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

Aged in French oak barrels, it has iconic aromas of ripe summer fruits and toasted hazelnuts and a smooth, full-bodied taste. When the cognac finally lands in the bottle, its adjoining age statement denotes the youngest vintage in the blend. There are three general age statements: Meanwhile, Camus continues to shake things up after all these years. On the heels of its acclaimed Elegance Range, the distillery recently debuted new VS, VSOP (mentioned above), and XO statements. Each one brings over 150 years of craftsmanship to fruition and delivers exceptional colour, aroma, and taste as a result.

It's distilled in the Penedes wine-growing region of Spain using local Catalan grape varieties such as Macabeu, Parellada and Xarel-lo, which are then made into a basic white wine before undergoing a double distillation in copper pot stills and dynamic ageing using the Spanish Solera system for ten years. A living testament to the art of blending, Pierre Ferrand marries various vintages to harmonious effect. Striving for absolute distinction, the brand doesn’t abide by the traditional classifications of VS, VSOP, and XO. Instead, it employs unique designations and occasionally veers outside of regulatory practices. In turn, some output doesn’t fall under the official “cognac” banner, even if it’s crafted entirely from Grande Champagne grapes. Suffice it to say, every aspect of this operation emanates an artisanal vibe. Aside from Cognac brandy made in the south west of France, there's also Armagnac brandy, which comes from just a little further south than the Cognac region.

But we’re also entering after-dinner territory here in terms of richness and breadth. Just don’t pour any of these into one of those abominable, balloon-shaped snifter glasses. A stemmed, tulip-shaped glass is the best drinking vessel for VSOP. VSOP Cognacs to try Wandering across the Paradis and Chai des Millésimes, you will discover the singularities of the Hine House, sole official cognac supplier to Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II.

While most of the Cognac brands are entrenched in historical, traditional methods, to say Kelt is more interested in contemporary innovations is a major understatement. Instead of simply aging in a dank, cold barrelhouse, Kelt embarks on what it calls a ‘tour du monde’ where the juice matures for 3 months in Limousin barrels at sea. Yes, you read that right. It’s ocean-aged. The result is a rich, mellow, fruity cognac with notable flavours like vanilla, dried fruits, and rich, warming oak. Gran Mariner differentiates itself from the other cognac brands because it’s more than just a cognac. In fact, due to its recipe, it’s not a cognac at all. Even though it contains cognac, it’s a liqueur because it also contains sugar and bitter orange flavours. While it comes in a wide range of expressions, its Cordon Rouge with its flavours of caramel, candied orange peels, and nutty sweetness is the most well-known by far.

Hine Cognacs are some of the most highly regarded around the world for their quality, elegance and complexity. After a trip to Maison Hine in the picturesque Jarnac, we take a closer look at one of its classic releases, the regal Hine Rare VSOP Cognac. What is Hine? A Bit of Again, made from a blend of exclusive Eaux-De-Vies (brandy distilled from any raw ingredients such as fruit, except for grapes) in the sought after vineyards of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. A terrific VSOP from Hine, Rare is classed as Fine Champagne, meaning that the eaux-de-vie used are all from the Grande or Petite Champagne areas. Around twenty-five distinct eaux-de-vie have been used for the Hine Rare VSOP blend, made from Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grande Champagne (60%) and Petite Champagne (40%) appellations and aged six to twelve years in French Limousin oak barrels. VS (Very Special) – The most common form of cognac, which has been aged for the mandatory minimum of two years.

A fresh, fruity, and rather elegant opening is dominated by red apple, apricots – almost like apricot jam – and a touch of brioche. The luscious aromas of yeast and sweet dough, slightly toasted, offer another nuance with a sprinkle of caster sugar and a caramelized finish. This Cognac offers a very elegant, floral complexity, elevated by a gentle whiff of olibanum. Single vintages have been our signature for decades. Each and every one of them is a liquid snapshot of a particular year, echoing the elaboration of fine wines and champagnes. It takes years for optimum natural conditions to make for a remarkable expression. Founded in 1763, Hine is one of the oldest houses in the Cognac region and named after Thomas Hine of Dorset. Shop at Courvoisier Shop at Dan Murphy’s Shop at First Choice Bisquit and Dubouché | Image: Supplied 9. Bisquit and Dubouché

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. Hailing from the Cognac region in Southwest France, it’s hard to look past names like Hennessy, Rémy Martin, and Pierre Ferrand when you’re searching for the best. However, our list below will uncover a few brands you’ve likely never heard of to teach you a thing or two along the way as well. I mean I shouldn’t complain; it quite clearly says hints of violet and jasmine, but it really detracts and distracts me from the palate. Not for me.