.)

VVVV (1860, conformed by Hennessy) VO; no text on bottom of label; est. 1930s. (VO is a quality just under XO, very old)   VO, crimped cap, with small text underneath on the botton of the label VO; no text on bottom of label (prob. 1940-50s) VO, with a paper duty seal (Spanish); 1950s  Asian import (est. 1940s) VO, gold and black coloured cap

Hennessy SO (Superior old?); notre cognac SO a plus de 25 ans. (1930-40s) SO (1940s) SO, different capsule (est. late 1940s)

Plus de 20 ans d'age, no capsule (fallen off?) Plus de 20 ans d'age, short lead foil capsule (before crimped cap, so <1930s) Plus de 20 ans d'age, longer lead foil capsule  Silver with gold capsule (ca 1946-1950s) 4/5 Quart 80 Proof, black and gld capsule, Schieffelin import (1950s) 4/5 Quart 80 Proof, black and gld capsule, on the back side a stamp with Hennessy in red print, Schieffelin import (1950s) VSOP, plus de 20 ans d'age  VSOP, aged in wood for 20 years; old capsule VSOP, aged in wood for 20 years; different capsule VSOP, aged in wood for more than 20 years, Schieffelin import, New York (1950s) VSOP, old type closure (1920-30s?) VSOP (no abv stated); 1940-50s VSOP; paper duty seal, Spanish import 70cl (1950s)  VSOP with 42% stated Outlines of the label have different colour 42% stated in smaller letters; and with Hennessy embossed on the glass

3b. VSOP old wide tapered models
starts in 1954 with the old familiar label and a crescent shape neck label

VSOP 42% (1950s) Same as previous but without the ABV stated (1950s) With 'Produce of France' printed below VSOP - brand, US import by Schieffelin (Michigan tax seal); 1950s  Grande Fine Champagne (1960s) With text in small print at the lower end of the label (in the middle: United States) Same as previous, but with a paper duty seal on top, 4/5 Quart (1960s) Grande fine champagne, with 40% stated (early 1960s) 40% is printed in red and more distance between the 40% and the text above 'Grande fine champagne' in outlined letters; Italian import, Gancia & Co. (end 1950s-early 1960s) 'Grande fine champagne' in solid letters; Italian import, Gancia & Co. (the line with Gancia in it is shorter) Grande fine champagne brand

3c. VSOP Réserve and Grande Réserve

3c1. VSOP Réserve

3c1-1. VSOP Réserve, ecru labels (1964-70s):
High, slender bottles:

Bottle with high shoulder Grande fine champagne, with a stamp on the label; Lit 0.70 stated at the bottom 70 centilitros, grande fine champagne, 40°GL, Mexican import

Lower bottles, label not divided by a line; some have grande fine champagne stated, others have maison fondée en 1765 or established in 1765:

Said to be 70cl at auction, but nowhere stated, also not on the box. Below cognac is printed: 'maison fondée en 1765' (1970s) Maison fondée en 1795; with NAAFI Stores for H.M. Forces (ca. 1970)  Said to be 70cl at auction, but nowhere stated, also not on the box. Below cognac is printed: 'Established in 1765' (1970s)   Content not stated; 40° stated; content not stated, maison fondée en 1765; 70cl bottle One quart, stated on the neck  One quart, stated on the neck and an address line below (est. 1970s) One quart stated on the neck and on the label too (full quart)  1 Quart stated on the neck (94.6cl) and Duty Free Shop on the label (1960-70s) 1 Quart stated on the neck (94.6cl) and 'pour l'exportation seulement' below on the label

Beneath cognac is printed: 'Grande Fine Champagne'. ABV and content not stated, said to be 75cl on auction.   Grande Fine Champagne; content not stated; 1quart (stated on box)   Grande Fine Champagne; content not stated; 40° stated; content not stated (I have seen guesses for 70cl and for 75cl)  Full Quart Full quart, pour l'exportation seulement (1960s) With a duty seal on top (1960s)

Label divided by a line; some have grande fine champagne stated, others have established in 1765, most have crimped caps, some have screw caps:

 

30° U.P. (40°alc) stated Label is divided by a fat line (1960s) Label is divided by a fat line. Not less than 24 FL OZS Label is divided by a fat line. Not less than 24 FL OZS; screw cap Not less than 24 FL OZS stated below 70% Proof  73cl, grande fine champagne, Italian import (Wax & Vitale) 73cl, different Italian importer; 'grande fine champagne' and 'Idrato lc. 73' in darker colour 73cl, different Italian importer (Gancia); 'grande fine champagne' and 'Idrato lc. 73' in same green colour as the rest   Asian import; Japanese import by Boustead Trading; with a S'Pore duty not paid stamp Asian import, Boustead trading; with screw cap (1970s); 0,7 stated at the bottom  No content stated, Produce of France underneath Japanese import; on the little label on the back is stated: 720ml   2 pts 8 fl.ozs (1.14L);   700ml (stated on back) Asian import Französisches Erzeugnis; 0.7 is stated on the bottom of the bottle

Label divided by a very thin line:

73cl, maison fondée en 1765, label divided by a very thin line; Italian import (Wax & Vitale, 1960s) 40°G.L. stated; different importer (prob. Mexican)

With a very thin line; Japanese import (700ml)  With a very thin line; HKDNP stated and an address line just above 'produce of France' (700ml) Screw cap; Japanese import by Boustead Trading (1970s) Screw cap; Asian import; label divided by a thin line; with an address line just above the dividing line

VSOP Réserve Cognac, established in 1765; 4/5 quart, Schieffelin import; with a Pennsylvania State duty strip 1970-1971  VSOP Réserve Cognac, grande fine champagne; contents: 25 fluid ounces (1960-70s) VSOP Réserve Cognac, grande fine champagne; 4/5 quart; imported by Schieffelin & Co. New York (1960-70s)

3c1-2. VSOP Reserve, bronze coloured labels and a shoulder blob:
(series with emblem in front of the name Hennessy, mainly Asian market (around 1970s):

Cognac is printed above Hennessy; with the 'bras armé' on the shoulder blob; Arabic characters below on the label. Cognac is printed above Hennessy; with VSOP Réserve on the shoulder blob; ca. 70cl (not stated) 1L bottle, HKDNP  70cl finest old liqueur cognac; VSOP Reserve stated above Hennessy; Malaysian import by Richemonde 70cl finest old liqueur cognac; VSOP Reserve stated above Hennessy; Malaysian import by Boustead Trading 70cl VSOP finest old liqueur cognac; two thickenings on the neck 100cl indicated on the lower left, VSOP finest old liqueur cognac; import by Riche Monde, Singapore 100cl indicated on the lower left, VSOP finest old liqueur cognac; Duty Free Emporium, Singapore Airport 100cl indicated on the lower left, VSOP finest old liqueur cognac; import by Riche Monde, Singapore; with a duty free Singapore sticker

VSOP Reserve above Hennessy and 'cognac' below HKDNP stated Tax Free Shop Bangkok Airport  (Tax Free) Shop Bangkok Airport, with thickening around the neck

Series with emblem above the name Hennessy, produced mainly, but not exclusive, for the Asian market (around 1970-80s):
Two different bottle shapes were used, which are difficult to tell apart. One is a little higher with a more sloping neckline. The photo of the two bottles below serve to show the difference between the two.

With a shoulder blob:

VSOP Reserve on the glass; 'liqueur cognac'; Asian import by Boustead Trading Same as previous, but with a Singapore Airport Duty-Free Emporium sticker

Cognac printed directly below Hennessy; 'maison fondé en 1765' stated on the label' VSOP Reserve on the glass; cognac printed below Hennessy; 'grande reserve vsop' stated on the label  Established in 1765; 40% alc/vol and 700ml stated and Produce of France underneath Established in 1765; contents 700 millilitres stated and Produce of France underneath   40 DEG and 70cl indicated; Sole agents for Thailand

Without a shoulder blob:

Liqueur cognac; established in 1765; with a screw cap  High shoulder bottle, maison fondée en 1765; Mexican import Low shoulder bottle, maison fondée en 1765; Mexican import 70cl (not stated); Produce of France in big letters underneath and an address line below it  With 'Produce of France' below on the label; address line above it, separated by a line. Ausländisches Erzeugnis in Österreich abgefüllt; said to be 70cl (est. 1960s) Japanese import 1.13L, not indicated, with a trademark registration number One quart bottle, stated on the capsule (1970s)

VSOP Reserve, black and gold labels:

Black label Black label; with HKDNP on the bottom of the label 700ml, With Asian text on the bottom of the label; Japanese import

3c2. VSOP Grande Reserve (1960-70s)
ecru labels, high shoulder:

0,7L (1970s); Portuguese import Alc. 40% - INH 0,70 LTR (dutch import bottle)

Ecru labels, low shoulder:

VSOP Grande Réserve, ecru label but almost white (1960-70s) VSOP Grande Réserve, ecru VSOP Grande Réserve, with a paper duty seal on top With ABV and content stated Text underneath (Othon Schmitt Hellange) Idrato cl. 73; Italian market Idrato legale 750 cc. Minimo garantiti 73; Italian import by Wax & Vitale Grande Reserve VSOP, Französisches Erzeugnis (1960s)

Bronze coloured labels:

High shoulder; with 40% G.L. stated and underneath: capacidade lit 0,70  High shoulder; 70cl, Portuguese import (1970s)

40% 0.7l stated 40% INH. 0.70 LTR stated With 40% in the middle beneath Cognac   750cc, Italian import, Wax & Vitale (1970s) Französisches Erzeugnis (1970s)

ALC 40% and INH 0.70L stated, emblem in a blob; Dutch import by Wilmerink & Muller (1970s) 1970s; emblem in a blob 0.70L and 40° G.L stated; Portuguese import Französisches Erzeugnis With content stated and address line underneath

3d. VSOP, bottles with a neck emblem in a blob and an oval shoulder label (gold labels between 1977 and 1984, ecru labels from 1984)

Gold shoulder label holds two lines of text with ‘VSOP’ on top:

Not less then 24 fl.oz and 70 proof stated; 1970s  24 fl.ozs and 68cl stated 70Proof, 40°GL and 24 FL.OZS, e68cl indicated (end 1970s) 70cl stated without an 'e'-sign; '40°vol%' stated!; the shoulder label has fallen off. Two lines below underneath cognac; 40%GL and 0,70L stated; On the back: Französisches Erzeugnis 40° and 0,70L indicated Two lines below underneath cognac; 40%GL and 'e 0,70L' stated Two lines below underneath cognac; 40%GL and 'e 0,70L' stated; On the back: Französisches Erzeugnis Two lines below cognac; 40%GL and 'e 0,70L' stated; Belgian import by A.F. Mampaey, Groot-Bijgaarden  Two lines below underneath cognac; 40%vol and 'e 0,70L' stated With Ausländisches Erzeugnis stated No content or ABV stated on the front; 40°GL and 0.70L stated on the back; Portuguese import 70cl Ausländisches Erzeugnis (stated on back)   Two lines below underneath cognac; content and ABV not stated; text on backside in English Two lines below underneath cognac; content and ABV not stated; on the back: 40° GL and 0.70L stated and text in French No content or abv stated, crimped cap; back says: 'Duty Free Shop'; said to be 70cl on auction  Same as previous, but with a paper duty seal on top; Portuguese import, Pereira, Porto Another Portuguese import, 70cl Same as previous; Spanish import, Alfonso Ferrer, Barcelona (70cl) Two lines below underneath cognac; 40%vol Italian import (Ditta Claretta, Torino); paper seal on top; e70cl stated. (around 1980)  40% alc/vol and 700ml stated paper seal on top; 75cl stated, this bottle had no EAN on the back; Italian import Ditta Claretta; 1970s Same as previous, but a more brown label, rather than gold; 75cl indicated.  Several lines below underneath 'cognac'; paper seal on top; 750 cc idrati stated 4/5 Quart and 80 Proof indicated; US tax seal on top (est. end 1970s); US import by Schieffelin  Content not stated, with a new type cork 100cl bottle (1980s) 1L, stated on the bottom Longer cpsule; EAN on the back and text in English ; content not indicated but probably 1L 1 Quart printed on the neck capsule (95cl, US bottle)

Gold shoulder label holds two lines of text with ‘Cognac’ on top:

Just one line below underneath cognac; 68cl stated e 68cl stated and HKDNP SDNP and some (Asian?) text beneath the content (est. 1980s) 'e 0.70L' stated; HKDNP and SDNP; on the front 40%vol and on the back 40%G.L. (1980s) e 0.70L stated; Französisches Erzeugnis Two lines below underneath cognac with Produce of France; 40%vol and 'e 0,70L' stated; On the back: Französisches Erzeugnis Two lines underneath cognac; HKDNP SDNP and some Asian characters; on the back: Französisches Erzeugnis. (1980s); e 0.70L  Same as previous, but HKDNP SDNP placed a little more lower and to the left; back says: 40%GL and 70Proof  Looks like previous bottle; little differences in type of letter (look at 40%vol and HKDNP SDNP) Content and abv not stated; HKDNP and SDNP; Portuguese import (1984) Without content or alcohol percentage stated (1970s; 70cl); HKDNP and SDNP. Spanish import, Alfonso Ferrer, Barcelona Fine champagne, e70cl, on the backside an EAN; Italian import by Ditta Claretta (early 1980s)   No content or percentage stated; little text underneath 'cognac'. e1,00L stated 1L bottle, not stated (stated on the box); 1980s

VSOP grande réserve:

VSOP Fine Champagne - Grande Reserve; HKDNP, SDNP; 70cl; 1980s
Ecru labels, from 1984:

Ivory coloured label; 40%vol and 0.70L stated 700ml, Australian import bottle With Asian characters underneath 'cognac' With different Asian characters underneath 'cognac'; 700ml With different Asian characters underneath 'cognac'; 700ml stated on the back 1L bottle (click to see detail)

Shoulder label holds two lines of text, other than above:
 70cl stated; Asian text on the back 70CL stated; front side is the same as previous bottle, but the text on the back side is different Fine champagne VSOP on shoulder label; Asian characters underneath; 700ml stated on the back 40%vol and 0,70 stated; on the back: Duty Free, Singapore VSOP Liquor cognac on shoulder label  0,70L VSOP Liquor Cognac with a Singapore Duty Not Paid sticker With a Japanese sticker 1,0L stated in the lower right
Shoulder label holds three lines of text:

e68cl indicated; on the back side an EAN (early 1980s) 40%vol and e0,70L stated on the front; 40°G.L and 70°proof stated on the back (1980s)  40%vol and e70cl, with Französisches Erzeugnis stated on the back Italian import, e70cl e0.70L (1977-1984); Asian import Same as previous but with a paper duty seal 750ML and 80PROOF indicated; US import (1980s) 40%ALC/VOL and 750ml stated; product of France 40%alc/vol and 750ml stated; without product of France (Canadian import) 750ml stated in a square (click to see detail) e1L (early 1980s); on the back: 40°GL and 70°Proof and an EAN

70CL, Fine champagne, label in two colours; capsule gold coloured 0.70L, different capsule. Looks like a Mexican import botttle that was shipped to Asia,.

3e. VSOP wide tapered bottles, liqueur cognac and fine champagne (from 1989)

0,70L Liqueur cognac VSOP Liqueur cognac, Asian import; smooth cap VSOP Liqueur cognac, Asian import; smooth cap; on the back is an additional label with Asian characters Liqueur cognac with HKDNP stated, 0.70L; Japanese import Liqueur cognac with HKDNP stated, 0.70L; Japanese import; back side is different VSOP Fine champagne Almost the same as previous bottle, just the label is a bit more yellow; Japanese import 40%alc/vol and 750ml stated (Canadian import) e0,70L and 40%vol stated; on the back: 40 G.L.; Spanish import by Aferfrans, Barcelona

3f. VSOP wide tapered bottles, new design by Chris Bangler: somewhat longer neck and higher shoulder, Hennessy emblem embossed on the glass (design from 2012)

VSOP, content not stated VSOP, one line underneath; 70cl  VSOP, two lines underneath, 700ml  CONT. NET. 700ml stated (Mexican import) VSOP, two lines underneath, 750ml VSOP, one line underneath, 750ml; B421 stated (South African bottle) VSOP, one line underneath; 1L

3g. VSOP new look 2023

70cl, new look 2023  100cl

3h. VSOP Privilege (from 1989)

3h1. Shoulder labels  state ‘VSOP’ or ‘VSOP Fine Champagne’ on a yellow background:

VSOP Fine Champagne on the shoulder label; red and gold emblem on main label; e70cl  VSOP Fine Champagne on the shoulder label; red and gold emblem on main label and different text below 'privilège: Claretta import; with a paper duty seal; e70cl. 40%vol and e0,70L indicated; importador e distribuidor limited distillers and blandy Lisboa

VSOP on shoulder label; main label first line: Privilege, second line: vsop cognac; 750ml VSOP on shoulder label; main label first line: VSOP, second line: privilege cognac; e70cl content and 40%vol stated VSOP on shoulder label; main label first line: VSOP, second line: privilege cognac; no content or abv stated 70cl stated; Arak Mengadungi 40% alkohol a dot between privilege and cognac; e70cl   a dot between privilege and cognac (Asian import) HKDNP printed below Privilege Cognac; e70cl Asian import a dot between privilege and cognac; no content or abv stated 700ml and Product of France stated 750ml indicated and a B-number (B421); South African bottle  700ML stated; and 'Product of France' underneath 1 Liter stated; privilege comes below Hennessy and then vsop cognac e1,00L stated  Travel retail underneath; e1,00L Travel retail underneath, with a dot between privilege and cognac; e1,00L 1L Travel Retail and produce of France stated 'For duty free sale only' underneath; 1L e1,00L stated and Malaysian Duty Not Paid 700ml stated, new type of cap With additional text in the shoulder label (1765 and more) and without the dot between Privilege and Cognac; 700ml

3h2. Shoulder labels state ‘VSOP Privilege Cognac’ or ‘VSOP Privilege’:

vsop-privilege (1980s)  Same as previous, but with a duty seal 0,70L, Auslänsisches Erzeugnis (1980s) On the back: Französisches Erzeugnis and a Japanese sticker  'e 70cl' stated; Italian import, Ditta Claretta, Torino  750ML stated  750ml stated and 'Produce of France' in stead of VSOP   e1,00L stated Mexican import

VSOP Privilege cognac on the shoulder label; 70cl Same as previuous but with HKDNP stated VSOP Privilege cognac on the shoulder label; different cap; 70cl; Asian import  VSOP Privilege cognac on the shoulder label; different cap; 70cl; Asian import, different back side 40%vol and 70cl indicated; Arak mengandungi 40% alkohol VSOP Privilege cognac on the shoulder label; 1L, Malaysian import 1,00L and DFS sticker 1,00L and DFS sticker in grey tints  Cont net 700ml stated; different capsule (Mexican)

3h3. Shoulder labels state ‘Privilege’:

e70cl stated; on the back side is a tidy man symbol Only 'Privilege' on light coloured shoulderlabel; e70cl; on the back side is a green point symbol Only 'Privilege' on light coloured shoulderlabel; e70cl; on the back side is a green point symbol and a cotisation symbol (2000). Front same as previous, different back side; Japanese import  Same as previous, but with a paper tax strip on top; Spanish import. 40% alc/vol stated and 750ML; import by Schieffelin & Somerset  40% alc/vol stated and 750ml (ml in lower case) VSOP Cognac on one line, 750ml stated Cognac VSOP on one line; 'e 70cl' stated; Italian import Same as previous bottle, but the colour of the label is more brownish 700ml and 80proof stated; Asian market 700ml with Produce of France stated 700ml with Produce of France stated, more yellow-brown; New Zealand import 700ml not stated, different capsule; VSOP and Cognac on the same line (Mexican import) 0,70L Duty Free 70cl stated, different capsule; VSOP and Cognac not on the same line  e1,00L With a paper duty seal, Spanish import e1,00L Duty Free

3h4. New design by Chris Bangler: somewhat longer neck and higher shoulder, Hennessy emblem embossed on the glass (from 2012); VSOP on a dark shoulder label, black capsules: 
40%vol and e70cl stated; European bottle; green point and pregnancy warning on the back 40%vol and e70cl stated; UK bottle  Different back side with text in French and English; with a QR-code, a pregnancy warning and energy information (2022)  Different back side; Singapore import (2019)  40%vol and e70cl; paper duty seal ; Singapore Duty Not Paid. (2017) 40%vol and e70cl; capsule has seal with Hennessy emblems; Singapore Duty Not Paid. (2017) 700ml and 40%vol indicated; different cap (Brasilian) 700ML stated; Australian import  750ML stated 750ML stated, label is more towards brown 750ml stated and an additional address line underneath 750ML stated and B421 (importer code, South Africa) VSOP on the shoulder on a dark back-ground. No content stated, said to be 70cl (Dutch shop). VSOP on the shoulder on a dark back-ground. No content stated, said to be 750ml (US shop).    1L stated e1,00L stated; on the back a pregnancy warning e1,00L stated, Travel Retail; on the back a pregnancy warning and a green point symbol e1,00L stated; Travel Retail, different backside  40%ALC/VOL and 1000ML stated, Travel Retail; Australian bottle  1L bottle, not indicated on the front (Dubai, duty free)
3h5. Privilege on a dark shoulder label:

'Privilege' on the shoulder label; 750ML stated  'Privilege' on the shoulder label; no content stated

3i. Flasks:

Rare VSOP Réserve flask (some say this might be fake...) e70cl; around 1980 0,70L flask (1980s)  0,70L flask

4. Bras d’Or and Napoléon
(Bras d’Or from 1955 till early 1970s)

4a. Bras d’Or on the shoulder:

Just 'Bras d'Or' on the shoulder label (1950s)  Just 'Bras d'Or' on the shoulder label; 73ctl; Italian import for F.III Gancia & co. (1950s) Just 'Bras d'Or' on the shoulder label; Italian import for Soffiantino & Co., Genova (1950s) Different back label Bras d'Or, 42% Bras d'Or, Grande Fine Champagne; 40° stated Bras d'Or, Grande Fine Champagne; without 40° stated  Bras d'Or, Grande Fine Champagne; and an Italian paper duty seal on top 4/5 quart; with an US tax seal on top; import by Schieffelin

from 1970:

Label with contour around it; 4/5 quart 80proof (early 1970s)  With a stamp (thought to be 1952) Bras d'Or; extra logo before 'Hennessy'; 750ML and 80°Proof indicated (US import) Bras d'Or; extra logo before 'Hennessy'; 750ML (25.4 FL.OZ) and 80°Proof indicated (US import)

from 1971:

Bras d'Or, no signature, produce of France stated; 24 3/4 FL OZ Bras d'Or, no signature; with 70 proof stated With a signature below 70 proof No abv stated With a bottle number and a signature on the label; UK import (sticker on back side) Without an address line ; on the back "not less than 24 FL OZS"  Bras d'Or, Italian import for Wax & Vitale; band around bottom (1970s)  Same as previous, but colour of label is now silver (seen more often); 750cc indicated and minimo garantito 730cc Also Wax & Vitale import, but without 'aquavita di vino' stated and with a 'licenza utif' line added beneath Bras d'Or, two lines of text under 'cognac' Content not stated; Französisches Erzeugnis Pour l'Exportation Seulement; content not stated, possibly 1L. Without the signature beneath cognac Rectangular label and the emblem on the shoulder direct on the glass (0.7L)

Bras d'Or-Napoleon, extra logo before 'Hennessy'; 750ml stated  750ml stated, Australian import (click for details)

from 1983:

Logo in red and gold; 40%ALC/VOL (80PROOF) 750ML stated Logo in red and gold; with B28 and 750ml stated in little squares

4b. Napoléon on the shoulder:

There seem to be four different types of the logo: a small logo, a bit chubby medium logo,  a bigger and more slender logo and a logo in red and gold. Sometimes there is a second logo before the name ‘Hennessy’. 
Some bottles have bras d’or stated big on the label, the rest have a second mentioning of napoléon, sometimes with bras d’or too, but very small.
Some bottles have Napoléon written on the neck with an accent on the ‘e’ and some without it.

Logo high on the label with Bras d’Or printed on the label:

Napoléon on the shoulder (with accent), Bras d'Or in big letters. Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Bras d'Or in big letters. Alcohol percentage and content 0,70L stated Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Bras d'Or in big letters. No alcohol percentage or content; Bouteille number stated 'Btle no' stated (in stead of bouteille); on the back side: 70°Proof and 'Not less than 24 FL OZS' Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent); alcohol percentage and content stated differently 40% GL and 0.70L stated; Französisches Erzeugnis 0.70L and 40% GL stated; with a paper duty seal (Spanish) 40°G.L. and capacidade lit. 0.70 stated; Portuguese import 40° stated Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Spanish import, contenido neto 0,70L, Grado Alcoholico 40°GL 40% alc/vol and 700ml stated Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Italian import, Wax & Vitale; 750 cc  One Quart, stated on the capsule; 1970s  Duty Free Shop printed; 1970s (prob. 75cl, stated on auction) Duty Free Shop printed; with an accent on the 'E' of Napoléon; 1970s (prob. 70cl, stated on auction);

Logo high on the label, with Napoleon printed on the label:

Napoléon on the shoulder (with accent). Napoleon stated on the main label. Produce of France stated Napoléon on the shoulder (with accent). Napoleon stated on the main label. Without Produce of France stated (Shoulder emblem has probably fallen off.) Same as previous bottle, but without the accent on Napoleon. 70cl stated; Singapore Airport, Duty Free Emporium; Boustead Trading 70cl; with an Asian sticker on the neck (1970s) Produce of France is stated low on the label Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent). Napoleon stated on main label. Brownish label. Asian import. Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent). Napoleon stated on main label. Brownish label. Text underneath 'cognac' differs. 70cl, Tax Free Shop Bangkok Airport (1970s)

Logo in front of the name ‘Hennessy’ and a small logo high on the label, Napoleon and Bras ‘d’Or printed on the label:

Napoléon on the shoulder (with accent), Bras d'Or in small letters; with a bottle number printed Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Bras d'Or in small letters; with a bottle number printed Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Bras d'Or in small letters. 70cl stated. 40°vol% and 70cl stated Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Bras d'Or in small letters. With 40% G.L Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Bras d'Or in small letters. 70cl stated on the back; Portugese import 40% and 700ml stated; no label or other information on the back (1970s) Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Bras d'Or in small letters. With 40% G.L. Ausländisches Erzeugnis Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Bras d'Or in small letters. With '40%vol e 0,70 L' With '40%vol - e 0,70 L' (note the hyphen); on the back: 40° G.L (end 1970s) Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Bras d'Or in small letters. With '40%vol e 0,70L' closer together Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Bras d'Or in small letters. With 40%vol. Where is the golden neck emblem? fallen off? Napoleon on the shoulder (without accent), Bras d'Or in small letters. USDNP stated. Flask, Bras d'or stated (1970s)

Logo in front of the name ‘Hennessy’, the logo is a bit bigger; Napoleon printed on the label:

With produce of France stated below cognac Cognac sits low on the label. 70cl stated, Malaysian import by Riche Monde CONTENTS 700ML indicated HKDNP; 700ml (not indicated)   Without Bras d'Or on the label

Logo in red and gold, Bras d’Or printed on the label:

With emblem in red and gold; bras d'or stated; neck has two thickenings; e70cl With emblem in red and gold; bras d'or stated; neck has two thickenings; e0.70L Tax Free Shop, Bangkok Airport neck has two thickenings; e0.70L; with HKDNP and USDNP indicated With 40%vol and e0,70L on the front and 40°G.L. and 70°Proof on the back (ca. 1980, UK) Same as previous but with a paper duty seal With 40%vol and e0,70L on the front and 40°G.L. and 70°Proof on the back (ca. 1980, UK)  Straight neck; underneath it says HKDNP and USDNP (prob. ca. 1980s) e0.70L with a Singapore Duty Not Paid sticker 70cl; underneath: Tax Free Shop Bangkok Airport Layout at the bottom of the label differs; different colour of label (very light with silvery guirlandes) With a cotisation symbol 40% and e70cl differently placed; Italian text (1980s) With additional text (in Turkish?) above ABV and content

4c. Bras d’Or, cognaçaise bottles (1990-2002):

1990-2002  With 'Duty Free' stated below bras d'or With a 'duty free sales' sticker on it.

4d. Bras d’Or Napoléon limited édition:

Probably around 1960; from Kilian Hennessy to mademoiselle Tavernier

5. XO (XO was first used in 1870, the first XO bottle was produced in 1888)

5a. Cognaçaise XO bottles:

Early 20th century?  est. 1930s text: 'Notre cognac X. O. a plus de 45 ans' and 'cette bouteille ne doit pas être revendue hors de France' (est. 1930s) text: 'Notre cognac X. O. a plus de 45 ans' text on the neck: 'over 45 years old'; text low on the label: 'our X.O. brandy is aged in wood for more than 45 years' (1930s)  Content stated: 1 pint 6 fluid ounces; with the age statement.  text: 'Notre cognac X. O. a plus de 45 ans'; driven cork with a black and gold foil (1940s)  text: 'Notre cognac X. O. a plus de 45 ans'; different capsule: capped cork with crimped foil Over 45 years old is printed on the shoulder label  Caped cork with crimped foil; on neck: Hennessy brand; New York import (Schieffelin); 1946  XO with crimped capsule (1940s) XO with crimped capsule, with text: notre Cognac XO a plus de 45 ans; (1940s)  Re-edition, replica of the 1870 bottle when XO was aged 70 years (1970)

5b. XO, JA´s Hennessy & Co. (the carafe was created in 1947 by Gerald de Geoffre de Chabrignac).

For this 5b-series with JA´s Hennessy & Co the following boxes were used:

 end 1940s, early 1950s  1950-60s   1950-60s  1960s (XO on dark oval) 1960s 1960s, probably only in the US  1960s  1960s-early 1970s (also used for XO's with the emblem in front of Hennessy) est. 1970s

0,70L stated at the bottom; no additional info on the back; 1960s Content not stated; on the back: 70 proof, fine old liqueur brandy 73cl (stated on the back); with a medaillon seal with star. Italian import, Soffiantino, Genova (1950s) On the back: 70 proof 24 FL OZS With ABV 42% stated (ca. 1950s) 'Not less than 24 fl.ozs' stated on back side (1970s) 1 pint five and a quarter fluid ounces; stated on the back Net contents one pint five and a quarter fluid ounces name and address in outer ring on bottom of label; nothing on the back Same as previous bottle, but with a stamp on it With address line in outer ring and 'not less than 24 FL.OZS.' on the back (1960s) 72cl stated on the back text in outer ring on bottom of label; with paper seal on top; 40° and 75cl stated on the back; Italian import (est. 1960s) 70° Proof stated  24 fl oz stated XO small, on a brown background, 80 Proof stated, 4/5 quart; late 1950s-1960s, USA import by Schieffelin, New York XO small, on a brown background; with an address text line in the outer ring; late 1950s-1960s 1950 XO, 'XO brand' is stated. 4/5 quart Like previous bottle with XO Brand on shoulder label; back side has one line text less and has a uk stamp, but was originally US import 73cl Italian import by Gancia & Co., Canelli (1950s) Italian import with a Japanese sticker too on the back 73cl Italian import by Wax & Vitale, Genova (1970s) Address line below; 750cc stated on the back; Italian import by Wax & Vitale produce of France on bottom of label (1950s) 70cl stated (said to be 1950s, but probably 1960s) ALC. 40% and INH 0.70 LTR stated (est. 1960s) ALC. 40% and INH 0.70 LTR stated, with an address line below (est. 1960s) 70cl Danish import   With Produce of France stated and with address line in outer ring: click to see; nothing on back side 700ml Japanese import  Asian import   Asian import by Boustead Trading (Malaysia) Asian import by Boustead Trading (Malaysia), with different Asian characters on the back   Asian import, with address line; imported by Boustead Trading, Malaysia  Same as previous, but the text on the back is different  With 'marca registrada' stated on all three labels; Mexican import  'Pour 'l'Exportation Seulement' in red letters (1960-70s) Pour l'exportation seulement and an address line beneath it. 40% on bottom of label 40% on bottom of label; different colour of letters 40° in different colour; Französisches Erzeugnis 40° stated; Französisches Erzeugnis stated differently 70 cl. and 40° stated (1960s)  70CL stated; Asian import, Boustead Trading, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei With a 'For Duty Free Only' stamp on it No back label No back label, 0,70L and 40°GL stated (1970s) With stamp: NAAFI Stores for HM Forces (1960s); nothing on the back XO on a brown background; 40% and 0.70L on bottom of label; Französisches Erzeugnis 80 proof, volume (750ml) not stated; US import  With a S'Pore Duty Not Paid stamp; Boustead Trading, Malaysia, Singapore; around 1960  70CL stated; XO on a dark background; Boustead Trading, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei; with a Singapore Duty Not Paid stamp and with embossed letters on the back (around 1970) XO on a brown background; 24 FL OZS stated on back-side (1970s)   With HKDNP stated

5c. XO, emblem in front of name Hennessy (from ca. 1970s till early 1980s)

For this 5c-series with the emblem in front of Hennessy the following boxes were used:

1970s (also used for XO's with JA's Hennessy on the label) 1970's  1970s - till early 1980s  Probably only in the USA (1970s)

5c1. cognac is stated above ‘Hennessy’:

40%vol and 68cl; HKDNP and SDNP stated; also on the back (1970s) 40%vol and 68cl stated, HKDNP, SDNP also on the back; back label has a lighter colour; this bottle comes in a different box than the previous one (end 1970s) Golden band on capsule is wider; on back: 24 fl.ozs, 68cl, 70Proog, 40°GL (1970s).  on the back: 68cl, 40%vol, 70Proof; 1970s 70cl indicated, very small (probably Australian import) 40°vol% - 70cl stated 70cl stated; 1980s  40%vol - 70cl indicated  700ml stated on the back; Asian import  Asian import; back label in Asian characters   With a paper seal on top (70cl); Italian import, Claretta (1980s) With a paper seal on top (70cl); Italian import, Claretta; different back-side.  No information on the back; probably 70cl (seen on Japanese auction) USDNP stated; on the back: HKDNP and SDNP (700ml, not stated)  70cl stated very small; Asian import by Boustead Trading  70cl stated very small; on the back is also a duty not paid stamp; import by Riche Monde 70cl stated very small; import by Riche Monde  70cl stated; with a Duty Free Emporium sticker from Singapore Airport. 70cl stated; with a Duty Not Paid stamp from Singapore. Imported by Riche Monde Malaysia & Singapore  With HKDNP and SDNP on it (1970s)  With 70cl and ABV stated and with HKDNP and SDNP stated between the two outer rings Same front as previous bottle, but this is Dutch import, with text in Dutch on the back 40%vol ande 0.70l stated on the front and Französisches Erzeugnis on the back  With HKDNP on the front and HKDNP and SDNP on the back; said to be 70cl  Only HKDNP on it; letters are more sharp and distance between lines is different than on previous bottle; paper has vertical stripes (cheap paper); content not stated, said to be 70cl on auction. with Duty Free Shop stamp; 70cl (prob. Japanese import) with Duty Free Shop stamp and produce of France stated  Alcoholic contents 40 G.L. and 70 Proof stated; no label information on the back; the bottom states: 0.70L 750ml, 80 proof 40%alc/vol stated and content; not sure what content 750ml or 1000ml? 40% alc/vol and 750ml stated on the back (New Zealand)  1,00L stated; and HKDNP SDNP Modern capsule, content not stated (very probably 70cl)

5c2. cognac is stated below ‘Hennessy’:

Cognac printed below Hennessy; XO different (on a lighter background); no alcohol percentage or content stated; 'Hennessy cognac France' in the outer circle all in capitals (1970s); 68cl Text is place somewhat higher and letters of 'cognac' are also a litthe larger; sadly no picture of the back-side.  'cognac' beneath 'Hennessy'; 40 G.L. and 0,70L stated Alc 40% stated and e0.70 LTR 70cl stated; Asian import by Boustead Trading 70cl stated, specially packed for Singapore Airport, Duty Free Emporium; Asian import by Boustead Trading  40% CONTENTS 700ML stated  Content stated not stated; no label on the back; no text on capsule (tear off - ouvrir)  Content stated on the back: 24 FL OZS, 68cl (1970s); text on capsule: please tear off - pour ouvrir tirez.  70cl stated; with a Duty Free Emporium sticker from Singapore Airport. Tax Free Bankok Airport stated on the back HKDNP is stated; no label on the back side (1970s)  With USDNP statedVolume and content stated semi-circular; with an estimated sign; Dutch import by Wilmerink & Muller, Naarden (end 1970s) 80PROOF, 4/5Quart; Schieffelin import (1970s)  80PROOF, 750ML (25.4fl oz); Schieffelin import (1970s)

Probably fake: filled with something else and recapped.

5d. XO, no emblem on the label (from ca. 1980s till early 2000s):

For this 5d-series with no emblem on the label the following boxes were used (gift packs with additional glasses are omitted):

 1980-90s (this design is also used for 1L and 3L boxes)  1980-90s (this layout is also used for 1,5L magnums)  1990s  1990s; the box has already The Original stated (I have seen more than one of this combination)  1990s (maybe only in Asia)  1980-90s  1990s (maybe only in Asia)   1990s

0,7L bottles (crimped caps):

With 70cl stated in the middle below; nothing on the back 70cl stated; on the back: Singapore duty not paid 70cl, Duty Free Singapore; import by Riche Monde 70cl stated; Asian import by Riche Monde 70cl indicated, very small 70cl stated on the back, imported by Riche Monde, different back side (1980s) e70cl stated; back has green point and cotisation symbol e70cl stated; with a tidyman on the back e70cl stated; with a tidyman on the back, Italian import with paper duty seal e70cl stated; with a back-label saying already 'The Original' (import: Ditta Claretta, Italy) 700ML stated (click for detail and enhanced detail) Asian characters on the front, 700ml stated on the back   No content on front; 700ml stated on the back, Asian import No content on front; 700ml stated on the back (differently), Asian import 40%-0.70L stated and Französisches Erzeugnis on the back

0,7L bottles (smooth caps):

70cl stated; imported by Riche Monde, Singapore  70cl stated; Taiwan import 70cl, text on back in Asian language, with a bar code, Taiwan import 'e70cl'; additional text within the inner ring and the word cognac much smaller; capsule very smooth on top; on the back-side it is already called 'The Original X.O' (2001) Same as previous, but text on back-side in German Same as previous, but with a recycling symbol and a cotisation symbol on the back (and a Spanish duty seal on top) Same as previous, but with a recycling symbol and a cotisation symbol on the back, and a number below it Same as previous, but with a recycling symbol and a cotisation symbol on the back and with a paper duty seal  Same as previous, but different back; Russian text, 'the original' seems not to be stated. On front no volume or abv stated; on the back 'COGNAC' and Japanese text; 700ml With Asian text on the neck; no alcohol percentage or content stated on the front; on the back: XO and Asian text, 700ml;  With Asian text on the neck; no alcohol percentage or content stated on the front; on the back: XO and Asian text with 'MHD', 700ml;  Very similar to previous bottle; on the back 700ml is stated in smaller letters and the bottom two lines are equally long.  on the back-side it is already called 'The Original X.O' (2001); with additional symbol on the back-side   Same as previous but with a paper seal on top; on the back-side it is already called 'The Original X.O'   70cl stated; with a paper duty seal; better and different leaves underneath. Triangular neck label has probably fallen off. Cont. Net 700ml stated; the word cognac much smaller. Different capsule 40%GL Contenido Neto 700ml; probably Mexican import Contenido Neto 700ml; probably Mexican import frosted glass; the leaves on bottom are better and different; content not stated

0,7L HKDNP bottles (and USDNP), crimped caps:

In outer ring on top is printed: 'Produce of France' and 'USDNP'; XO rather small; 70cl not stated Same as previous, but with '40%vol e 0,70L' stated and HKDNP in stead of USDNP Like previous (HKDNP), but more yellow label; Asian import 70cl, Lisboa import Same as previous (HKDNP); on backside: 40% GL and 70% Proof Same as previous, but different back, Taiwan import 0,7L   Percentage and content on bottom of label. 'X.O' a little thinner. Different capsule; HKDNP on top of label; 70cl stated (1980s); on the back is already stated: 'The Original XO'  Percentage 70cl and content on bottom of label. HKDNP on the back of the label; (1980s); on the back is already stated: 'The Original XO'   70cl stated; Cognac is larger again and HKDNP in the outer ring; different backside; click to see. HKDNP, e0.70L, with a cotisation mark on the back More text on label; alcohol and percentage placed to the very left and very right respectively; HKDNP on top of main label (import: Ditta Claretta, Italy) More text on label; alcohol and percentage placed to the very left and very right respectively; HKDNP on top of main label and with a back-label saying 40%GL and 70%Proof (import: Ditta Claretta, Italy)    70cl; this time 'HKDNP' AND 'USDNP' are stated.  HKDNP, 700ml stated e0.70L and HKDNP stated; on the back the governmental warning text (after 1989) 40% NET 700ML stated 700ML and 80 proof stated; import for Virgin Islands by West Indies Corp. (1980s)

0,7L HKDNP bottles (and USDNP), smooth caps:

Smooth cap; HKDNP, 70cl Smooth cap; HKDNP, 70cl; with a paper duty seal and a different back side  Percentage e70cl stated; HKDNP on the back of the label; (1980s); on the back is already stated: 'The Original XO'   Percentage e70cl stated; with a paper seal on top; HKDNP on the back of the label; (1980s); on the back is already stated: 'The Original XO'. e0,70L stated; HKDNP and a square HK-DNP stamp; Asian import  e0,70L stated; HKDNP and a round HK-DNP stamp; Asian import (1990s)  e0.70L stated and HKDNP on the main label; 40% G.L and 70 proof on the back 0.70L HKDNP, new type of cap 700ml stated on the label; on the paper duty seal it says 750ml; HKDNP stated (Mexican import)

0.75L bottles:

750ml stated wintin a cadre, also a number in a cadre. Extra text in outer ring of the label. Percentage and content on bottom of label. 'X.O' is rather small ABV and content stated (probably: 40%alc/vol 80 proof 750ml); 1980s ABV and content stated: 40%alc by vol (80 proof) 750ml; Schieffelin import and Asian sticker on the back (1980s) HKDNP, 750ML stated on the back 750ml stated

1 Litre bottles, crimped caps:

100cl stated; Duty Free Sade DFS  100cl stated (1970s); 'Singapore duty not paid' on back-side. 1L Malaysian Duty Not Paid 'e 1,00L' stated; the back has HKDNP stated e1,00L stated; on front and back is a sticker of Duty Free Shoppers. 1,00l with HKDNP in outer ring 1.00L (capital 'L') printed very crisp, With HKDNP in outer ring; on the backside 40°GL and 70°Proof (around 1980) 1L wih Duty Free stamp; HKDNP in outer ring

1 Litre bottles, smooth caps:

'e 1.00L' stated      1L travel retail; 1,00L stated    1.00L stated with HKDNP in the inner ring 1L Duty Free, on the back it says also: HKDNP

5e. XO the Original; vines underneath are intertwined and bottle has two bars left and right of the arm and axe emblem (from 2000s):

For this 5e-series of XO the Original the following boxes were used (gift packs with additional glasses are omitted):

 around 2000s  Around 2000s  2000s (this design was also used for 1L bottles)  2000s  2000s

 The original, 70cl, old type cap. The original, 70cl; new type cap 70cl stated; with a paper duty seal With a paper duty seal: different back side; 70cl  With a UK stamp, 70cl 70cl, Asian import, backside having 700ml No content or ABV on the front; Asian text on the back side (700ml) Asian import, different backside with 700ml stated The original XO on neck label; content not stated (maybe 1.5L?) 700ml stated 750ml stated  750ml stated; above cognac is printed: 'produce of France - product de France' 1000ml; Travel Retail stated

5f. XO The Original; no bars left and right of emblem and different vines underneath (from early 2010s):

For this 5f-series of XO the Original the following boxes were used (gift packs with additional glasses are omitted):

 2010s (this design was also used for 1L and 3L bottles)  2010s (this design was also used for 1L bottles)  2010s

70cl stated; The two bars left and right of the emblem are left off and adornment under the label is different  UK bottle, 28 standard units Back side is different (looks very much like the 250th anniversary edition, but with a regular box); 70cl    Background of label is lighter yellow and the letters of Hennessy are more dark. No duty seal on top, but English duty stamp on back side.  Same, but without percentage and content stated (70cl)  70cl stated; with Russian text on back and a number; also a duty seal.  70cl stated; with Russian text (different from previous bottle) and duty seal on the back 70cl Malaysian import, Arak mengandungi 700ML, 40%ALC/VOL stated; Australian import bottle  CONT.NET. 700ml stated, Mexican import (2012)  700ml stated on back; Japanese import   40%ALC/VOL 750ML stated  40%alc/vol 750ml stated 40%alc/vol 750ml stated; both 'product of France' and 'produit de France' stated 750ml; B421 in a little square (Sout African bottle) 1L bottle, French text on the back 1L bottle, Travel retail, French text on the back; additional pictogram  1L bottle; English text on the back 1L travel retail; text on the back in French 1L bottle; Latvian sticker on the back

5g. XO Grande champagne (1998, 50th anniversary of the XO):

box used:

 

Grande Champagne, 70cl  Grande champagne 'Duty Free' written above 'Hennessy' (1998) Grande champagne 'HKDNP' written above 'Hennessy', 70cl (1998)  1L Duty Free  1L bottle with a DFS sticker

5h. XXO (started in 2018):

1L Travel retail; just 'cognac' stated below XXO  1L XXO, cognac hors d'age on one line 1L XXO, cognac hors d'age on one line and a duty not paid sticker  XXO Hors d'Age, cognac hors d'age on two lines; 70cl (not confirmed); 2017 XXO Hors d'Age, 1L (2017) e100cl stated, Travel Retail

6. Extra and Paradis

Paradis followed after the Extra and was created in 1979.

6a. Extra:

Extra and VXSOP in cognaçaise bottles from 1923-1940s and in caraffes from 1948 till end 1970s.
(Old Extra’s were over 70 years old)

1920s Extra, with 40% stated Hennessy extra, with Cuban duty seal With the text: Notre cognac EXTRA a plus de 70 ans (est. 1920s) Mexican import 1930s a plus de 70 ans, with Französisches Erzeugnis  Schieffelin import; with fragile stickers on it VXSOP, Guatamala import

box of the VVXSOP:

 looks very much like one of the 1960 XO boxes

VVXSOP (Mexican import); looks like an XO bottle but cognac is probably older (Extra) (ca 1946-1948)

Boxes of the Extra in ‘de Chabrignac bottles’ (1950-70s):

est. late 1940s        (prob. late 1970s)         

Asian bottle, imported by R. London & Co. for Japan (est. late 1940s) Old Extra model Hydrata L 0,73 stated on the back; Italian import by Soffiantino, Genova (1950s) Italian import by Gancia, 73cl With an address line; 750 cc, stated on the back; Italian import by Wax & Vitale, Genova (1970s)  70cl, stated on the front   With address line on the edge of the label; no label on the back  24 FL OZS. 70 Proof; (stated on back); different colour of label and letters and with address line on the edge of the label   Same as last one, but without the embossed text on the glass (back side); 1970s  750ml (stated on back); different colour of label and letters and with address line on the edge of the label (Italian import, Vitale; 1970s) With some text in the outer ring of the label (24 fl.oz stated on back side; 1970s)  with 80 proof and 70 cent stated on the label With 'Produce of France' in large lettertype Produce of France in big letters printed, with an address line beneath; 0,7L stated at the bottom 0,7L stated at the bottom, bottom is different; less space between 'Produce of France' and text above it  Produce of France in big letters printed, with an address line beneath; on the back are Asian characters (click to see); content not stated but said to be 700ml in shop.

Extra on a dark background; content and ABV on back (4/5 quart); Schieffelin, New York Extra on a dark background; content and ABV on back (4/5 quart); Henry Elliot, Virgin Islands  With a Michigan sticker With an address line Extra on a black background; with 80 proof stated In very bad state; you can (barely) see that the content was stated (the 'l' of 'cl' is legible) EXTRA on a dark background 70cl stated, Japanese import With 70cl and 40% stated

With the emblem in front of the name Hennessy, no back label; 40°GL e 0.70L stated (end 1970s)   With the emblem in front of 'Hennessy'; no back label (70cl)  750ml stated on the back  70cl stated at the bottom  Asian import, 700ml; with an Asian sticker on the neck and on the back  70cl stated and a Singapore Airport sticker; Broustead Trading   Tax Free Bangkok Airport Asian import, Malaysia Duty Free, by Boustead Trading Singapore

Nostalgie de Bagnolet Extra (1990s):

Box of Extra de Bagnolet:

 

Nostalgie de Bagnolet, Extra (70cl)  Duty Free printed below 'Extra'; content unknown. Malaysian Duty Not Paid is printed below 'Extra'; 70cl (stated on back-side)

6b. Paradis (created in 1979)

Quite a few variations exist in the use of the words paradis, extra and rare on the label and on the neck.
6b1. Paradis old models, with a neck label, thick gold coloured band at base of neck capsule (1st edition, 1979-1980s):

Box of the 1st edition bottles:

 The box states 'Paradis', bottle says 'Paradis Extra'.   Paradis on bottle and on box

0.7L; Only 'extra' high on the shoulder, no mentioning of Paradis, but in the new bottle

700ml stated, Paradis Extra With 'Paradis Extra' written on neck label; 70cl stated; with a Duty not payed stamp 'Paradis Extra'; content not stated, Asian import (click to see back); 70cl, not indicated

Only Paradis written on neck label; with 40% and content on it (1st edition) Slightly different font type is used 40%vol e 0.70L is stated; Portuguese import (see back) No content or ABV stated; back in English Content and ABV not stated; back in French (1980s) Paradis; alcohol% and content stated on the back (70cl); 1980s colour of label is lighter and content and ABV in different letter type (on the back); 1980s With 'Produce of France' on it 0,70L stated; Singapore Duty Not Paid e 0,70L Duty Free Singapore; the back has a different text Paradis; 750ml and 80 Proof indicated; Imported by Schieffelin, New York  750ml stated differently (ca 1986)

6b2. Paradis old models, with a neck label, thin gold coloured bands at base of neck capsule (2d edition, ca 1980’s):

Box of this second edition:

    

Volume and ANB not stated; capsule with thin gold bands; this must be an early bottle because it has 'Extra' on the shoulder label

Different capsule, with Product of France on top of the main label; back has alcoholic strength in Gay-Lussac and in Proof Different back side 40% vol and 0.70L stated differently; produce of France on the upper side of the label   With Product of France on top of the main label; on the back: Französisches Erzeugnis no alcohol% or content stated; neck logo just disappeared? With a paper duty seal Paradis; alcohol and content (750ml) stated in different lettertype  Contenido neto 700ml and 40% G.L. stated (Mexican import) 0,70L, Japanese import with HKDNP and USDNP stated on the vack With a Singapore Duty Not Paid sticker  With a green label; Lissabon import (1970-80s)

6b3. Paradis old models, with a neck label and the head of James Hennessy at the top of the main label (est. 1980-90s):

box of 12b3 edition:

 Same box as 17b2

40°vol. and e0.70L stated; 40°G.L. and 70°Proof stated on the back Same front, different backside; with a tidyman; Italian import by Claretta  Sae as previous, but on the back is HKDNP and USDNP stated  Same as previous but with Asian text on the back  Italian: 'gradi' left and 'contenuto' right  e70cl, Französisches Erzeugnis  Probably Mexican import ALC/VOL 40% and 750ML stated, US import  40% alc/vol. and 750ml stated, Canadian import    Paradis; asian market; this is the back-side

6b4 Paradis old models, without a neck label (ca. 1990s):

      

Extra on the neck and on the main label (1990s); no mentioning of Paradis

40%vol and e70cl stated; 'extra rare cognac' printed on the neck Paradis with 'Extra rare cognac' stated on the neck; more text below the signature No ABV or content stated; on the back a cotisation symbol and a green point.  750ml and 40%alc/vol stated With a green label, Extra, rare cognac; e70cl

'Paradis rare cognac' on the neck; Duty Free, 40%vol and 70cl stated without the 'e' sign (1990s)  'Paradis rare cognac' on the neck and 40% volume and e70cl stated (1990s)  Same as previous, with a paper duty seal on top  On the top of the label is the ABV (40%) and beneath 'Paradis' the content: 700ml Paradis; 750ml No volume or content stated  No ABV or content stated; with a DFS-sticker (Duty Free Shoppers) 40%vol and e70cl stated; with a DFS-sticker (Duty Free Shoppers) and a decent stopper

6c. Paradis Extra rare and Paradis rare (from 2001):

6c1. Paradis Extra, rare cognac, metal stopper, red box (from 2001):

Paradis Extra; 70cl 70cl Paradis Extra, with a paper duty seal on top Paradis Extra, with UK stamp; 70cl Polish import 70cl Paradis Extra, Travel retail engraved on the back (click to see) e70cl and Duty Free stated on the back With a Duty free sale only sticker on the front and again indicated on the back side (70cl, not stated) CONT.NET. 700 ml stated on the neck (vaguely); Mexican import  75cl, US import by Schieffelin  750ml indicated on the back; with a B-number (South African import)

6c2. Paradis, rare cognac, metal stopper, green-brown box (from 2009):

Paradis rare cognac, 70cl  Paradis rare cognac; 70cl; with a number on the back  Paradis rare cognac; 70cl; different back With an Excise Duty Paid sticker on the back side 700ml stated, Australian import 700ml Asian import; click to see back  70cl Paradis Rare, Travel retail engraved on the back (click to see)

Paradis rare cognac, 2d edition, glass stopper, beige box (from 2015):

Paradis rare cognac, glass stopper (2d ed.)  Paradis rare cognac, different stopper; with extra text on the neck; 70cl stated on the back e70cl; on the back: imported by Moët Hennessy, UK Limited  700ml stated on the back Imported by Moët Hennessy Diageo Hong Kong Limited, 70cl Same as previous, but with a different back, Asian import (click to see)    Same as previous, but Travel retail (click to see back)

New design 2024, with an 'H' on the neck

6d. Paradis Impérial (created in 2011, purple box):

(design by Stéphanie Balini)

Paradis Impérial (e70cl) 40%vol and 70cl indicated; Asian import (2013) Asian import, 700ml indicated on the back; different backside (2013)  Paradis Impérial (70cl), with a UK duty sticker on the back e70cl Travel Retail from Romania  With 70cl and HKDNP stated on the back (click to see)  Backside of another 70cl Paradis Impérial  700ml stated and 22standard drinks (New Zealand bottle)   With the governmental warning text; US bottle; content not indicated

New design by Arik Levy (2019, in a trunk):

New design, different neck and stopper  40%alc/vol and 700ml stated; product of France Produit de France (Canadian import) 750ml bottle

7. Richard (created in 1996)

1st edition with wooden stopper and a separate cristal stopper; some bottles made by Baccarat, some by the St. Louis cristallery; the opening of the box is in the shape of a wave and some boxes have a silk liner:

 

Richard 1st edition; stopper same as next one (not depicted); no engraved text on neck Black cap, but with name engraved on the neck (70cl stated at bottom)  With a paper duty seal

2d edition metal stopper and a separate cristal stopper; wine leaves engraved in the glass; Baccarat crystal; the opening of the box has a simple curve (until 2008):

0,70L indicated 70cl stated differently e70cl stated; Greek bottle  Travel Retail stated at lowest part of the glass Travel Retail stated at the bottom Duty Free Sale Only, Russian import  Met een sticker of the Sheremetyevo airport (Moskow); click to see in detail With a Duty Free Sale Only sticker  With the pregnancy warning on a sticker below (US bottle) Baccarat 70cl, HKDNP  750ml indicated on the foot, backside  750ML, US bottle; The governmental warning message is stated in 6 lines 750ML indicated on the back of the neck, US bottle. The governmental warning message is stated in 5 lines with additional text below it. 750ML stated on the neck; US import

Third edition: different neck and stopper, no engraved leaves in the glass; in a black box (released around 2008):

New neck and stopper (2d edition); without the engraved leaves in the glass; (ca. 2010)  70cl stated; imported by Moët Hennessy Diageo Hong Kong Limited; baccarat  With ABV and 70cl content stated on a sticker at the back 70cl, with a paper label at the back; paper duty seal: Republic Moldava  70cl stated at the back; with a paper duty seal and a number in blue on the back of the neck  70cl Russian import; text on the glass below is different  On the neck is 'cognac' written and at the base it says: 'Travel retail cognac'. 70cl is stated on the back. 70cl stated at the back, with additional text (probably: arak mengandungi, so Malaysian bottle) 700ml and 40%ALC/VOL stated at the bottom; and 22 standard drinks (Australian bottle)    With Japanese characters underneath (700ml) CONT NET 700 ml stated (Mexican import)  750ml stated on the right below

 

8. Vintages

1747, bottled in 1887 by Boussault, rebouchage en 1947 (recorked) 1789, bottled in 1969 from demi-john by Harvey & Sons  1803 vintage, bottled for Maxim's in 1968  1813 vintage, bottled for Maxim's in 1971 1830 vintage, bottled early 1940s (confirmed by Hennessy) 1868 vintage, bottled by Bowen & McKechnie, London 1875 1887 (bottled 1922) 1890 (presumed; bottled 1960s) 1893 vintage, US import bt Park & Tilford  1896 1900 (aged in wood for 53 years, bottled for the occasion of the coronation of queen Elizabeth) vintage 1900 La Billarderie (bot 1965); (not been on the market, but handed down as gifts by Hennessy family). 1904, landed 1905, bottled 1928; Magee, Marshall & Co, Bolton 1904, landed 1905, bottled 1942; Magee, Marshall & Co, Bolton 1905 1908 1908, landed 1910, bottled 1942 by Pountain & Co. Ltd, Derby 1912 1913; finest old pale cognac brandy  1913, landed 1914, bottled 1930s 1913 Fine Old Liqueur Brandy, landed 1914  1914 1914 1914, only partle photographed  1959, landed 1963 bottled 1982 (for Justerini & Brooks, London) 1959, landed 1963 bottled 1985 (for Morgan Furze, London) 1959, landed 1963 bottled 1982 (for Morgan Furze, London) 1962 GC, landed 1963, bottled 1985 for Corney And Barrows 1962 GC, landed 1963, bottled 1986 for Justerini & Brooks 1962, landed 1964, bottled 1992 Vintage 1964; landed 1966; bottled 1990 1972, Domaine de la Bataille (botted 1994) 1972, Domaine de la Bataille (botted 1995) 1972, Domaine de la Bataille (botted 1995); different closure 1972, Domaine de la Bataille (botted 1996) 1972, Domaine de la Bataille (botted 1999) 1975 1977 Domaine de la Bataille (landed 1980, bottled 2004 by Justerini & Brooks, London) 1979 Domaine de la Bataille (landed 1981, bottled 2006 by Justerini & Brooks, London) 1982 Domaine de la Bataille (landed 1987, bottled 2001 by Justerini & Brooks, London)

Some Hennessy vintages. They were never very big on vintages. The first two bottles that are depicted here were probably never for sale on the market.

 


Reacties

Hennessy bottles 70cl and up — 20 reacties

  1. I can confirm Hennessy XO 50th Anniversary “Grand Champagne” it suppose celebration in 1998 were already being sold at HK Duty Free in December 1997 when my parents bought a 70cl bottle and a mini bottlethey now resides in my cabinet.

  2. I have a question. Hennessey Paradis Extra version 6c1 from 2001-2009 there is a small card inised the box that says “This gift box has been individually checked with special care” with a number. I have seen some all with very low numbers below 100. What does the card mean and does the number indicate bottle number? Surely many Paradis has been sold around the world much has gone to North Korean leader so if they are bottle number on the card very surprsie to see so many low numbers.

    Cheers

    Simon

      • Do you know why Hennessy drop the word “Extra” in 6C1 from 6C2? Is there a taste different between these two? What about the taste different between the metal stopper Paradis and the current glass stopper?

        Speaking to a collector in HK who visited Cognac houses he says Paradis was not intended to replace their Extra rather it was a premium line they introduced above XO while their Extra became Richard. Maybe he is wrong?

        • I really don’t know. Maybe in a few months’ time I’ll have time to find out properly. But it won’t be easy.
          Your collector friend might be right.
          By the way, I am not sure the order in which the paradis and paradis extra bottles are represented on my page is the best one. An argument can be made for separating the extra and extra paradis bottles from the paradis bottles.

  3. I have a Hennessy Paradis old bottle 2nd edition 6b2 but the box is 1st edition and still has the invitation card. I’ve only seen this in Japanese website maybe Hennessey were still offering invitation to Asia and kept the box and card for a while longer while they were rolling out the 2nd edition bottle?

    • Prices vary widely and depend on fill level and whether the original box is present.
      Often the estimations by auctioneers are a bit high. I would expect €400-600 and only higher prices if you are lucky.
      Personally I would drink it myself.
      Ton

    • Nice bottle!
      I do not know exactly when it was bottled. But these Alsace bottles were used quite often when glass/bottles were scarce, for example just after the Second World War. So possibly this is a bottle from the second half of the 1940s.
      Ton

  4. Hi! Need some help with identification, age,etc. Bottle is light green, 100 ml,cap screw, on the bottom it says DEPOSE and has some markings : SG, M, AR. Thanks

  5. Ik heb een fles gekregen van een ex militair waar ik iets voor gedaan heb. De man is nu in de 90 en kocht deze fles vroeger taksvrij. Ik heb geen idee hoe oud ze is. Er staat op het etiket in het rood : N.A.A.F.I. FOR H.M. FORCES. Ze is dus via het leger aangekocht. Verder weet ik er niets over. Misschien kan u er iets meer over vertellen. Ik vind ze nergens terug in het overzicht. De inhoud is 1 liter.

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