The House of HINE recently announced the U.S. release of HINE Cigar Reserve XO, a cognac crafted to sip alongside premium Cuban cigars. The result of a collaboration between the House of HINE, a family-owned and operated cognac producer founded in 1763, and Hunters & Frankau of London, the UK’s exclusive distributor of Havana cigars established in 1790, HINE Cigar Reserve XO marries the expertise of these two longstanding industry leaders to orchestrate an experience that caters to the desires of cigar aficionados.
The impetus for HINE Cigar Reserve XO began 35 years ago when sixth generation HINE Honorary Chairman, the late Bernard Hine crossed paths with Hunters & Frankau Managing Director and eventual Chairman, the late Nicholas Freeman. The two shared a mutual affinity for cognac and cigars, which prompted the idea of creating a world class cognac specifically designed to pair with the most expressive Havana cigars. Following a decade of tastings, samplings, and trips back and forth between London and Jarnac, the inaugural bottling of HINE Cigar Reserve XO was introduced in Europe in 1996. Twenty-five years later, this exclusive HINE offering has made its U.S. debut in partnership with American importer, Hotaling & Co.
HINE Cigar Reserve XO features a blend of twenty eau-de-vie produced using Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois grapes aged for over 15 years. Crafted in a style to stand up to the intensity of a strong and flavorful cigar, Cigar Reserve is the only expression in the HINE portfolio blended with Fins Bois grapes, known for their concentrated flavors and robust aromatic profile.
GSN’s Remarks: A dark, rich, grape spirit infused with oak, perky spice high notes and warm nutty low notes. The breadth of flavors works excpetionally well with a high quality cigar. Adding a bookended effect between the tannic, dry tobacco leaf, and the sweet, woody cognac. The finish is excpetionally long, ending with a warm vanilla note that has a familial relationship to a new cigar. Even if you don’t smoke, this is an exceptional flavor experience. GSN Rating: A+
For more information go to: HINE Cognac
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