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The start of the year usually means a lot of new whiskey releases, and this year has been no exception, with new bottles being announced by brands and distilleries like Pappy Van Winkle, Michter’s, and Old Forester. It’s not all about bourbon and rye, however, because a brand-new Cognac was just released by storied Cognac brand Hine, and I’m happy to report that it’s fantastic.
Hine can trace its roots all the way back to 1763, when founder Thomas Hine traveled from his home in England to France to fully immerse himself in this delicate spirit. The brand is still going strong today, although perhaps not as well known as larger houses like Hennessy, Courvoisier, and Remy Martin. Still, according to the brand, its Cognac stands out for being grounded in two beliefs: Cognac is “above all, a great white wine,” and barrel aging should enhance instead of masking the inherent flavor of the eaux-de-vie, or un-aged brandy.
Which brings us to Hine XO 1er Cru, a new blend assembled by cellar master Eric Forget and deputy cellar master Paul Szersnovicz that will replace the Antique XO expression in the portfolio. As indicated by the XO designation, this Cognac was aged for a minimum of 10 years in French oak, and the grapes all come from estate vineyards in the Grande Champagne region of France, which is known for the quality of its limestone soil.
“Hine XO 1er Cru is representative of the passing down from one generation of cellar master to the next, honoring the past while celebrating the future of what is to come,” said Forget in a statement. “This XO is a symphony of elegance and richness that showcases the pure expression of Grande Champagne while simultaneously preserving Hine’s signature fresh and vibrant style.”
I have to agree with him. The barrels the Cognac was aged in were lightly toasted, part of Hine’s commitment to making sure that the wood doesn’t dominate the palate, and that is the case here. Aromas of fresh berries and toasted almonds greet you on the nose, followed by layers of flavor on the palate including ripe cherry, dark chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, honey, and a dash of black pepper. This Cognac is rich with fruit notes, but there’s a lightness to it and just enough tannin to temper the sweetness without drying it out.
Hine XO 1er Cru is available now to purchase from ReserveBar for $300 along with the rest of the Hine lineup, and it’s a bottle worth the splurge you’re looking to try something new in the world of Cognac.
