How to Spot Fake Hennessy: Full Guide (2023 Updated)

Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin

Imitation, they say, is the biggest form of flattery, but not with forged drinks like Hennessy. These fake drinks are easily distributed in many countries. The problem now is determining which Hennessy bottle is real and which is fake. 

Fortunately, our team of experts intensively researched important things so you’ll know how to spot fake Hennessy. 

Real vs Fake Hennessy – 10 Things To Check

1. Very Low Price

Production of authentic cognac from Hennessy costs a fortune – the price will never go low. You can’t place Hennessy XO in a bargain since the price of raw materials is already very high. We’ve got the most expensive Hennessy bottles here. 

2. NAFDAC Registration Number

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number is found in every authentic brand name. Hennessy V.S, JAS Hennessy, and all other liquors under this brand name bear this number. 

Read: How Much Does White Hennessy Cost?

3. Shell & Cork

Before you decide on buying Hennessy, you can also check the shell and the cork. The cork sits tightly and is not movable at the mouth of the real bottle. Also, you should see the brand and logo visible as part of its original features. 

4. Excise Stamp

Fake alcoholic beverages do not contain an excise stamp. It also has fake blurry or unclear letters or is written in a foreign language. Fake alcohol is a threat to alcohol addiction and life itself.  

5. Color

The original Hennessy bottle contains a rich cognac color. The original drink either has a golden or amber hue. Imitations are far from the real cognac since it is almost similar to a weak tea mixed with lemon.  

6. Bottle

You can tell a fake Hennessy VSOP from an Original Hennessy cognac by searching for the hand with a halberd at the upper front side. The fake wine bottles are also different as the authentic alcohol has a wider, pot-bellied shape. 

Also Read: Hennessy – What It’s Made From

7. Laser Protection 

Hennessy brandy uses special technology and places a holosleeve hologram on the cork and body of the bottle.

It uses laser engraving for the original pattern in the upper mid-part of the original bottle. But what goes good with cognac?

8. Original Cover & Top Label

Counterfeit alcoholic beverages sold worldwide have a cover resembling a locally-made vodka.

Furthermore, the top part of the cover is silver compared to the all-black counterfeit Hennessy. The top label also bears an engraved name and the company logo of such drinks.  

Read:

• Is Hennessy Whiskey?
• Is Hennessy Brandy?
• Does Hennessy Freeze?
• How to Make Henny Gummy Bears?
• How Do You Drink Hennessy?

9. Stopper

Original alcoholic beverages from Hennessy use oak-made cork and not synthetic cork. These are not easy to distinguish by the naked eye until it is pulled out already. It prevents oxygen from getting in, which can spoil the flavor. According to what they share in support groups, its amazing savor is why many have an alcohol addiction. 

Also Read: What Does Hennessy Really Taste Like?

10. Uneven Liquid & Misspellings 

An authentic cognac house just 0.35 or .7 L inside, which is exactly the amount they pour in. You can be sure that there is uniformity in the bottle’s content and labels written in an original cognac bottle. 

Read: Hennessy – Does It Go Bad?

FAQs

What happens if you drink fake Hennessy?

If you drink fake Hennessy, the possibility of organ failure, blindness, or even death can happen. Non-original products are believed to contain illegal substances that can cause these fatalities. But, what is Hennessy’s alcohol percentage?

How much does real Hennessy cost?

Real Hennessy costs around $17.99 to $19.99 per 375ml bottle, but this is only for the regular Hennessy VS. For the more special Richard Hennessy bottle is roughly around $3,799.99- $5,499.99 per 750ml. But can a cognac be an after-dinner drink?

So, How Do You Spot Fake Hennesy? 

To spot fake Hennessy, you need to be cautious of the price of alcohol. Any wine from Hennessy will never be on a bargain. Always look at the upper part of the wine and look for the special relief image and other indications of the authentic product. 

The producers spent time and resources to leave their mark clearly but meticulously to ensure authenticity. Counterfeit falls high in places with a high demand for alcohol.

However, avoiding fake bottles of Hennessy is easy despite the sufficiently large number circulating these days. 

Reference:

1. https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/customs-procedures-import-and-export/what-importation_en