Cognac brand Hennessy has been named the official Cognac partner for The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard. The partnership will see the Moët Hennessy-owned brand activate a series of events across Manchester, UK, throughout February to celebrate the awards ceremony’s debut in the city.
The brand noted its long-standing connection to music culture, citing its presence in song lyrics. Hennessy has been cited in songs such as ‘One Dance’ by Drake and ‘Hennessy’ by Tupac. Hennessy is also currently serving as the global sponsor for Bad Bunny’s World Tour.
This partnership coincides with The BRIT Awards’ first time being hosted in Manchester, a city known for its influential music scene. Manchester-founded bands include Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Smiths, and Joy Division. In more recent years, the city and its surrounding areas produced artists such as The 1975, Blossoms, and Everything Everything.
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
READ THE STORYIn a press release, Hennessy stated the move honors a musical legacy that mirrors its own brand identity, describing it as “ever-evolving and driven by creative communities.”
“Hennessy has long lived alongside music culture,” said Julie Nollet, managing director, Moët Hennessy UK.
“From the studio to the stage, our cognacs have been referenced in songs, shared at pivotal moments and enjoyed across scenes for generations.”
Trending Content
The brand’s activations will take place across the city, extending beyond the main ceremony at the Co-op Live arena.
“As The BRIT Awards with Mastercard arrive in Manchester for the first time, we’re proud to celebrate a city whose creativity and energy has shaped British music, and to be part of a moment that brings the industry together,” Nollet added.
Key venues for the city-wide takeover include Mollie’s Hotel & Diner and Off The Square.
From February 16 to March 9, Mollie’s Studio IV will host a speakeasy-style hub with a live house band performing Britpop classics in the week leading up to the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Off The Square will host a DJ set from BRITs nominee DJ Pied Piper alongside DJ Silk on February 28.
A number of other Manchester bars will also feature Hennessy activations throughout February. These include Hotel Gotham, Speak In Code, Wood&Co, and Bunny Jacksons.
Bespoke Hennessy cocktails will be served at these locations, with some venues hosting BRITs-themed DJ sets and live music evenings.
Other participating venues are Dusk Till Pawn, Federico, Stray, and Bar Shrimp.
These bars will offer signature serves, including the brand’s cognac-based Margarita, the Henny Rita, alongside exclusive new cocktails and BRITs-themed events.
