Hine

Hine is a Cognac house founded in 1763 in Jarnac, Charente, on the banks of the Charente River, and one of the great names in spirits. Its story begins with Thomas Hine, a young Englishman from Dorset who arrived in France in 1791 at the age of 16. He joined the trading house of his future father-in-law as a clerk, married his daughter in 1797 and later took over the business, which became Thomas Hine & Co in 1817.

An English house in the heart of the Charente

This dual identity, English through its founder and deeply rooted in the Charente through its terroir, remains a hallmark of the house. Hine is the only Cognac house to hold a Royal Warrant, an official seal recognising it as a supplier to the British Royal Household since 1962, renewed every five years since then.

Sourcing from Grande and Petite Champagne

Hine sources primarily from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, the two most highly regarded terroirs of the Cognac appellation, renowned for the finesse and length of their eaux-de-vie. This origin is reflected in the "Fine Champagne" designation, which guarantees a blend containing at least 50% Grande Champagne, with the remainder coming from Petite Champagne. This forms the foundation of the house style, focused more on elegance than sheer power.

Ageing designed for finesse

Each blend is the result of patient work with several eaux-de-vie of different ages, matured in oak casks in the cellars of Jarnac, where some century-old large casks hold Cognacs dating back to the 19th century. This diversity of vintages held in reserve allows the house to create blends of remarkable consistency year after year, despite the natural variations of each harvest.

Two blends, one distinctive style

Rare VSOP, also known as "The Original Fine Champagne", is a blend of around twenty eaux-de-vie from Grande and Petite Champagne. It offers a floral, subtly oaked profile with notes of nectarine, cinnamon, vanilla and candied ginger, alongside an airy, velvety palate that gradually builds in intensity. H by Hine VSOP offers a rounder, more aromatic style, made from a blend of Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie aged in new oak for the first nine months before being transferred to older casks, resulting in a smooth, full and subtly oaked Cognac.

How to enjoy Hine Cognac

A Hine VSOP can be enjoyed neat after a meal, served in a tulip-shaped glass that concentrates its floral and spicy aromas. It also works particularly well in mixology, especially in classic Cognac-based cocktails, where its roundness reduces the need for added sugar. For a more contemplative tasting experience, serving it at room temperature without ice allows the aromas to develop fully over time.