Hennessy Richard Second Edition

The second edition of Hennessy's most prestigious non-Richard Hennessy expression — a blend of rare and exceptional eaux-de-vie assembled at the apex of Hennessy's production hierarchy, below only the iconic Richard Hennessy decanter in the house's prestige ranking.

Hennessy was founded in 1765 in Cognac, France by Irish officer Richard Hennessy — making it one of the oldest and most storied Cognac houses in existence. The Richard Hennessy expression is the house's flagship prestige release — a blend of the rarest and most extraordinary aged eaux-de-vie in Hennessy's Founder's Cellar, named directly for the Irish founder. The Hennessy Richard (without the founder's first name) is distinct from the Richard Hennessy — a second tier of ultra-prestige expressions from Hennessy's finest aged stocks, assembled by the cellar master for a specific release program.

The Second Edition continues this program with a different selection of exceptional aged eaux-de-vie from Hennessy's unparalleled inventory — the house that pioneered the star rating system (VS, VSOP, XO) for Cognac now at its most extraordinary age and quality point. The crystal decanter presentation matches the liquid's prestige: purpose-designed, collectible, and representing Hennessy at the very top of its hierarchy.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with the extraordinary concentration of long-aged Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie.
• Nose: Profound complexity — dried fruit, floral notes, warm spice, and the deep rancio character that only extended Cognac aging produces.
• Palate: Silky and fully integrated — the assembled eaux-de-vie producing extraordinary depth, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and the seamless elegance of Hennessy's finest aged stocks.
• Finish: Extraordinarily long — the rancio and dried fruit evolving through a finish that marks the world's finest aged Cognac.

Specs

• House: Hennessy, Cognac, France (est. 1765)
• Category: Cognac
• Edition: Richard Second Edition
• Presentation: Crystal decanter
• Size: 750ml

Explore the full Cognac collection at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Hennessy Richard differ from Richard Hennessy? Richard Hennessy is the house's flagship prestige release — named for the Irish founder, drawing from the Founder's Cellar's rarest stocks. Hennessy Richard (this expression) is a separate ultra-prestige program — a different assemblage at the top of Hennessy's hierarchy. Both are exceptional; the Richard Hennessy is the singular apex, while the Richard program explores the highest tier of the house's blending capabilities in a series format.
• Who founded Hennessy? Richard Hennessy, an Irish military officer from County Cork, founded the house in Cognac in 1765 after serving in the Irish Brigade of the French army. He began exporting Cognac, and his family has maintained involvement in the business for 260 years. Hennessy is now part of LVMH but remains the world's largest Cognac producer.
• What is rancio in aged Cognac? Rancio is a complex aromatic characteristic — described as mushroomy, walnut, or aged cheese — that develops in spirits and fortified wines after extended barrel aging and oxidation. It is considered one of the highest quality markers in aged Cognac, appearing only in very old eaux-de-vie that have reached extraordinary maturity.
• Is the Hennessy Richard Second Edition still available? Yes — one bottle in current stock.