Hine Rare Cognac VSOP
70cl / 40%
£59.00
- Region: France
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A highly awarded Fine Champagne VSOP, blended from over 25 aged eaux-de-vie sourced entirely from the Grande and Petite Champagne crus.
At-a-Glance:
| Field | |
| Distillery: Hine | |
| Bottler: Thomas Hine & Co. | |
| Country & Region: France, Cognac (Fine Champagne) | |
| Category: Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) Cognac | |
| Age: Aged 6 to 12 years (Average age of blend) | |
| Vintage: Not stated by the producer | |
| Bottled: Ongoing release (Modern bottling) | |
| ABV & Size(s): 40% / 70cl (Also 75cl) | |
| Cask / Treatment: Matured in French Limousin oak barrels (Blend of over 25 eaux-de-vie) | |
| Natural Colour: Not stated by the producer | |
| Non-Chill-Filtered: Not stated by the producer | |
| Cask Strength: No | |
| Bottle count / Outturn: Not stated by the producer (Core range) | |
| Intended channel: General Release | |
| Packaging: Standard bottle with gift box available. | |
| Notes on discrepancies: The blend is Fine Champagne, meaning 60% Grande Champagne and 40% Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie. |
Historical Context
The Hine Cognac House, established in 1763, is defined by its English heritage and dedication to producing elegant, delicate Cognacs. The founder, Thomas Hine, left Dorset to learn the trade and married into a French Cognac family in 1796. The "Rare" VSOP expression is the core of the Hine portfolio and is categorized as a Fine Champagne Cognac.
The "Fine Champagne" designation is crucial, meaning the eaux-de-vie used in the blend are sourced exclusively from the two most prestigious growing areas (crus) in the Cognac region: Grande Champagne (60% or more) and Petite Champagne. This sourcing guarantees the blend's finesse, rich, flowery aromas, and excellent ageing potential.
The VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) minimum age requirement dictates that the youngest spirit in the blend must be aged for at least four years in oak, although the Hine Rare blend is typically aged between six and twelve years. The Hine Rare VSOP has received numerous Gold and Double Gold medals, solidifying its reputation as a benchmark VSOP in the Fine Champagne category.
2.1 Documented variants:
- 40% ABV/70cl is the standard UK format.
- 40% ABV/75cl is common in US export markets.
- The blend is a marriage of over 25 distinct eaux-de-vie.
Variant Matrix:
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 70cl | General Release/UK | VSOP, Fine Champagne Blend | Core consumption target |
| 40% | 75cl | Export | VSOP, Fine Champagne Blend | Moderate (Export market size) |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist:
The label must clearly state "Rare VSOP" and "Fine Champagne Cognac." The blend components are 60% Grande Champagne and 40% Petite Champagne. The spirit is matured in French Limousin oak barrels. The Hine name is associated with high quality and long legacy.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes:
The liquid is Cognac, a specific type of Brandy protected by Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). VSOP means the youngest component is aged a minimum of four years, though the Hine blend is considerably older. Fine Champagne is a regulated designation.
- Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes):
The profile is delicate, fruity, and highly elegant, characteristic of Fine Champagne.
Nose: Strong and vibrant, opening with aromas of roasted nectarines, ripe apricots, and succulent melon. This is followed by dried fruit and flowers, with developing notes of orange resin, oak, and vanilla.
Palate: Beautifully expressing the fruity flavours characteristic of the Charente vines. The texture is velvety. Notes of ginger, chocolate, orange, and oak are present.
Finish: Slow, fading into soft oak and dried fruits.
With water: Not applicable at 40% ABV.
- Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP):
The Hine Rare VSOP is a highly accessible premium Cognac with a stable retail price.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): 57.50 GBP (Specialist retail listing).
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): 40.00 GBP (Mar 2024, 1L), 30.00 GBP (Hammer for 70cl, unspecified date).
Pricing stratification: The auction price is low, confirming high liquidity and low speculative value for this core range product. The 1 Litre format is occasionally auctioned at a slight premium over the 70cl format.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is high globally. Sourcing is simple due to its status as a core, widely distributed VSOP expression.
Price Snapshot:
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retail (Specialist) | Current | 70cl / 40% ABV | 57.50 | UK Retail Listing |
| Auction (Hammer) | Mar 2024 | 100cl / 40% ABV | 40.00 | Winning bid |
| Auction (Hammer) | Not specified | 70cl / 40% ABV | 30.00 | Winning bid (Low end) |
- Distillery/Bottler Snapshot (brief)
Hine is a prestigious Cognac house that focuses exclusively on eaux-de-vie from the Grande and Petite Champagne crus (Fine Champagne). The house specializes in elegance, delicacy, and the complex art of blending. The Rare VSOP is a core component of their portfolio, representing a high-quality, aged spirit that has earned numerous gold medals at international competitions.
- Sourcing:
- Target formats/eras to prefer: The 70cl bottle is the standard. Focus on securing the best retail pricing rather than auction sourcing.
- Red flags to avoid: Avoid bottles with low fill levels, as this is a common consumption product, and defects are unwarranted.
- Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): Standard excellent condition is expected.
- Margin/velocity expectations - qualitative: High velocity expected. Margin is low but steady due to reliable consumer demand.
