Hine Rare French Cognac, Smooth & Elegant Fine Champagne Cognac, Best Enjoyed Neat, Rare Hine Cognac, Grande & Fine Region Grapes, Fruity & Floral Cognac, 70cl, 40% ABV

Product Information

It is also believed he took several barrels of cognac with him to St. Helena, where he was exiled, and even shared it with the British soldiers on his journey there. Unlike Napoleon, Courvoisier succeeded in conquering the world, at least in sales. Its XO blend, which contains eaux-de-vie aged from 11 to 25 years, is one of the best-selling of its kind. Our British founder, Thomas Hine, chose the emblematic stag to represent Hine, most likely because of the analogy between the words Hine and hind. However legend has it that in Dorset, Thomas Hine’s home county, lived a white hart, a harbinger of good fortune and that this is why he elected the stag. Since Hine is a more mellow, wine-focused type of Cognac, I like to pair it with certain cigars, despite my usual cautiousness of spirit and cigar combinations, given the high ABV. It can be overwhelming to smoke a spicy cigar and then challenge your palate even more by pairing it with a high-alcohol, woody and tannic beverage. Not so with Hine Rare, which I would enjoy alongside a characterful Connecticut shade wrapped cigar with depth and body in the filler tobaccos. Alternatively, a Maduro that could take a layer of freshness and some extra liveliness, but is not overly spicy, leathery or beefy, would be a great match.

Hine Rare VSOP Cognac | Master of Malt Hine Rare VSOP Cognac | Master of Malt

On the palate, the warming sensation of spices only serves to enhance and lift the sweet and exotic vanilla, complemented by notes of hazelnut and quince. Accents of fig tart and blonde tobacco also present themselves on the palate in a long and lingering finish. This XO may not boast a typical flavor profile for a Grande Champagne blend, but it certainly proves why this region is considered the premier cru with its complexity and depth of character. Awards Full and powerful without losing the nuance and complexity Hine is known for. Punchy prunes and juicy raisins are met with buttery notes, fudge, and some deep, earthy, rancio aspects. Florals are ever-present, floating above the forest floor and the increased wood intervention adds depth of flavour and gentle spice to the well-preserved fruit. Suggested Serve Blending 60% Grande Champagne with 40% Petite Champagne Cognacs, aged between six and 12 years, this is a recipe first introduced by Thomas Hine himself. Nose Hine has long made an individual Cognac through a careful, traditional distillation process, complemented by rigorous grape selection and extended ageing in seasoned oak barrels. The pairing of the native ugni blanc (trebbiano) grapes, teaming with exclusive flavours produced by the chalk and limestone soil, with Hine’s two trusted crus, the Grande Champagne and the Petite Champagne, help create a particular style and distinct mode of expression.As expected from the nose, this vintage is fuller, darker and more robust than the previous vintage. Suggested Serve Due to the slower maturation, the spirit, whilst aged, retains more youthful elements, producing a airy, less evolved and nutty style. Suggested Serve After a couple of minutes, the astringency takes a more prominent role on the palate. It reveals layers upon layers of depth, just to balance off the caramelly, raisiny fruit-sweetness. The creamy mouthfeel and texture translate into rich marzipan and white nougat. All in all, this is a rather complex tasting experience, despite this being a VSOP and not a prestige XO bottling.

Hine Antique XO Cognac : The Whisky Exchange Hine Antique XO Cognac : The Whisky Exchange

For over 260 years, generations of dedicated craftsmen and women have kept a keen eye on ensuring the longevity of our independent and family-owned heritage and recognized know-how that make our Maison’s cognacs one of a kind. This special edition Cognac has been produced by cellar master, Eric Forget, using a blend of 1983, 1984, 1986 and 1987 “Early Landed” Grande Champagne Cognacs that were matured in the UK, as well as some XO Cognac from Hine’s cellars in Jarnac. Nose Founded in 1763 by Englishman, Thomas Hine, Hine is highly regarded around the world for its refined and complex expressions, as well as the House’s impressive collection of single vintage Cognacs. Find out more about Hine Cognac and our trip to Maison Hine here Tasting Notes: Hine Cognac H by Hine VSOP Cognac

Best Pairings With Hine Rare

Blossom, peach, cinnamon, Danish pastry, Crêpes Suzette, grapes, warm prunes and melted butter flood the nose with maddening and mouth-watering occasion. Taste Hine Rare comes in the classic-looking, iconically shaped bottle that is typical for Thomas Hine & Co. It’s a worthy presentation for a beautiful spirit, which offers tremendous value for money. Closing Thoughts These single estate and single vintage Cognacs from the Bonneuil vineyard in Grand Champagne are about producing and demonstrating Cognacs with a wine approach. Both versions we try are aged to around 19 years old and come from the same plot, meaning the only difference is the year they were harvested (so what the grapes tastes like that year). There are around 8,000 bottles released and Rudolph, who is hosting our tasting, explains the expressions need longer ageing, but are still an interesting experiment into terroir. Nose Established in 1763 by Thomas Hine, the House of Hine – like all the great cognac producers – has been around for a long time. The house was built on the principle that you cannot have a great cognac without great white wine. For that reason, Hine draws its identity from the heart of two Premier Crus: Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. While other houses strive for complete consistency year after year, Hine produces cognacs made with vintage crus that encapsulate the uniqueness of the stated year. Single vintages have been Hine’s signature for decades but are possible only when nature provides the optimum conditions. If you don’t want to wait for the next vintage to emerge, you can still experience the best of Hine with its Antique XO blend. This is the combination of 40 eaux-de-vie produced exclusively with Grande Champagne grapes. If you’re looking for a vintage comparison between Early Landed and Jarnac aged, why not try Hine 1983 Vintage Cognac alongside Hine 1983 Early Landed Vintage Cognac . Hine 1985 Grande Champagne, Aged in Jarnac