Marketing

Raising the bar

As retailers and hospitality operators prepare for the all-important festive season, premium cognac continues to shine as a category that delivers both strong consumer demand and reliable trade-up opportunities. Drinks Industry Ireland reports

This year, brands such as Hennessy and Rémy Martin are placing renewed emphasis on storytelling, provenance and elevated serves to support the trade in driving engagement. With distinctive flavour profiles, rich histories and strong brand recognition, these exceptional spirits continue to offer retailers, publicans and restaurateurs a compelling way to add value to their festive offering.

A season of timeless elegance

Hennessy V.S.O.P was commissioned in 1817 by the future King George IV of England

Hennessy Very Special (V.S) (RSP €41.00) is the perfect gift for the cognac lover in your life. Hennessy V.S is an intense and lively cognac, distinguished by its golden hue that reflects the signature V.S style. On the nose, it offers a bold, fruity aroma balanced with subtle oaky notes. The palate is full-bodied and vibrant, bursting with flavours of citrus, apple, and fresh grape, complemented by the richness of grilled almonds for a refined, lasting finish. For a simple, refreshing serve that highlights its vibrant character, Hennessy V.S pairs beautifully with ginger ale over ice.
Hennessy V.S.O.P (RSP €65) was commissioned in 1817 by the future King George IV of England to enthral guests at a colourful gathering. It’s the very first passionate achievement of Hennessy’s original Master Blender, Jean Fillioux, whose family has continued to perfect it for eight generations over two centuries.
Hennessy V.S.O.P sees strength meet smoothness with a bright and shimmering mahogany appearance. Initial impressions of vanilla, clove and cinnamon give way to delicate toasted notes, courtesy of the oak barrels in which the eaux-de-vie are aged. A signature combination of strength and smoothness is what makes V.S.O.P so iconic. For a timeless serve that showcases its depth and elegance, enjoy a Hennessy V.S.O.P Old Fashioned, an elevated twist on the classic cocktail.
Hennessy X.O (RSP €210) was created in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for his circle of friends and introduced a new style of cognac. Hennessy X.O is the Original, the emblematic icon of the Hennessy Maison.
A deep and complex extra old, Hennessy X.O is a deep and intense amber with glimpses of mahogany in appearance and is notably darker than the rest of the Hennessy cognac collection.

Exceptional spirits

Rémy Martin VSOP is composed of eaux-de-vie coming exclusively from the highest-quality vineyards of Cognac

Since 1724, the House of Rémy Martin has produced exceptional spirits that consistently appeal to the world’s most discerning connoisseurs. A profound love of the land, a continuity of family ownership and a passionate commitment to excellence have sustained Rémy Martin for nearly three centuries. As a result of its masterful production and generations of tradition in Cognac, today, Rémy Martin produces Cognacs Fine Champagne, including Rémy Martin XO, Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal and Rémy Martin V.S.O.P.
Rémy Martin VSOP is composed of eaux-de-vie coming exclusively from the highest-quality vineyards of Cognac, the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Such eaux-de-vie offer an exceptional ageing potential and are known as Cognac Fine Champagne.
In 1927, Rémy Martin’s Cellar Master André Renaud created the very first VSOP Fine Champagne -a truly visionary and audacious decision. This prestigious appellation would be officially recognized 11 years later as an AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée – a specific growing area protected by French law).
Accounting for one in three bottles of VSOP consumed worldwide, Remy Martin is the benchmark for the VSOP category and is blended from spirits aged from 4 to 12 years. This latest version finishes the cognac in old barrels for a year before bottling. Rémy Martin VSOP is extremely versatile, so you may enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. We recommend drinking Rémy Martin VSOP with ginger ale or as Remy Grand Tonic made by mixing Remy Martin VSOP over ice, topped with tonic and finished with a wedge of fresh lemon. Proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam


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