Cognac Hine XO 1er Cru

Introduction to Maison Hine

📜 Founded in 1763 in Jarnac by Thomas Hine, a passionate English merchant, Thomas Hine & Co is an iconic cognac house specializing in Fine and Grande Champagne. Located at 16 Quai de l’Orangerie, it is the only cognac house to hold a “Royal Warrant” granted by Queen Elizabeth II since 1962.

Hine works closely with numerous winegrowers from the Grande and Petite Champagne crus, fully mastering the stages of double distillation and aging in French oak barrels. The use of both humid and dry cellars allows the development of floral finesse and woody structure in its eaux-de-vie.

The house has belonged to the EDV SAS group since 2013 and maintains a small-scale, artisanal team of around 40 people, committed to excellence and the preservation of a family know-how passed down through eight generations.

Presentation of Hine XO Premier Cru Cognac

🥃 Hine XO Premier Cru is an exceptional cognac made exclusively from the Grande Champagne (1st growth), the most prestigious cru. It is a blend of over 40 eaux-de-vie, aged for a minimum of 10 years in French oak barrels, making it a refined, rich, and well-balanced XO.

Visually, it reveals a deep amber hue, reflecting its long aging process. The expertise of master blenders Eric Forget and Paul Szersnovicz highlights a bright, fresh, and spicy style, typical of Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie.

🗒️ Tasting Notes of Hine XO Premier Cru Cognac

• Appearance: Dark amber with golden highlights.
• Nose: Refined spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove), candied citrus, white flowers (lavender, jasmine), fruit paste, grape, date.
• Palate: Smooth and full-bodied texture, notes of roasted nuts, fig, baked apple, vanilla, a touch of tobacco, and a hint of cocoa.
• Finish: Long and elegant, with soft spices (lavender, nutmeg), candied orange zest, echoes of dried fruits and noble wood.

🖇️ Food Pairings and Serving Suggestions

• Neat: Slowly sipped at room temperature in a tulip glass to enjoy the aromatic evolution.
• With refined dishes: Intense dark chocolate, unflavored tobacco, walnut tart, dried fruit medley, foie gras with honey.
• In premium cocktails: Inspired by a reimagined Old Fashioned, or served as a highball with artisanal tonic and citrus zest.

🤔 Why Choose Hine XO Premier Cru?

1. Purity of origin: Exclusively from Grande Champagne, the most prestigious cru.
2. Extended aging: Aged for a minimum of 10 years, offering superior aromatic and textural complexity.
3. Rich aromatic palette: Noble spices, dried fruits, citrus, vanilla, and flowers in perfect harmony.
4. Historic heritage: Over 260 years of history, Royal Warrant, and multigenerational expertise.
5. Rarity and prestige: A high-end XO crafted for discerning connoisseurs and collectors.

Hine XO Premier Cru Cognac 70 cl is a sovereign expression of Grande Champagne: elegant, spicy, rich, and long-aged. A gem for those who seek the very essence of XO.