Crafted exclusively from Grande Champagne's finest grapes, Hine Antique XO Premier Cru Cognac epitomizes luxury and sophistication. This exceptional blend of over 40 eaux-de-vie, aged for a minimum of a decade, delivers a rich and complex flavor profile that dances between spicy cinnamon, nutmeg, and floral notes, with hints of dark chocolate and leather. The palate reveals a supple yet vibrant character, with bursts of lemongrass and butterscotch rounding out its velvety texture, while the long, refined finish highlights oak spice and subtle fruitiness. Encased in an elegant teardrop-shaped decanter, this cognac is a testament to Hine's 260-year legacy of meticulous craftsmanship and innovation. Perfect for connoisseurs seeking a timeless spirit, Hine Antique XO is an indulgent sip into the heart of cognac excellence.
Process & Profile
The Hine Antique XO Premier Cru Cognac is a meticulous blend of over 40 eaux-de-vie, crafted exclusively from Ugni Blanc grapes grown in the Grande Champagne region. Known for its exceptional terroir, this region contributes to the spirit's finesse and capacity for long aging. The Cognac matures in French Tronçais oak barrels, which impart a delicate balance of mild tannins and nuanced flavor. This XO Cognac embodies a minimum of 10 years of aging, offering unparalleled complexity and richness.
Key Details:
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Region: Grande Champagne, France
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Cask: Tronçais oak, known for a finer grain and lower tannins
Tasting Notes
Hine Antique XO Premier Cru delivers a sensory journey marked by sophistication and depth across aroma, palate, and finish.
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Nose: A symphony of floral, spicy, and fruity notes greets the senses. Lavender, jasmine, and nutmeg are layered with the warmth of cinnamon and a peppery undertone.
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Palate: The flavor profile is full-bodied and velvety, unveiling a blend of crème fraîche, toffee, and delicate vanilla. Fruit-forward tones of quince and dried cherry are balanced with subtle spices, offering a lingering richness.
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Finish: Long, smooth, and dry, with whispers of nutmeg, dark chocolate, and oak.
What Makes It Special
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Exclusively Grande Champagne: Unlike its earlier iterations, this Cognac now solely uses eaux-de-vie from the finest terroir in Cognac—Grande Champagne. This distinction elevates its quality and depth.
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Heritage of Excellence: First created in 1920 by Georges Hine, the "Antique" blend represents a legacy of refined craftsmanship upheld for over a century.
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Unmatched Craftsmanship: From careful grape cultivation to decades of cellar aging, each bottle reflects Hine's dedication to producing an extraordinary spirit.
How to Enjoy
The versatility of Hine Antique XO Premier Cru Cognac makes it ideal for various occasions:
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Neat: Best enjoyed in a tulip or balloon glass to fully appreciate its vibrant amber color, release of aromas, and rich flavor complexity.
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Paired with Food: Enhance its elegance by pairing with fine cheeses, nuts, or dark chocolate desserts.
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With a Cigar: This Cognac's bold, spicy profile complements a fine cigar, enriching the experience for aficionados.
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In Cocktails: While it shines best solo, adventurous palates may explore it in elevated cocktails like an Old Fashioned with a Cognac twist.
Hine Antique XO Premier Cru is more than a Cognac—it is a testament to tradition, skill, and the artistry of blending. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or savoring a quiet moment of indulgence, this exceptional Cognac promises an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Hine Antique XO Premier Cognac?
Hine Antique XO Premier Cognac is crafted exclusively in the Grande Champagne region of Cognac, France. It is made from eaux-de-vie derived from high-quality white grapes grown in this recognized premier cru region.
How long is Hine Antique XO Premier Cognac aged?
This cognac is a blend of over 40 different eaux-de-vie, with an average age of 20 years and a minimum age of 10 years.
What does XO mean in Hine Antique XO?
XO stands for "Extra Old," indicating that the blend contains eaux-de-vie aged for a minimum of 10 years, as per cognac regulations established in 2018.
What are the tasting notes of Hine Antique XO Premier Cognac?
- **Nose:** Aromas of jasmine, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, with fruity and floral overtones.
- **Palate:** Bold and complex with flavors of crème fraîche, toffee, slight spice, and oak, complemented by a smooth, full-bodied character.
- **Finish:** Long and dry, with hints of nutmeg, dark chocolate, and leather.
How is Hine Antique XO Premier Cognac best enjoyed?
This cognac is versatile and can be savored neat, on the rocks, or paired with a fine cigar. It is particularly appreciated as a luxurious digestif due to its bold and complex flavor profile.
What distinguishes Hine Antique XO Premier Cognac from other cognacs?
Hine Antique XO is crafted exclusively from Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie and aged in French Tronçais oak barrels, which provide a tighter grain and fewer tannins for a refined taste. The blend showcases a balance of spice, fruit, and floral notes, making it a flagship product of Hine.
Is Hine Antique XO Premier Cognac suitable for gifting?
Yes, its elegant decanter-style bottle and excellent reputation as a premium XO cognac make it an ideal gift for connoisseurs and special occasions.
What is the alcohol content of Hine Antique XO Premier Cognac?
Hine Antique XO has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%.
What makes Grande Champagne a top region for cognac production?
Grande Champagne is renowned for its chalky soils, which produce high-quality grapes. Eaux-de-vie from this region develop more slowly during aging, resulting in exceptional depth and complexity of flavor, ideal for producing premium cognacs like Hine Antique XO.
