The Secret History of Cognac

Every year, 20 million bottles of cognac vanish into the sky above France. Where do they go? And how did a cheap Dutch shipping trick become one of the most protected names on Earth? In this video, we uncover the secret history of cognac: the accidental discovery in a Dutch ship's hold, the Irish soldier who built Hennessy, the Napoleon myth behind Courvoisier, the insect that nearly destroyed it all, and how hip-hop and China turned cognac into a global empire. You'll also discover why the walls of Cognac turn black, why a bottle's price depends on what's no longer inside it, and who really controls cognac today. Subscribe for more stories behind the world's greatest drinks. #cognac #history #hennessy #angelsshare #napoleon #spirits #luxury #documentary #drinkhistory #brandy #france #untoldhistory history of cognac, cognac history, how cognac is made, angel's share, la part des anges, Hennessy history, Courvoisier Napoleon, why is cognac expensive, cognac vs brandy, what is cognac, phylloxera, Ugni Blanc, Hennessy XO, VSOP meaning, LVMH Hennessy, cognac China, cognac hip-hop, history of brandy, spirits history documentary