If you love cuddling up to some cognac, Crows Nest will have you calling.

Just when you thought the Sydney bar scene had it all, north of the bridge (and not that far away) duo and Crows Nest locals, Jakob Overduin and James Knight, have surprised Sydneysiders enthusiasts with a new take on cognac.

Meet Hendriks Cognac & Wine — Sydney’s first-ever designated cognac bar.

Opening its doors today (Friday 21 August), Hendriks Cognac & Wine is already stirring up the right attention boasting over 30 of the best cognacs in the world, 24 cocktail concoctions — 14 that are cognac based — and, of course, an impressive international wine list of over 100 bottles with 23 by the glass, the perfect accompaniment for this cosy drinking den.

Jakob and James, co-owners of Hendriks and creative advertising firm, The Shed Agency (also found in the same building),  admittedly know Crows Nest like the back of their hands. Thanks to this, they knew exactly what their community needed — a new small bar.

“We’ve really paid attention to what Crows Nest has and doesn’t have and felt this was a great opportunity to develop a bar with a unique offering, as well as show locals and destination drinkers how approachable and versatile cognac is. We’ve named it after my father, Hendrik, who was a local legend in Crows Nest and a mad fan of cognac. He introduced me to it and, just like James, we both love it,” said Jakob.

Led by bar manager Edward Wright (The Goring, London), for the Crows Nest cognac connoisseurs out there, Hendriks serves up a range of hard-to-find nips that were personally curated by consultant Mark Dietz including the Frapin VIP XO Grande Champagne Cognac ($42), Hennessy XO ($32) and the 1991 Frapin Millésime 20yo Premier Cru Grande Champagne ($38) to name a few.

Otherwise, for cognac cocktail concoctions, Hendriks boasts a range of tipples including the Hendriks ($19) made with Hennessy VS, Cointreau, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, fresh orange and pineapple juice. Otherwise, for a kickstart into the new season, The Major ($19) made with Hennessy VS, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, house-made spiced honey syrup, basil and chipotle powder should be your first preference.

Of course, like any Sydney-based bar, no cocktail menu would be complete without that shaken delight that is an espresso martini. Unlike anything seen before, Hendriks Cognac & Wine put a festive spin to the creation with their Gingerbread Espresso Martini ($18) that sees the likes of vodka, coffee, Mr Black and gingerbread mixed ever so elegantly together.

Apart from their legendary lineup of tipples residing on their menu, Hendriks Cognac & Wine is also home to a range of gastronomic delights for your visit. Whether that be a six-cheese degustation board for two with matching wines ($80pp), Mini Mac N Cheese Mini Croquettes ($7), Cheeseburger Spring Rolls ($11) and even a selection of giant gourmet jaffles specially created by the team at St. Malo Bakery. To help end your visit on a sweet note, we’d recommend the Banoffee ($19) that sandwiches together an orgasmic mix of banana, toffee, caramel and cream.

Opening their doors this Friday 21 August, Hendriks Cognac & Wine is available to visit from midday from Tuesday to Sunday each week. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, bookings are essential for lunch and dinner on Friday – Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome at any other time.

Hendriks Cognac & Wine
Tuesday to Sunday, from midday
5/29 Holtermann St, Crows Nest, NSW 2065
(02) 9439 2222
Website

Looking to explore some more? We’ve found 10 of the newest, Australian made spirits that you need to try this year. Or, if you’d rather let the cocktail come to you, there’s a new cocktail club that delivers straight to your door.

Feature image: Photographed by Steven Woodburn. Image supplied.