We preview Hennessy’s second annual Cognac Classics Week with a bar crawl around lower Manhattan. Come along!
Tapping into an extremely robust network of bars and pubs in NYC, cognac producer Hennessy offered an exclusive look at the second annual Cognac Classics Week, an opportunity to explore cognac in a new way, all across the city. It’s an ambitious effort that we found hard to miss, with new takes on the French 75, the Sidecar, the Sazerac.
First stop was the Late Late, a dark and woody spot on Houston Street, definitely tapping into a forbidden speakeasy effect. Here we enjoyed some delightful chicken wings, thick, well-seasoned fries, and of course, an adventurous interpretation of the Sidecar, which incorporated Hennessy’s VSOP Privilege effortlessly, tart and refreshing, topping out with a touch of Moet champagne. We were simply seduced by the mafia glamor of the whole arrangement- and struck by the complexity of the drink. Oh la!
Sweetwater Social was a walk away, but felt like a totally different world. Tucked in the basement of an older building on an unsuspecting spot, Sweetwater Social really does embody what they mean when talking about deep cuts in NYC bar scene. The space is cavernous and chic- an illuminated bar and plenty of seatins offers mid-fifties lounge feel paired with a whisper of hipster. It was here we enjoyed a perfect French 75, an effortless and light interpretation that capitalized on VSOP’s subtle grace.
Our third and final stop was Distilled in TriBeCa. It’s a straight-laced, stand-up bar that features a full menu, including some delightful seasoned popcorn (much needed after a remarkable amount of Hennessy consumed), crunchy honey-dipped chicken wings, as well as a ceviche and greens. Here we enjoyed the final drink, a Sazerac that included vanilla, cardamom, and of course Hennessy VSOP Privilege. This was the strongest of the mixes, but also the most balanced and smooth- not as complex as the opener way back at the Late Late, but interesting enough to keep sipping.
Be sure to explore all of Hennessy’s events online at https://www.hennessy.com/us/ and chime in with the hashtag #cognacclassicsweek on social media!