The great historic cognac houses

According to information available on the website of the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), the Cognac appellation includes 4,361 vineyards in 2024. There are nearly 200 cognac producers, each offering one or more brands. Among these producers, the four main houses — Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier, and Rémy Martin — dominate the market, accounting for over 90% of cognac sales. In addition to these large houses, many independent and medium-sized producers contribute to the diversity of cognac brands available on the market.

Founded in 1765 by the Irishman Richard Hennessy, Hennessy is now one of the largest cognac producers in the world. From its beginnings, the brand established itself through its international vision. It is notably responsible for the system of classification for cognacs into VS, VSOP, and XO.

Here are some specific features of Hennessy cognac:

• Use of eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois.
• Aging in Limousin oak barrels for a unique aromatic richness.
• A double distillation process in Charentais pot stills.
• Flagship product of the distillery: Hennessy VS

An iconic product from the Hennessy distillery.

Founded in 1715, Martell is the oldest of the great cognac houses. Its founder, Jean Martell, quickly focused on exporting, particularly to England and even to Asia as early as 1868.

Here are some specific features of Martell cognacs:

• Predominance of eaux-de-vie from Borderies, giving a floral and smooth character.
• Aging in fine-grained oak barrels for a delicate integration of aromas.
• Distillation without lees.
• Flagship product of the distillery: Martell Cordon Bleu.

An iconic product from the Martell distillery.

Founded in 1724, Rémy Martin is a house specializing in cognacs exclusively from the terroirs of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. It is renowned for its meticulous approach to blending and aging. The use of lees during distillation imparts caramelized notes obtained through the Maillard reaction.

Here are the production characteristics of Rémy Martin cognacs:

• Distillation on lees for richer and more complex cognacs.
• Extended aging in French oak barrels.
• Cognacs primarily classified as Fine Champagne (minimum 50% Grande Champagne).
• Rémy Martin XO is a reference of the distillery.

An iconic product from the Rémy Martin distillery.

Founded in 1809, Courvoisier distinguished itself by becoming the cognac of choice for Napoléon Bonaparte.

Here are the production characteristics of Courvoisier cognacs:

• Sourcing eaux-de-vie from the four main cognac crus (Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois).
• Controlled aging for optimal complexity.
• Rich aromatic profile, with notes of ripe fruits, spices, and chocolate.
• Signature of the house: Courvoisier XO.

An iconic product from the Courvoisier distillery.

La Maison du Whisky has three boutiques in Paris:

• 20 rue d'Anjou, 75008 Paris
• 6 carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006 Paris
• 11 rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris

In each of these boutiques, you'll find a wide selection of whiskies, rums, sakes, and other fine spirits.

Follow our tasting calendar for upcoming events, or visit the Golden Promise Whisky Bar, which offers an extensive selection of whiskies and other spirits by the glass.

Discover our other articles on cognac.

Written by

• Quentin JEZEQUEL - SEO project manager at LMDW.

Verified by

• Adrien GASTECLOU - LMDW Training Manager
• Didier GHORBANZADEH - Wine & Spirits Expert / LMDW Global Ambassador
• Clotilde NOUAILHAT - Editorial and Corporate Communications Manager at LMDW

Published on 04/01/2025