Hine VSOP Cognac fine champagne miniature, old label 2012
Hine VSOP Cognac fine champagne miniature, old label 2012
Condition: New. Collector.
Fill level: New. In the neck.
Cognac: Still produced: Yes, but not this label!
Distillery: Still producing.
Bottler: Distillery Bottling.
Bottling series: Miniature.
Bottling Year: 20102
Stated Age: Not stated.
Cask type: Not stated.
Strength: 40.0 % Vol.
Size: 50 ml.
Colouring: Unknown.
Bottle code: none
Country Origin: France.
Region: Cognac
Market: Worldwide.
Allergy:
Tasting Notes:
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- Appearance: Golden amber colour.
- Nose: Rich aromas of honey, vanilla, baked apple, and a hint of spice.
- Palate: Delicate yet complex flavours of ripe fruit (especially apricot and plum), balanced with vanilla, toasted oak, and subtle spice, leading to a smooth, lingering finish.
Distillery History:
The Hine Cognac house has a rich and storied history dating back to 1763. It is one of the oldest and most respected cognac producers, renowned for its craftsmanship and unique style. Here’s a look at the history of Hine:
Founding and Early Years
- Thomas Hine, originally from Dorset, England, became the figure behind the brand. In the late 18th century, Hine moved to France as a young man to learn the art of cognac-making, following his family’s involvement in the wine and spirits trade.
- He eventually married Françoise Elisabeth, the daughter of a well-established cognac merchant in Jarnac, a town in the heart of the Cognac region.
- Upon the death of his father-in-law, Thomas took control of the family business, renaming it Thomas Hine & Co. in 1817.
Reputation for Quality
- Hine became known for producing high-quality, well-aged cognacs. Thomas Hine had a vision for creating refined, elegant cognacs by carefully selecting eaux-de-vie and aging them with precision. His emphasis on selecting only the best from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne regions helped build Hine’s reputation for excellence.
- Over time, Hine cognac gained international fame, becoming a preferred choice for cognac lovers in the UK, Russia, and other parts of Europe.
Royal Warrant
- In 1962, Hine was granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Elizabeth II, a rare and prestigious honor for excellence, signifying Hine as the official supplier of cognac to the British Royal Household. This elevated the brand's profile on a global scale, associating it with royal prestige and heritage.
Focus on Fine Champagne
- Hine is particularly known for its Fine Champagne cognacs, which come exclusively from grapes grown in the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne regions of Cognac. These areas are considered the most prestigious for producing high-quality eaux-de-vie due to their chalky soil and ideal microclimate.
Vintage Cognacs and Innovation
- Hine is also unique for its focus on vintage cognacs. Instead of blending multiple years of eaux-de-vie, they often produce single-vintage cognacs that are bottled at their peak, something rare in the world of cognac. This process highlights the unique characteristics of each harvest year.
- Another innovative practice is Hine’s method of aging certain cognacs in English cellars. These vintage barrels are aged in the UK, where the cool and humid climate adds a distinctive character to the cognacs, creating what is known as Hine’s Early-Landed Cognacs.
Modern Day and Legacy
- Today, Hine remains a family-run business, now in its sixth generation. The brand continues to maintain its reputation for producing premium cognacs, combining tradition with innovation to appeal to modern tastes while respecting its heritage.
- Hine’s portfolio includes a range of cognacs, from the approachable VSOP and XO expressions to rare, aged vintages that connoisseurs seek out.
Hine Cognac is often described as being elegant and sophisticated, with a delicate and floral style that reflects its focus on quality and tradition. The house's commitment to excellence has allowed it to maintain its place among the most esteemed cognac houses in the world.
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