Enduring LEGACY

Maurice Hennessy, the 8th generation member of the cognac-making family, speaks to us about the brand’s revered heritage right from the drawing room of the former family estate, the Chateau de Bagnolet, in Cognac, France.

- JOAN KONG

What is it like to grow up with Hennessy as a last name, and to take part in the brand's legacy for almost 50 years? Having joined the business in 1975, even though Maurice Hennessy has since retired from his role as the brand ambassador, he continues to be involved on special occasions, and our trip to Cognac was one of them. During our stay at the by-invitation-only Chateau de Bagnolet, we sat down with a member of the cognac dynasty for an exclusive chat to gain more insight into the world of Hennessy. Maurice Hennessy

L'OFFICIEL: What is one of your most memorable memories growing up at the family vineyard?

MAURICE HENNESSY: We have had our vineyard since the 1790s when Richard Hennessy purchased it, and we still own it today. When I was a kid, I used to ride my push bike to school in Cognac, and stopping by the distillery on my way home from school was a little ritual of mine. At that time, it was coal-powered which was a lot of work since the coal had to be broken up. I would go say hello to the workers around 5 or 6 PM when it was already dark and cold. I know them well because they lived near my parents, and I loved the smell of the young cognac which was invigorating.

LO: Were you always interested in joining the family business?

MH: When I was young, no. My father was a nuclear scientist and wasn't involved in the business, nor was he particularly fascinated by it. He didn't influence me to pursue it. However, my two grandfathers were passionate about growing grapes, maintaining vineyards, distilling and ageing. They sparked my interest.