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Thursday, November 11, 2021

Hine Cognac


The Hine House of Cognac



Hine Hommage Grande Champagne Cognac...$149.99
Hommage to Thomas Hine
Appellation Grande Champagne Contrôlée XO
Blend of more than twenty eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne grapes. This blend has the particularity of including 4 single vintages named “Early Landed” as they have been aged in damp British cellars until reaching full maturity.
In this tribute to Thomas Hine, adventurous Englishman landed from England in the 18th century to discover the subtleties within cognac, there is a notably uncommon je-ne-sais-quoi. Both discrete and whimsical, tangy pear and sharp orange zest rally. Mark Darcy meets Mick Jagger.
Homage quietly arises on the limestone land of Grande Champagne where it draws both tension and minerality. A two-decades journey across the Channel will then combine geographic adventure and lifelong tradition. Under the arched vaults of damp British cellars, a recital of candied citrus awakens. With it, notes of honey and fresh hazelnuts. Single vintages gently taunt each other before finding their own harmony, sheltered in their decanter. The French way of falling under the English spell.


Hine Cognac Bonneuil Vintage 2005....$129.99
Appellation Grande Champagne Contrôlée
Limited Edition of 18 casks of 450 numbered bottles.
Bonneuil 2005 is an unblended cognac from a single harvest, providing the purest and most accurate expression of the Grande Champagne’s chalky terroir. Its guiding philosophy is to remain as close as possible to the wine itself and reveal the distinct character of the soils from which the vines draw their identity.
Such panache! Bonneuil 2005 is a curiosity, an unparalleled field of expression. Forthright, polished and peremptory, if it were an object it would undoubtedly be the blade of a Japanese knife. Like the dancers of Edgar Degas, its dual qualities of precision and vitality perform a ballet in the glass; a pirouette of white flowers, supported by ripe quince that almost draws us into its spin. Pineapple hints at exoticism, while a light saltiness provides a lingering ocean finish.

Disconcerting, it is best savoured with a few grey shrimps and a bit of Lou Reed. Take a walk on the wild side.



Hine H by Hine VSOP Cognac...$39.99
H BY HINE
Appellation Fine Champagne Contrôlée VSOP
Blended eaux-de-vie from Grande and Petite Champagne grapes.
H by Hine is whimsical. If it were a young man, it would have the keen eye of Dick Diver in Fitzgerald’s Tender is the Night. Adventurous, lively and elegant, it is the ideal sidekick for daring cocktails and a flamboyant soloist when served neat with a dash of cold tonic. Expressive yet discreet, its notes of iris, fresh apricot, acacia and white pepper chime with its sprightly and joyful demeanour. Feels like Coachella in a bottle.
H by Hine is a young cognac with a taste for adventure and originality. Serve frozen in a shot glass with sashimi. Or simply over ice with tonic, cider or ginger ale, garnished with a twist of lime, cucumber or rosemary. Add as a surprising twist to a punch when too many friends show up with very little time, or simply drizzle over a fresh peach salad.
There’s only one rule: drink outside the box.



Hine Cognac XO Antique...$199.99
Appellation Grande Champagne Contrôlée XO

Blend of some forty eaux-de-vie produced exclusively from Grande Champagne grapes.
“To sing, to laugh, to dream,
To walk in my own way and be alone,
Free, with an eye to see things as they are,
A voice that means manhood—to cock my hat
Where I choose—”
Cyrano de Bergerac, his plumed hat and poetic speech are the witnesses to a final, lingering mouthful that never ceases to surprise. In a blend of mature eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne, Antique sets out to be different. A perpetual conversation between the fruit and oak reveals notes of hazelnut, ripe quince and mild spices, appearing amid accents of fig tart and blonde tobacco. Mischievous complexity comes into being, along with sleek vivacity.
Accompanied by mature mimolette or cheddar cheese, a roasted pineapple or a few pieces of orange chocolate, Antique lingers even longer. To be savoured to the soundtrack of a prelude by Glenn Gould.

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