When it comes to Cognac, four houses dominate the landscape: Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, and Courvoisier. These iconic producers represent centuries of craftsmanship and have become synonymous with luxury, quality, and tradition. Whether you’re new to Cognac or a seasoned aficionado, these four houses are essential names to know.
1. Hennessy: The King of Cognac
Founded: 1765
Signature Cognacs: Hennessy VS, VSOP, XO, Paradis, Richard Hennessy
Hennessy is, without a doubt, the largest and most recognized Cognac house in the world. It produces nearly half of all Cognac sold globally, and its influence on the industry is unparalleled. Founded by Richard Hennessy, an Irishman who settled in France, the house started as a small business but quickly expanded due to its high-quality Cognac and strategic relationships.
In the early 19th century, Hennessy’s partnership with the Martell family and the financial firm Moët & Chandon laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the luxury powerhouse LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), which still owns Hennessy today.
What makes Hennessy special: One key to Hennessy’s success is its ability to blend tradition with innovation. While respecting the craftsmanship and aging methods developed over centuries, Hennessy has also embraced modern marketing and collaborations, making its Cognac appealing to a new generation of drinkers. The range from VS (Very Special) to its ultra-premium offerings, such as Richard Hennessy, showcases the house’s ability to cater to a broad spectrum of tastes.
Hennessy XO, created in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy, is often regarded as the first “Extra Old” Cognac, and it remains one of the most popular expressions in the world.
2. Martell: The Oldest of the Big Four
Founded: 1715
Signature Cognacs: Martell VS, VSOP, Cordon Bleu, Martell XO, L’Or de Jean Martell
Martell holds the distinction of being the oldest of the major Cognac houses, founded by Jean Martell, a Jersey native who moved to France to start his business. Over the years, Martell has established itself as a key player in the industry, producing elegant, well-balanced Cognacs that emphasize finesse and smoothness.
Martell is known for its use of Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard grapes, and it focuses heavily on Cognacs from the Borderies sub-region, which imparts floral and nutty characteristics. Martell’s dedication to aging its spirits in Tronçais oak barrels—which have a fine grain and impart more subtle oak flavors—further distinguishes its style.
What makes Martell special: Martell’s iconic Cordon Bleu expression, created in 1912, is perhaps its most famous offering and a favorite among Cognac connoisseurs. Cordon Bleu is known for its deep complexity and harmonious flavor profile, with rich notes of fruit, spices, and honey. The house’s emphasis on smoothness and elegance makes its Cognacs versatile, whether enjoyed neat or as a base for high-end cocktails.
In recent years, Martell has innovated with expressions like Martell Blue Swift, a Cognac finished in bourbon barrels, further expanding its appeal to a global audience.
3. Rémy Martin: The Champion of Fine Champagne Cognac
Founded: 1724
Signature Cognacs: Rémy Martin VSOP, XO, 1738 Accord Royal, Louis XIII
Rémy Martin is distinguished by its focus on Fine Champagne Cognac—a designation meaning its Cognac is exclusively made from grapes grown in the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne regions. These are considered the finest terroirs in Cognac. Founded by Rémy Martin, a winemaker in the early 18th century, the house has grown into one of the most prestigious names in the industry, known for producing Cognacs that balance power with finesse.
The company’s philosophy has always been about creating Cognacs with depth and complexity, thanks to the exceptional chalky soil in its vineyards, which allows grapes to mature slowly and develop rich aromatic profiles. The house is perhaps best known for Louis XIII, an extraordinary Cognac aged for 40 to 100 years, presented in crystal decanters. Louis XIII is considered one of the pinnacle achievements in Cognac making, representing the height of luxury.
What makes Rémy Martin special: Rémy Martin stands out for its dedication to Fine Champagne Cognac, a distinction that gives its spirits a rich, layered depth. Its VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is one of the most well-loved VSOP Cognacs in the world, known for its balanced profile of fruit, vanilla, and oak. Rémy Martin XO is similarly revered, offering a refined experience with notes of figs, honey, and spices.
Rémy Martin also pioneered sustainable practices in Cognac production, ensuring that their vineyards are certified under the High Environmental Value (HVE) certification, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.
I see! Thanks for clarifying. Let’s pick up from where we left off and finish the original blog post about the four Cognac houses, continuing with Courvoisier in the same style:
Courvoisier: Napoleon’s Cognac of Choice
Founded: 1828
Signature Cognacs: Courvoisier VS, VSOP, XO, Napoleon, Initiale Extra
Courvoisier holds a special place in Cognac history, often referred to as “Napoleon’s Cognac.” According to legend, when Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the island of Saint Helena, he chose Courvoisier as his spirit of choice, bringing several barrels with him. Whether fact or fiction, this association helped elevate Courvoisier’s reputation, linking it with prestige and a sense of imperial grandeur.
Courvoisier was founded by Emmanuel Courvoisier in 1828, and like the other major houses, it has maintained a reputation for quality, blending tradition with innovation. What sets Courvoisier apart is its focus on a balanced and approachable style, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a smooth, well-rounded Cognac.
The house places a strong emphasis on blending, using a mix of young and older eaux-de-vie to create Cognacs that are both accessible and complex. Their VSOP and XO expressions, in particular, are known for striking a balance between fruit-forward notes and deeper layers of spice, vanilla, and oak. The XO is often praised for its velvety texture and rich, long finish, making it a luxurious yet approachable option for Cognac lovers.
What makes Courvoisier special: Beyond its connection to Napoleon, Courvoisier is one of the few Cognac houses that manages every step of production, from vineyard to bottle. This vertical integration ensures a high level of quality control and consistency across its entire range. Courvoisier is also known for its use of fine-grain oak barrels, which impart delicate, subtle flavors to the spirit without overwhelming the natural fruitiness of the eaux-de-vie.
One of Courvoisier’s standout expressions is the Courvoisier Napoleon, a blend that exemplifies the house’s smooth, elegant style, with rich notes of dried fruit, caramel, and nuts. Whether enjoyed neat or as a digestif after a meal, Courvoisier’s Cognacs are designed to be both refined and approachable, appealing to a wide audience of drinkers.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
The four major Cognac houses—Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, and Courvoisier—represent the pinnacle of Cognac production, each with its own distinct heritage and style. Together, they account for the vast majority of the world’s Cognac sales, and their influence can be seen in both the classic and contemporary worlds of luxury spirits.
• Hennessy leads the way with its global reach, balancing tradition and innovation to remain the largest Cognac producer in the world.
• Martell honors its status as the oldest of the Cognac houses, producing elegant, smooth spirits while embracing modern trends and sustainability.
• Rémy Martin focuses on Fine Champagne Cognac, producing deep, complex spirits with a commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Courvoisier blends history with approachability, offering refined Cognacs that are known for their smoothness and balance.
Together, these four houses have defined and elevated Cognac to the status it holds today. Whether you’re sipping a bold XO, mixing a classic VSOP cocktail, or exploring the world of ultra-premium Cognacs, the craftsmanship and dedication of these producers ensure there’s always something new to discover in the glass.
If you’re just starting your journey into the world of Cognac, these four houses offer the perfect foundation, with centuries of experience and excellence behind each bottle.