Is Hennessy Making Up Mexican History to Boost Cognac Sales?


Got to the office late Wednesday, and greeting me was a
bottle of Hennessy cognac. Curious, I saw a press release attached to
the box that contained the bottle and immediately became bewildered–and
not just because I started pouring that sweet nectar down my gullet.

Hennessy is commemorating Mexico's bicentennial by releasing a special
bottle to coincide with September's coming celebrations. “It is
Hennessy's privilege to be part of Mexico's rich heritage and cultural
celebrations,” Hennesy's director of Hispanic marketing is quoted as
saying in the press release. “Hennessy was the spirit of choice 200
years ago as Mexican soldiers and civilians toasted to their victory in
battle. We are proud to recognize this powerful legacy and honor the
200th anniversary with an exclusive, commemorative box set perfect for
gifting.”

¿QUE QUE?

]
I've heard most legends and history regarding the course
of Mexican history, from the allegation that Dubya's granddaddy stole
the head of Pancho Villa

to the hidden treasure of the last Aztec emperor Cuauhtemoc, but
Hennessy's claim is the first time I've ever heard of it. It's not even listed in Hennessy's flashy video on its website marking its history. It makes no
sense: commoners in 19th-century Mexico would've preferred pulque,
mezcal, or other drinks that the ancients brewed–or perhaps tequila. And
the upper classes–while loving their brandy–probably wouldn't have
chosen a Mexican brand.

The box containing the Hennessy bottle featured a sketch of people
toasting with the recollections of someone stating that Mexicans
celebrated independence from Spain with Hennessy. The problem with the
recollection is that it dates back to 1938, and is attributed to not to a
historian or politician, but a Vidaurreta. I asked Jennifer Reza, who's
doing publicity for Hennessy's commemorative bottle, about her source
for the company's claim. “The full name is Valentin Vidaurreta, a
Mexican artisan (illustrator and designer),” Reza replied via email.
“His sketch was discovered by someone at the House of Hennessy on a trip
to Mexico, many years ago (we don't know when). Additionally,  a
reproduction of the sketch hangs at Chateau Bagnolet in Cognac, France,
the official House of Hennessy.”

Hmmm…a sketch and a recollection “discovered” by a Hennessy employee
“many years ago”? Sounds like the telling of Anaheim's founding goat to me.
Mexico has a habit of aggrandizing the slightest
patriotic story (los niños heroes, la adelita, Siete Leguas, etc.), and
this is one story I didn't grow up on or is repeated ad nauseum.
Hennessy is good stuff, but their historical claims tying them to la independencia go down about as
smooth as a bottle of Sauza. Primary, contemporary documentation, por favor!

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