Honor Cognac – Award-Winning French Excellence

Honor Cognac is a luxurious relatively new expression of French Cognac produced by Birkedal Hartmann, the largest independent family-owned Cognac firm in the world established in 1877. Created by Master Blender Kim Birkedal Hartman, Honor is crafted from a blend of Grande Champagne, Fins Bois, and Bons Bois eaux-de-vie, representing over 140 years of family knowledge and passion passed down through five generations. The brand takes inspiration from Paris’s famous Musée d’Orsay, embodying vibrant expression through award-winning quality and luxury design. Honor VS earned the only double gold medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition among 1,850 entries, while Honor VSOP was voted best Cognac in the world at Cognac Masters London 2018. At 40% ABV for both VS and VSOP variants, Honor delivers versatile excellence whether enjoyed neat, on rocks, in cocktails, or with mixers – perfect for the renewed global enthusiasm embracing Cognac as a favorite modern spirit.

Key Facts:

• Brand: Honor Cognac (House d’Orsay)
• Type: French Cognac (VS and VSOP expressions)
• Producer: Birkedal Hartmann (established 1877)
• Master Blender: Kim Birkedal Hartman
• Founded: Relatively new brand (launched 2010s)
• Heritage: 140+ years, 5 generations family-owned
• ABV: 40% (80 Proof) – standard Cognac strength
• Variants: Honor VS, Honor VSOP, Honor VS Reserve Gold Edition
• Blend: Grande Champagne, Fins Bois, Bons Bois eaux-de-vie
• Awards: Double Gold (2016 SFWSC), Best Cognac in World (2018 Cognac Masters)

When it comes to award-winning French Cognac that combines centuries of tradition with modern luxury, Honor Cognac delivers excellence in every bottle, boet! Created by the largest independent family-owned Cognac house with over 140 years of expertise, Honor represents the perfect marriage of time-honored craftsmanship and contemporary appeal. Whether you’re a Cognac connoisseur or discovering the spirit for the first time, Honor brings exceptional quality and versatility to every occasion!

History

Five Generations of Family Excellence

Honor Cognac is produced by Birkedal Hartmann, established in 1877 and representing the largest independent family-owned Cognac firm in the world. Since 1863 and through five generations of family members, superb Cognac has been crafted through a single-minded aim for excellence. Over a century of knowledge and passion has been poured into every aspect of their production, and they’re well-known for creating Cognacs of exceptional quality and character.

Birkedal Hartmann Timeline:

• 1863: Family begins Cognac production
• 1877: Birkedal Hartmann officially established
• 1877-2000s: Five generations develop expertise, supplying many royal courts
• 2010s: Honor brand launched as modern expression targeting younger Cognac enthusiasts
• 2016: Honor VS wins double gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition (only VS to achieve this among 1,850 entries)
• 2017: Honor VS wins gold at Cognac Masters in VS Premium category
• 2017: Honor VSOP wins double gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition and gold at Cognac Masters VSOP Premium category
• 2018: Honor VSOP awarded Cognac of the Year at New York International Spirits Competition
• 2018: Honor VSOP voted best Cognac in the world at Cognac Masters London
• 2025: Continues as award-winning luxury Cognac available in South Africa

The House d’Orsay Philosophy

Honor Cognac from the House d’Orsay takes its inspiration from the famous Musée d’Orsay in Paris. In the same way as the museum is well-known for its vibrant expression, so the Cognac house follows its vision of the creation of luxury Cognacs, both in the art of the Cognac itself and the design in which they present them.

The brand of Honor is relatively new, and it embodies the youth that’s embracing Cognac as their new favorite spirit. While their range is small but growing, the focus is creating products that combine quality and luxury with appeal to the growing crowd who enjoy drinking Cognacs in their own manner, rather than simply the traditional way as a digestif.

Master Blender Kim Birkedal Hartman

The Honor range represents the pinnacle of Master Blender Kim Birkedal Hartman’s craft. Drawing on generations of family knowledge and access to exceptional eaux-de-vie from the finest Cognac growing regions, Kim has created expressions that honor tradition while embracing modern versatility.

Their Cognacs are designed to be enjoyed in many different ways – on the rocks, with water, combined in cocktails, or in the traditional manner neat from a balloon or tulip glass. This versatility reflects the modern Cognac consumer who values quality but refuses to be confined by rigid traditions.

Award-Winning Recognition

Honor’s trophy cabinet speaks volumes about quality:

Honor VS:

• Double Gold Medal (only VS Cognac to receive this), San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016 (out of 1,850 entries)
• Gold Medal, VS Premium category, Cognac Masters 2017

Honor VSOP:

• Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017
• Gold Medal, VSOP Premium category, Cognac Masters 2017
• Cognac of the Year, New York International Spirits Competition 2018
• Best Cognac in the World, Cognac Masters London 2018

These aren’t minor accolades – they represent the highest recognition in the global spirits industry, confirming Honor as world-class Cognac!

Production Method

Traditional Excellence from Cognac’s Finest Regions

Honor Cognac adheres to all strict regulations governing Cognac production, ensuring authenticity and quality. Production follows centuries-old methods refined by five generations of the Birkedal Hartmann family.

Production Specifications:

• Region: Cognac, France (legally protected appellation)
• Grapes: Primarily Ugni Blanc (traditional Cognac varietal)
• Distillation: Double distillation in copper pot stills (traditional Charentais method)
• Aging: Limousin oak barrels
• Blend Regions: Grande Champagne, Fins Bois, Bons Bois eaux-de-vie
• Selection: Only finest eaux-de-vie hand-selected for each expression
• ABV: 40% (standard Cognac strength)

The Cognac Production Process

Cognac must originate from the Cognac region of France – a geographical designation strictly protected by French law. Made from specific grape varietals (notably Ugni Blanc being most common), the terroir significantly influences its flavor profile.

Genuine Cognac undergoes double distillation in copper pot stills. Subsequently, it must age for minimum periods in Limousin oak barrels. This meticulous process imparts distinctive notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and oak that define quality Cognac.

The Honor Blend

Honor VS: Blend of Grande Champagne, Fins Bois, and Bons Bois eaux-de-vie aged minimum two years. The blend creates vibrant, versatile character perfect as a Cognac collection staple.

Honor VSOP: Same regional blend aged minimum four years. The extended aging develops fruitier, more complex character with enhanced smoothness. Each Honor expression offers unique sensory experience.

Grande Champagne: The premier cru of Cognac, providing elegant, floral character with exceptional aging potential

Fins Bois: Contributes roundness and approachable fruitiness

Bons Bois: Adds earthy depth and distinctive character

Only the finest eaux-de-vie are hand-selected, ensuring highest levels of French finesse in each bottle.

Craftsmanship and Quality Standards

Honor embodies essence of high-quality Cognac through rigorous aging in oak casks. The expressions indicate minimum aging period of youngest eau-de-vie in the blend – VS aged at least two years, VSOP aged at least four years.

Connoisseurs appreciate the balanced flavor profiles developing through careful aging. Complex notes emerge from the interaction between spirit and oak, creating sophisticated drinking experiences that justify Honor’s award-winning reputation.

Alcohol Percentage

Honor Cognac is bottled at 40% ABV (80 Proof), which is the standard strength for premium Cognac. Both Honor VS and Honor VSOP maintain this consistent alcohol content.

The 40% Standard

At 40% alcohol by volume, Honor delivers:

Traditional Cognac Strength: Meets expectations for authentic French Cognac

Balanced Character: Alcohol provides warmth without overpowering delicate flavors

Versatile Mixing: Strong enough to shine in cocktails, smooth enough to sip neat

Global Standard: Consistent with other premium Cognacs (Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier all typically 40%)

Comparison Context

• Honor VS & VSOP: 40% ABV (80 Proof)
• Standard Cognac: 40% ABV (industry standard)
• Cask Strength Cognac: 50-60% ABV (rare, premium releases)
• Wine: 11-14% ABV
• Liqueurs: 15-30% ABV

The 40% strength allows Honor’s complex flavors – dried fruits, vanilla, oak, floral notes – to express fully while maintaining smoothness that makes it approachable for both newcomers and connoisseurs!

Number of Calories

Looking to enjoy luxury without guilt? Here’s the calorie breakdown for Honor Cognac:

Calorie Information (40% ABV):

• Per 30ml (1 oz) Shot: Approximately 69 calories
• Per 44ml (1.5 oz) Shot: Approximately 105 calories
• Per 50ml Serve: Approximately 115 calories
• Per 750ml Bottle: Approximately 1,725 calories total

Nutritional Profile:

• Carbohydrates: 0g (Cognac contains no carbs after distillation)
• Sugars: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Pure Spirit, Minimal Calories

Like all distilled spirits, Honor Cognac contains calories only from alcohol (7 calories per gram of alcohol), with zero carbs, zero sugar, and zero fat. This makes it keto-friendly and relatively light compared to liqueurs or mixed drinks.

Comparison Context

• Honor Cognac (40%): 69 calories per shot
• Hennessy VS (40%): 69 calories per shot (similar)
• Whisky (40%): 64-70 calories per shot
• Vodka (40%): 64 calories per shot
• Baileys (17%): 130 calories per shot (cream liqueur has more)
• Wine (12%): 125 calories per 150ml glass

Pro Tip: Enjoy Honor neat or on rocks to keep calories minimal. Mixing with sugary sodas or juices adds significant calories. For lowest-calorie serve, try Honor with soda water and fresh lemon – pure flavor with virtually no added calories, boet!

Tasting Notes

Honor VS Cognac

Honor VS is a delightfully vibrant offering from Birkedal Hartmann cellars:

Appearance: Bright amber with golden highlights – youthful and inviting.

On the Nose: Vibrant with subtle floral aromas. Hints of apricot and ginger emerge alongside oak. Clean, fresh character showing youth and vitality. Light vanilla and dried fruit notes typical of quality VS Cognac.

On the Palate: Rich, bold flavor with notes of dried fruits and oak. The palate presents apricot, vanilla, and warming spice. Well-balanced between fruitiness and oak influence. Smooth texture belies the two-year minimum age – testament to blending expertise. Delightfully versatile with enough character to stand neat or mixed.

Finish: Medium length with warming oak and subtle spice. Dried fruit sweetness lingers pleasantly. Clean, refined conclusion invites another sip.

Overall Character: Vibrant, versatile, approachable yet sophisticated. Honor VS delivers exceptional quality at VS level – proven by its double gold medal status!

Honor VSOP Cognac

Honor VSOP represents elevated refinement with extended aging:

Appearance: Deeper amber with richer golden tones suggesting maturity.

On the Nose: More complex than VS with enhanced floral notes. Ripe stone fruits (apricot, peach) more pronounced. Vanilla and oak integrate beautifully. Subtle hints of honey and toasted nuts add depth. A fruity Cognac with sophisticated aromatic profile.

On the Palate: Fruity character dominates with exceptional smoothness. Dried apricots, figs, and dates provide sweet richness. Vanilla custard and caramel from oak aging add luxury. Spice notes (ginger, cinnamon) balance sweetness. Fuller body than VS with silkier texture from extended aging. Complex yet balanced – deserving of “best Cognac in world” accolade!

Finish: Long, elegant finish with persistent fruit and oak. Warming without burn. Sophisticated conclusion with lingering sweetness and spice. The kind of finish that makes you appreciate why Cognac is special.

Overall Character: Fruity, smooth, sophisticated, and exceptionally well-balanced. Honor VSOP represents outstanding value and quality at VSOP level – perfect staple for any Cognac collection!

Best Served With

Versatile Excellence for Every Occasion

Honor Cognac is designed for modern enjoyment in multiple formats:

Classic Serves:

Neat (Traditional): Pour 30-50ml into tulip glass or balloon snifter at room temperature. Warm glass gently in palm to release aromatics. Sip slowly, appreciating complexity.

On the Rocks: Large ice cube in rocks glass with 50ml Honor. Ice slightly dilutes and chills, opening different flavor dimensions.

With Water: Add few drops of still water to neat Honor. Water releases hidden aromas and softens alcohol warmth.

Cocktails:

Sidecar:

• 50ml Honor VS
• 25ml Cointreau
• 25ml fresh lemon juice
• Shake with ice, strain into coupe
• Sugar rim optional

French Connection:

• 35ml Honor VSOP
• 35ml Amaretto
• Build over ice in rocks glass

Cognac Old Fashioned:

• 60ml Honor VS
• 5ml simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel garnish

Long Drinks:

• Honor & Ginger Ale: Refreshing, showcases Cognac’s spice notes
• Honor & Lemonade: Summer refreshment with sophistication
• Honor & Tonic: Modern twist elevating G&T concept

Food Pairings:

Cheese:

• Aged Comté
• Roquefort blue cheese
• Brie and Camembert
• Mature Gouda

Chocolate:

• Dark chocolate (70%+)
• Chocolate truffles
• Chocolate fondant

Desserts:

• Crème brûlée
• Tarte Tatin
• Chocolate mousse
• Fruit tarts

Cigars: Honor VSOP pairs beautifully with premium cigars for classic indulgence.

Pro Tips:

• Room temperature is ideal for neat sipping
• Avoid over-chilling – cold masks delicate flavors
• Use proper glassware (tulip or balloon) to concentrate aromatics
• Don’t rush – Cognac rewards contemplation
• VS excellent for cocktails; VSOP better for sipping

Whether you’re enjoying traditional digestif after dinner, crafting sophisticated cocktails, or exploring modern serves, Honor delivers award-winning excellence!

Where to Buy

Available at Premium South African Retailers

Honor Cognac is stocked at select premium retailers across South Africa:

Online Retailers:

• Norman Goodfellows (NGF):
  • Honor VS Cognac 750ml: R579.00
  • Honor VS Reserve Ltd Gold Edition 750ml: R849.00
  • Honor VSOP Cognac 750ml: R1,099.00
  • Stock: Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town
• Mother City Liquor:
  • Honor VSOP Cognac 750ml
  • Delivery: 0-2 days Western Cape, 2-5 days national
• Grape Expectations:
  • Honor VS Cognac 750ml
  • Nationwide delivery across South Africa
• Whisky Emporium:
  • Honor VS Cognac available
  • Location: Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Pretoria

Retail Availability:

• Pick n Pay: Honor VS Cognac 750ml (select stores)
• Premium Liquor Stores: Specialist Cognac retailers
• Wine & Spirits Boutiques: High-end selections

Variants Available:

• Honor VS: R579 (most accessible entry point)
• Honor VS Reserve Gold Edition: R849 (limited edition premium)
• Honor VSOP: R1,099 (best expression, worth the investment)

Stock Notes:

Honor is positioned as premium Cognac, so availability focuses on specialist retailers rather than mass-market chains. Norman Goodfellows offers widest selection with stock in all three major cities (Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town).

Prices

Premium Quality at Competitive Pricing

Honor Cognac South African Pricing (2024-2025):

Honor VS Cognac 750ml:

• Norman Goodfellows: R579.00
• Market Position: Entry-level premium Cognac

Honor VS Reserve Limited Gold Edition 750ml:

• Norman Goodfellows: R849.00
• Special Features: Limited edition, premium packaging

Honor VSOP Cognac 750ml:

• Norman Goodfellows: R1,099.00
• Market Position: Mid-range premium Cognac

Value Analysis

Cost Per Serve:

• Honor VS shot (30ml): R23
• Honor VSOP shot (30ml): R44
• Comparable to or better than competing premium Cognacs

Comparison to Competitors:

• Hennessy VS (750ml): R600-R700
• Rémy Martin VSOP (750ml): R1,200-R1,400
• Courvoisier VS (750ml): R550-R650
• Honor VS (750ml): R579
• Honor VSOP (750ml): R1,099

Exceptional Value Proposition

Honor delivers world-class, award-winning quality at highly competitive pricing:

Honor VS at R579:

• Double gold medal winner (only VS to achieve this in 2016)
• Cheaper than Hennessy VS
• Exceptional value for award-winning quality

Honor VSOP at R1,099:

• Voted best Cognac in world (2018 Cognac Masters)
• Cheaper than Rémy Martin VSOP
• Premium quality at mid-range pricing

Pro Tip: Start with Honor VS at R579 to discover the brand’s quality. Once you appreciate the craftsmanship, upgrade to Honor VSOP at R1,099 – it’s genuinely world-class Cognac at pricing that won’t empty your wallet. Both represent outstanding value compared to big-name brands charging more for comparable or lesser quality!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honor Cognac?

Honor Cognac is a relatively new brand from Birkedal Hartmann, the largest independent family-owned Cognac firm established in 1877. Created by Master Blender Kim Birkedal Hartman, it’s a blend of Grande Champagne, Fins Bois, and Bons Bois eaux-de-vie. Honor represents over 140 years of family knowledge crafting award-winning French Cognac.

Who makes Honor Cognac?

Honor is produced by Birkedal Hartmann in France’s protected Cognac region. Since 1863 and through five generations, the family has crafted superb Cognac with single-minded aim for excellence. Only finest eaux-de-vie are hand-selected ensuring highest levels of French finesse.

What awards has Honor Cognac won?

Honor VS won double gold at 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (only VS Cognac among 1,850 entries) and gold at 2017 Cognac Masters. Honor VSOP won double gold at 2017 SFWSC, gold at 2017 Cognac Masters, Cognac of the Year at 2018 New York International Spirits Competition, and was voted best Cognac in the world at 2018 Cognac Masters London!

What’s the difference between Honor VS and Honor VSOP?

Honor VS is aged minimum two years, delivering vibrant, versatile character (R579). Honor VSOP is aged minimum four years, offering fruitier, smoother, more complex profile (R1,099). VSOP represents elevated refinement worth the investment for special occasions.

How should I drink Honor Cognac?

Honor is designed for versatile enjoyment: neat in tulip glass, on the rocks, with water, in cocktails, or with mixers. VS excels in cocktails or casual serves; VSOP better for contemplative neat sipping. Both deliver excellence however you choose to enjoy them!

Where can I buy Honor Cognac in South Africa?

Honor is available at Norman Goodfellows (R579 VS, R1,099 VSOP), Mother City Liquor, Grape Expectations, Whisky Emporium Menlyn, Pick n Pay select stores, and premium wine & spirits retailers nationwide.

Is Honor Cognac worth the price?

Absolutely! Honor VS at R579 delivers double-gold-medal quality cheaper than Hennessy VS. Honor VSOP at R1,099 was voted best Cognac in world yet costs less than Rémy Martin VSOP. You’re getting award-winning excellence at exceptional value!

Honor Cognac proves that relatively new brands can compete with – and surpass – century-old names through unwavering commitment to quality. Backed by five generations of Birkedal Hartmann family expertise and a trophy cabinet full of industry’s highest honors, Honor delivers French luxury at accessible pricing.

Whether you’re discovering Cognac for the first time or you’re a seasoned connoisseur, Honor brings award-winning excellence, versatile enjoyment, and exceptional value to every bottle. Raise a glass to French craftsmanship meeting modern sensibility!

Honor Cognac – Excellence Recognized Worldwide.

Drink responsibly. Not for sale to persons under 18.