H by Hine VSOP Cognac
70cl / 40%
£49.00
- Region: France
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A youthful, approachable Very Superior Old Pale Cognac from the revered House of Hine, targeting the cocktail market.
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Hine (Thomas Hine & Co.) / France (Cognac, Fine Champagne) |
| Category | Cognac (Brandy) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | VSOP (Minimum 4 years aged) / NAS / Ongoing core line |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% ABV / 70cl (also 1L for duty-free) |
| Cask / Treatment | Aged in French oak (Limousin and Tronçais forests) / Not stated by the producer. |
| Natural Colour | No (Caramel E150a likely used) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No (Chill filtration is standard for 40% ABV Cognac) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer. (Mass-market core line) |
| Intended channel | Bar/Cocktail and Standard Retail |
| Packaging | Modern, slender glass bottle with a minimalist label design. |
| Notes on discrepancies | While labelled VSOP, this expression, "H by Hine," is positioned as a mixer, making it slightly different from their 'Rare VSOP' which is aimed more at sipping. |
Historical Context
Founded in 1763, the House of Hine is one of the most distinguished and long-standing names in Cognac. Hine is particularly known for focusing almost exclusively on Fine Champagne Cognac, meaning its eaux-de-vie come only from the two finest crus: Grande Champagne (minimum 50%) and Petite Champagne. Unlike many houses, Hine often ages its Cognacs for longer than the legal minimum.
The H by Hine VSOP is a relatively modern expression created specifically to introduce the brand to a younger audience and to compete in the burgeoning cocktail market. The 'H' signifies Hine's commitment to quality while the VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) designation legally guarantees that the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend has been aged for a minimum of four years in oak. The use of predominantly younger, fresher eaux-de-vie allows it to shine in mixed drinks while retaining Hine’s signature floral elegance.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
H by Hine is a VSOP Cognac, a blend of eaux-de-vie from the Grande and Petite Champagne crus (Fine Champagne). The minimum legal age for the youngest component is four years, but Hine’s blending often exceeds this. It is bottled at the standard commercial strength of 40% ABV. The blend is specifically selected for its light, floral, and fresh characteristics, making it highly versatile.
Documented variants
- 40% ABV, 70cl volume (standard retail).
- 40% ABV, 100cl (1L) volume (duty-free).
- Gift packs featuring the 70cl bottle with accompanying glasses are common.
Packaging & authenticity checklist
- Capsule/Closure: A standard foil capsule with a cork stopper. Look for the Hine branding on the capsule.
- Seals/Crests: The label is modern and clean, focusing on the prominent 'H' and 'HINE' text.
- Common Pitfalls: No significant counterfeiting concerns given its price point. The main issue is distinguishing it from Hine's slightly more expensive and classic Rare VSOP expression.
Regulatory/terminology notes
VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is a quality grade where the youngest component must be aged for a minimum of four years. Cognac Fine Champagne is a protected designation guaranteeing that the eaux-de-vie originate exclusively from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, with at least 50% from Grande Champagne. Cognac is permitted to use the additive sugar (E150a) for taste balancing and colour consistency.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
Nose: Highly floral and light, with notes of vanilla, spring blossom, and fresh apricot. Very elegant and clean.
Palate: Supple, rounded, and fruity. Flavours of juicy pear, yellow peach, soft honey, and a hint of fresh spice from the oak. Lighter in body than older Cognacs.
Finish: Good length, delicate, with a soft lingering floral note and a hint of dark fruit.
With water: Not applicable.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. (A competitive VSOP pricing.)
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): £45.25 - £51.10 (Several credible listings.)
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Not typically traded at auction due to its mass-market nature.
Pricing stratification: Price is very stable and consistent across retailers, with small variations based on promotional periods or gift pack inclusions.
FX note: No conversion used.
Liquidity & sourcing note: High liquidity. Available across all major UK and global retailers. Sourcing is straightforward.
