What we’re drinking this week: Hennessy XO Cognac

Fight the hideous drop in temperatures with this, the gold-standard of Cognac.
June 6, 2025
1 min read

If this sort of definition bamboozles you, just know that Cognac is a kind of brandy that is named for the area (sort of like a municipality) in France in which it is produced. Like Champagne, only the good stuff from that pocket of the world can be classified as such. We think that this OG Cognac, in its fancy canister, seems the kind of gift that would impress anyone!

Our pick this week:

Hennessy XO Cognac

From R3,299.95, Woolworths

Why we love it:

International Cognac Day came and went this week – but if you missed it, here’s your very good excuse to catch up. Hennessy XO, created in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for his mates (because, why not?), was the first of its kind. The XO is short for “extra old”, and this slow-aged elixir is deeply smooth and unapologetically iconic. Available at WCellar.

Sign up to Currency’s weekly newsletters to receive your own bulletin of weekday news and weekend treats. Register here

Sarah Buitendach

With a sharp eye for design, Sarah has an unparalleled sense of shifting cultural, artistic and lifestyle sensibilities. As the former editor of Wanted magazine, founding editor of the Sunday Times Home Weekly, and many years in magazines, she is the heartbeat of Currency’s pleasure arm.

Latest from Pleasure

Three men and their baby

Curate at Ellerman House blends local flavours, fine wine and striking design for Cape Town’s most immersive new fine-dining experience…

The key ingredient: citrus

In the second of our series of ingredient-focused food columns, The Rural Cook examines the intersection of amphetamines and aromatherapy in citrus…

Don't Miss