Sip your way through 30 of the world’s best Cognacs at Hendriks Cognac & Wine, Crows Nest.
For Crows Nest locals Jakob Overduin and James Knight, opening a Cognac-fuelled bar in the suburb felt like a natural decision. The pair are co-owners of local creative advertising agency The Shed Agency, and now the duo behind Crows Nest’s newest small bar, Hendriks Cognac & Wine (both of which occupy the same building at 29 Holtermann Street).
While Cognac might be one of the more obscure spirits, it’s a drop that Jakob and James are excited to showcase at Hendriks. The pair are passionate about revealing how approachable and versatile the spirit can be, with a stellar selection of Cognac bottles on offer at this new small bar.
In fact, you’ll find more than 30 of the best Cognacs from across the globe on Hendriks’ shelves along with 24 cocktails (including 14 Cognac-based mixes) as well as a 100-strong international wine list (with 23 drops offered by the glass). Get ready to sip your way through the likes of Frapin VIP XO Grande Champagne Cognac ($42 per nip), Hennessy XO ($32 per nip) and 1991 Frapin Millésime 20yo Premier Cru Grande Champagne ($38 per nip) on the list.
Cocktail lovers won’t be disappointed with Cognac-based mixes including their signature, Hendriks (Hennessy VS, Cointreau, Fireball Cinnamon whisky, fresh orange and pineapple – $19); Between The Sheets (Hennessy VS, rum, orange curacao, lemon juice – $19) or The Major (Hennessy VS, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, house-made spiced honey syrup, basil, chipotle powder – $19).
As for wine drinkers, be the first to visit the Hendriks bar on a Sunday to choose any bottle in the bar to be opened and poured by the glass for the rest of the day. Or, opt for wines matched with a six-cheese degustation board for two ($80pp), with cheese sourced from Simon Johnson.
Speaking of eats, Hendriks will be slinging gourmet giant jaffles to satisfy your cravings. Made from mammoth loaves of bread specially created for Hendriks by St. Malo Bakery, these 17cm2 toasties have taken months to perfect. Aside from the challenge of finding a baker to produce bread large enough, four bespoke machines were manufactured to accommodate the jumbo jaffles.
The gourmet combinations include Cognac mushroom and cheese ($18), Cognac caramelised shallots and cheese ($18), Juicy Lucy (beef patty filled with aged cheddar and cooked in Hendriks’ signature cheese blend – $23), and The Hunter (chicken, porcini, speck and comté cooked in Cognac – $23). It’s worth nothing all are accompanied by a pour of brandy drizzle.
Find Hendriks Cognac & Wine at 5/29 Holtermann Street, Crows Nest. The bar is licensed for 35 and will be open Tues to Sun from midday. Due to COVID capacity restrictions, bookings are essential for lunch and dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Bookings will be taken on other days and walk-ins are welcome at any time. Find out more here.