Pretty much got lucky selecting this as my first cognac and pleased to see it meet your approval as well. Now thinking of a little something special for my birthday in a month or so - Delamain Pale & Dry XO which looks very appealing. Their youngest offering at 25 years old and still, somehow, affordable.
I am sipping this as I am watching your review and I just have to share my experience with this, favorite of mine cognac, below. BTW, try Martell VSOP Red Barrel and Martell VS Single Distillery (great texture and mouthfeel, like Courvusier VS). They are among the lowest sugar per litter cognacs available by a major house. Only 5g/l. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hine Rare VSOP cognac is a favorite of mine. One of the boldest and most assertive VSOP cognacs. It never disappoints. It’s a Fine Champagne cognac, a blend of Grande Champagne (60%) and Petite Champagne (40%). Aged 6 to 12 years. Nose: strong and vibrant. Straight from the bottle, it greets with dried fruit and flowers. Vanilla. A little time in the glass allows for orange zest and jasmine to appear. Palate: full-bodied, with a thick, rich mouthfeel. Surprisingly smooth, for all the flavors it has. Prunes, figs, and cinnamon followed by chocolate. Christmas in a bottle. Could be confused for a sherried scotch, think Macallan or Glendronach. Scotch drinkers will love this. Oak is prominent, but balanced. Finish: long. Oak, raisins, and strong holiday spices. Overall: Hine Rare VSOP combines the vibrancy of VS cognac with the complexity of XO. If you like light, delicate, and floral cognac, such as Camus, this is not for you. This is a bold cognac, with strong dried fruit, sherry, orange peel flavors, and rich, thick mouthfeel. I LOVE IT. It’s common knowledge that Sir Winston Churchill allegedly liked Armenian brandy, but Churchill's favorite cognac was Hine VSOP. While there is little evidence to support the Armenian brandy claim, the brandy served most often at Chartwell, Churchill's estate was Hine. Cheers. P.S. the crystal decanter bottle is a work of art.
Just by coincidence, my next review will be the Martell VS Single Estate which I am finding to be excellent. Yes, Hine make great cognac and only wish it were more widely available where I live. Thanks for the detailed tasting note. I and the readers on this channel benefit from it.
This is a very good cognac in my opinion and I found your review spot on. I'm a huge fan of Hine and drink H on a regular basis. I'm subscribing to your channel and look forward to more reviews.
This cognac is very good quality from VSOP cognacs. I’ve tried many times many different cognacs over the last 30 years. I am cognac lover. From VSOP cognacs still the best for me is Camus and then this one Hine. It is true that 20 or 30 years ago cognacs were stronger more delicate and powerful. It’s a wonderful drink.
I JUST opend a bottle and totally agree with you. Good good Cognac..All dough A am regular "Akhtamar 10 year old" user but this one is amazing. I enjoyed your review. THANKS!
Packaging has changed. Just bought this and the box is white. The wooden stopper is unvarnished. I agree with your preference over Remy Martin which is sweeter.
Excellent review Jason! I have a bottle of Hine Rare waiting to be opened for a special occasion like my birthday in August. Cigar pairing I have in mind is a CAO Avo Syncro Fogata in toro.
Pokeround....Delamain pale and dry is an excellent choice...all grand champagne with very low additive content...just a bit of color and no sugar or boise
Have you had Bache Gabrielsen Pure and Rustic VSOP? it is the same as the Bache Gabrielsen Nature & Eleganse VSOP for the USA market. This may taste "rougher" than your typical VSOP, but that is because it doesn't have any sugar and caramel to smooth the harsh young eau de vie. These are the best casks B-G has, as they don't have any means of disguising any imperfections. Same with Hardys and Hines. This is the kind of cognac that "will stop ya". They used it in the olden days to revive people who fainted he-he. Good stuff if you care for flavor instead of smoothness.
Have not had it, but would like to try. Unfortunately, where I live (New Brunswick) the liquor corporation carried about five brands of cognac and thats it. I used to be able to get different brands when I traveled but with COVID19, that has ended. Really like cognac to the point that I would like to visit the region for a photo essay on my blog. Maybe one day.
My wife got this for me as an advanced birthday gift (on the condition I couldn't drink it until my birthday next month)! I will see how it fares in a couple of weeks. Oh, it's 65 USD in the Philippines.
Mr Debly I found Hardy legend 1863 I got a bottle for 50 on sale at binnys I’ve read it’s one of the best for the money where some of it is aged for 12 years . Have you ever had Hardy yet ? I’m about to try it in a few hours ! ...... ok drinking it now and I must say it’s one of the smoothest I’ve had so far ! It’s a must try for anyone who likes cognac, I’d imagine it’s about 90 or 100 a bottle where your at ,, also no added e51 coloring amazing value !
Happy New Year Jason , so I have mixed feelings about this specific spirit . The nose is fantastic and the palate is great as well , however both nights I drank it I had a bad lingering headache from this thats the huge drawback. When I drink meukow vs I feel nothing of the sort and it’s half the price ? It may be how they stored it or something not sure but martell vs did the same thing to me
+Jason Debly Im curious as to what you think about Bache-Gabrielsen XO or BG Serenité Extra. I use BG VS to cook steaks as I find that tje profile is extremely woody and has an earthy spicyness.
I love Bache-Gabrielsen Natur & Eleganse VSOP for the USA market or Bache-Gabrielsen Pure & Rustic VSOP for the EU market. They are additives free: no sugar and caramel.
New videos? :-)I'm missing you Jason.- Just checking what's up . My self, just ordered 2 more mics for post-production and kitchen itself + Accessories.....I'm eager to start but I want to do it right. Anyways miss ya,
Oh, I just been busy with an online tea site the wife started and I am involved in, so that has taken a lot of time. New review this week hopefully. Cant wait for your new uploads!
I had a shot of Hennessy xo the other day in a bar. However due to being expensive $50 per 1ml shot i was looking for a cheaper cognac. That’s when I saw hine wsop only 9 per shot. To be honest I couldn’t tell the difference between hine vsop and the henessy xo. It smelled and tasted the same
Hine VSOP is very good when compared to Hennessy XO. The latter is smoother but Hine is by no means 'rough.' I would say more textured in terms of flavor. In terms of value for money, Hine wins out every time!
A year ago i was given a bottle of Hine Rare VSOP as a gratituity on a delivery. I plan to finally open this bottle in three months time to usher in my 46th birthday. My question is what Cigar do you recommend? I am looking for a sensory experience unlike any other pairing i have ever enjoyed.
I’d pair this fine cognac with a mild or subtle cigar like Oliva G Cameroon, Ashton Cabinet or Davidoff Grand Cru. If you are looking for a budget cigar that would work: CAO Gold Natural. All the best!
I would if I could source a bottle. Where I live in Canada, the selection of cognac is very limited. I tried even reaching out to the marketing arm of one producer, but no response. So, no review can be had for now.
@@JasonDebly I totally understand. I am here in Illinois where Binnys has some pretty good selections of the different levels of cognac. Tomorrow I will be getting my 1st xo to celebrate with my 2 friends who I’ve been friends with for 25 years so what better way to celebrate that then a unique xo that has been aging as we did in this time to 39 years old lol …. Looking at Hardy xo rare or Bache Gabrielsson any suggestions Bine antique is about 240 so that’s why going with something around 150
@@JasonDebly yes I’ve had the de luze vsop when me local liquor store had it but the xo from then is hard to find here on states.. Hardy is another good established house like Hine very good I highly recommend the Hardy Legend 1863 if you can get it
Jeff Legg He was known to drink Hine Cognac I read in a biography but he also was very fond of Remy Martin Louis XIII which was considered the best then and still today.
It’s common knowledge that Sir Winston Churchill allegedly liked Armenian brandy, but Churchill's favorite cognac was Hine VSOP. While there is little evidence to support the Armenian brandy claim, the brandy served most often at Chartwell, Churchill's estate was Hine.
Hey J long time no talk. Last week I thought of you when I bought a Jean Fillioux XO. I hardly ever buy Cognac, this one is at 44 ABV. I had a tiny sip and really enjoyed. Do you know this one?
Fillioux cognacs are aged solely in Limousin casks with no added boisé (boiled down wood chips added to give a sense of maturity). I have read about that cognac, but unfortunately have not been able to acquire a bottle. I would like to study more the differences between cognacs that have boise and those that do not. The latter are more pure and hopefully better. Your impressions confirm that. Always nice to see a whisky drinker stretch a little and pick up a nice bottle of cognac from time to time!
Hey Jason, if you get to Halifax there are 3 bottles of this left supposedly one of the great value Cognacs in the world. www.mynslc.com/en/products/Spirits/Brandy_Cognac/1024341.aspx
Pretty much got lucky selecting this as my first cognac and pleased to see it meet your approval as well. Now thinking of a little something special for my birthday in a month or so - Delamain Pale & Dry XO which looks very appealing. Their youngest offering at 25 years old and still, somehow, affordable.
I hear it’s a good Cognac! Enjoy!
I am sipping this as I am watching your review and I just have to share my experience with this, favorite of mine cognac, below. BTW, try Martell VSOP Red Barrel and Martell VS Single Distillery (great texture and mouthfeel, like Courvusier VS). They are among the lowest sugar per litter cognacs available by a major house. Only 5g/l.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hine Rare VSOP cognac is a favorite of mine. One of the boldest and most assertive VSOP cognacs. It never disappoints. It’s a Fine Champagne cognac, a blend of Grande Champagne (60%) and Petite Champagne (40%). Aged 6 to 12 years.
Nose: strong and vibrant. Straight from the bottle, it greets with dried fruit and flowers. Vanilla. A little time in the glass allows for orange zest and jasmine to appear.
Palate: full-bodied, with a thick, rich mouthfeel. Surprisingly smooth, for all the flavors it has. Prunes, figs, and cinnamon followed by chocolate. Christmas in a bottle. Could be confused for a sherried scotch, think Macallan or Glendronach. Scotch drinkers will love this.
Oak is prominent, but balanced.
Finish: long. Oak, raisins, and strong holiday spices.
Overall: Hine Rare VSOP combines the vibrancy of VS cognac with the complexity of XO. If you like light, delicate, and floral cognac, such as Camus, this is not for you. This is a bold cognac, with strong dried fruit, sherry, orange peel flavors, and rich, thick mouthfeel. I LOVE IT. It’s common knowledge that Sir Winston Churchill allegedly liked Armenian brandy, but Churchill's favorite cognac was Hine VSOP. While there is little evidence to support the Armenian brandy claim, the brandy served most often at Chartwell, Churchill's estate was Hine. Cheers. P.S. the crystal decanter bottle is a work of art.
Just by coincidence, my next review will be the Martell VS Single Estate which I am finding to be excellent.
Yes, Hine make great cognac and only wish it were more widely available where I live.
Thanks for the detailed tasting note. I and the readers on this channel benefit from it.
Do you know if the Hine XO is worth buying?
This is a very good cognac in my opinion and I found your review spot on. I'm a huge fan of Hine and drink H on a regular basis. I'm subscribing to your channel and look forward to more reviews.
Thanks for the kind words! Hine is very underrated. Cheers!
My favorite at its price point, irritating I can't find it more frequently in Virginia. Excellent review.
This cognac is very good quality from VSOP cognacs. I’ve tried many times many different cognacs over the last 30 years. I am cognac lover. From VSOP cognacs still the best for me is Camus and then this one Hine. It is true that 20 or 30 years ago cognacs were stronger more delicate and powerful. It’s a wonderful drink.
I JUST opend a bottle and totally agree with you.
Good good Cognac..All dough A am regular "Akhtamar 10 year old" user but this one is amazing.
I enjoyed your review.
THANKS!
Welcome to the channel!
Packaging has changed. Just bought this and the box is white. The wooden stopper is unvarnished. I agree with your preference over Remy Martin which is sweeter.
totally agree with your tasting note -- I prefer Hine over the other big name Cognac as well.
The Hine rare is spot.Always keep one in stock.Keep those reviews coming JD
Just found your channel. Very interesting. Great reviews for newbies like myself who know nothing about this stuff.
Welcome to the channel and enjoy. Cognac and whisky tend to have an air of snobbery and mystery that intend to remove with these reviews.
Hine is a very good cognac. I have friends as well as myself have purchased and drink this concoction in a very enjoyable way.
Glad you agree!
Excellent review Jason! I have a bottle of Hine Rare waiting to be opened for a special occasion like my birthday in August. Cigar pairing I have in mind is a CAO Avo Syncro Fogata in toro.
Ahh a cigar with good cognac following a nice meal (osso bucco & barolo wine) makes for a great way to cap off the birthday celebrations.
I might look for it... Never heard of it until now!
It's great Cognac! Worth checking out and I am sure in BC you would have no problem sourcing a bottle.
It's good stuff.
Pokeround....Delamain pale and dry is an excellent choice...all grand champagne with very low additive content...just a bit of color and no sugar or boise
Have you had Bache Gabrielsen Pure and Rustic VSOP? it is the same as the Bache Gabrielsen Nature & Eleganse VSOP for the USA market. This may taste "rougher" than your typical VSOP, but that is because it doesn't have any sugar and caramel to smooth the harsh young eau de vie. These are the best casks B-G has, as they don't have any means of disguising any imperfections. Same with Hardys and Hines. This is the kind of cognac that "will stop ya". They used it in the olden days to revive people who fainted he-he. Good stuff if you care for flavor instead of smoothness.
Have not had it, but would like to try.
Unfortunately, where I live (New Brunswick) the liquor corporation carried about five brands of cognac and thats it. I used to be able to get different brands when I traveled but with COVID19, that has ended.
Really like cognac to the point that I would like to visit the region for a photo essay on my blog. Maybe one day.
Really impressive and smart review. Your way to go through is always special!✔️
Keep on going ...
Greetings from 🇩🇪
Moses
Thanks! I kinda screwed up the end of the video as the remote was not working to end it and i dont know how to do any video editing.
This cognac is very nice, better than VSOP Hennessy or other VSOPs for me. My default cognac, really great! Non rare VSOP is also good.
My wife got this for me as an advanced birthday gift (on the condition I couldn't drink it until my birthday next month)! I will see how it fares in a couple of weeks. Oh, it's 65 USD in the Philippines.
enjoy and let us know what you think of it.
@@JasonDebly surely!
@@JasonDebly it is not too sweet and is quite dry. It opens up with pastry and some berries. Really good recommendation right here! Thanks, Jason!
Mr Debly I found Hardy legend 1863 I got a bottle for 50 on sale at binnys I’ve read it’s one of the best for the money where some of it is aged for 12 years . Have you ever had Hardy yet ? I’m about to try it in a few hours ! ...... ok drinking it now and I must say it’s one of the smoothest I’ve had so far ! It’s a must try for anyone who likes cognac, I’d imagine it’s about 90 or 100 a bottle where your at ,, also no added e51 coloring amazing value !
Nope haven’t had it but I appreciate your feedback. Will try and review at some point.
Have a Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Jason , so I have mixed feelings about this specific spirit . The nose is fantastic and the palate is great as well , however both nights I drank it I had a bad lingering headache from this thats the huge drawback. When I drink meukow vs I feel nothing of the sort and it’s half the price ? It may be how they stored it or something not sure but martell vs did the same thing to me
+Jason Debly Im curious as to what you think about Bache-Gabrielsen XO or BG Serenité Extra. I use BG VS to cook steaks as I find that tje profile is extremely woody and has an earthy spicyness.
The BG is very good indeed. Hard to find though, at least in my travels.
Interesting to use the VS with steaks. Will have to try!
Best,
I love Bache-Gabrielsen Natur & Eleganse VSOP for the USA market or Bache-Gabrielsen Pure & Rustic VSOP for the EU market. They are additives free: no sugar and caramel.
Hine is difficult to find here in Texas. I enjoy your tastings.
Fantastic review!
New videos? :-)I'm missing you Jason.- Just checking what's up . My self, just ordered 2 more mics for post-production and kitchen itself + Accessories.....I'm eager to start but I want to do it right.
Anyways miss ya,
Oh, I just been busy with an online tea site the wife started and I am involved in, so that has taken a lot of time.
New review this week hopefully.
Cant wait for your new uploads!
Oh that's wonderful to hear!, sending you best of luck!
&Thanks,
-Ofer
I had a shot of Hennessy xo the other day in a bar. However due to being expensive $50 per 1ml shot i was looking for a cheaper cognac. That’s when I saw hine wsop only 9 per shot. To be honest I couldn’t tell the difference between hine vsop and the henessy xo. It smelled and tasted the same
Hine VSOP is very good when compared to Hennessy XO. The latter is smoother but Hine is by no means 'rough.' I would say more textured in terms of flavor. In terms of value for money, Hine wins out every time!
Hennessy also is not French.. Richard Hennessy was an Irishman who was exiled to France before starting Hennessy.
Yup!
And Martell. Jean Martell, the founder was originally from the Island of Jersey.
A year ago i was given a bottle of Hine Rare VSOP as a gratituity on a delivery. I plan to finally open this bottle in three months time to usher in my 46th birthday. My question is what Cigar do you recommend? I am looking for a sensory experience unlike any other pairing i have ever enjoyed.
I’d pair this fine cognac with a mild or subtle cigar like Oliva G Cameroon, Ashton Cabinet or Davidoff Grand Cru. If you are looking for a budget cigar that would work: CAO Gold Natural. All the best!
@@JasonDebly Thank you for the recommendations. Though when it comes to cigars I am a medium to full body cigar guy.
I have a special request Mr. Debly … please review Hardy 1863 legend cognac of you can thanks
I would if I could source a bottle. Where I live in Canada, the selection of cognac is very limited. I tried even reaching out to the marketing arm of one producer, but no response. So, no review can be had for now.
@@JasonDebly I totally understand. I am here in Illinois where Binnys has some pretty good selections of the different levels of cognac. Tomorrow I will be getting my 1st xo to celebrate with my 2 friends who I’ve been friends with for 25 years so what better way to celebrate that then a unique xo that has been aging as we did in this time to 39 years old lol …. Looking at Hardy xo rare or Bache Gabrielsson any suggestions Bine antique is about 240 so that’s why going with something around 150
@@jh5018 I really like De Luze XO. I think it’s the best value play in the XO category.
@@JasonDebly yes I’ve had the de luze vsop when me local liquor store had it but the xo from then is hard to find here on states.. Hardy is another good established house like Hine very good I highly recommend the Hardy Legend 1863 if you can get it
Can you Jason or anyone out there tell me is this was the Hine that Winston Churchill preferred?? If not what did her drink?
Jeff Legg He was known to drink Hine Cognac I read in a biography but he also was very fond of Remy Martin Louis XIII which was considered the best then and still today.
It’s common knowledge that Sir Winston Churchill allegedly liked Armenian brandy, but Churchill's favorite cognac was Hine VSOP. While there is little evidence to support the Armenian brandy claim, the brandy served most often at Chartwell, Churchill's estate was Hine.
Hey J long time no talk. Last week I thought of you when I bought a Jean Fillioux XO. I hardly ever buy Cognac, this one is at 44 ABV. I had a tiny sip and really enjoyed. Do you know this one?
Fillioux cognacs are aged solely in Limousin casks with no added boisé (boiled down wood chips added to give a sense of maturity).
I have read about that cognac, but unfortunately have not been able to acquire a bottle. I would like to study more the differences between cognacs that have boise and those that do not. The latter are more pure and hopefully better.
Your impressions confirm that.
Always nice to see a whisky drinker stretch a little and pick up a nice bottle of cognac from time to time!
Hey Jason, if you get to Halifax there are 3 bottles of this left supposedly one of the great value Cognacs in the world.
www.mynslc.com/en/products/Spirits/Brandy_Cognac/1024341.aspx
Tres vieux is nice and as you say a good deal, but the XO is a step up for sure. Cheers.
Technically this is an XO as it is 25 years old. Just saying.
Hey peter. I’ve had both and the xo seems better. I’m no expert that’s for sure. My local wine guy only stocks fillioux cognac and I trust his palate
05:33 this cognac gives me gastroesophageal reflux disease more than courvoisier does.
Glendronach 21 Parliament 48% in my glass tonight. TGIF!!
Parliament is amazing! Good choice!
Jason...is all okay? Not seen a video in a while? Best wishes S
Oh yeah, all is good! Just been busy. Matter of fact, been sipping some Courvoisier 12 years. Will have to post a review soon. Cheers!
Jason Debly good to hear mate! Hard to beat a Cognac and also good to get a wee change from whisky👍🏻 looking forward to your return!
It's not superior....it's special... Come on you should know that
It actually is SUPERIOR.
To hard for me,"Bisquit & Dubouche" is better,