Hine – Rare & Delicate VSOP Cognac (70cl, 40%)
70cl / 40% (OUT OF STOCK)
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- Region
- France
- Bottle Size
- 70cl
- ABV
- 40%
A delicate and fruit-forward VSOP Cognac, deliberately engineered to be smoother, with lighter oak influence than the traditional Hine VSOP blends.
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: Blend of Grande and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie, matured in French Limousin oak barrels | |
| 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, often with gift box. | |
| Notes on discrepancies: The appellation is Fine Champagne. This expression is sometimes considered distinct from the standard Hine VSOP, with a focus on a softer, less astringent profile. |
Historical Context
Hine - Rare & Delicate VSOP Cognac is an alternative branding of Hine's core VSOP expression, emphasizing a specific, desirable quality: a smoother, fruit-forward style with reduced oak presence. While rooted in the same Fine Champagne appellation as the core "Rare VSOP," this naming highlights the Master Blender's goal of achieving a lighter, less tannic liquid that is immediately enjoyable.
The liquid is a Fine Champagne blend, sourcing its eaux-de-vie exclusively from the Grande and Petite Champagne crus, guaranteeing its underlying quality and floral potential. The average age of the components is between six and twelve years, exceeding the minimum VSOP requirement.
The "Rare & Delicate" profile is a conscious effort to contrast with other VSOPs that may present a heavier, more astringent character due to longer or more aggressive oak contact. This lighter style makes it particularly suited for sipping neat immediately upon opening, without the need for aeration or mixing to soften its edges. Its high degree of approachability and emphasis on bright fruit notes define its market appeal.
- Technical Specification & Variant Map
This expression maintains the standard core specification of Hine's VSOP line.
2.1 Documented variants:
- 40% ABV/70cl and 75cl are the standard sizes.
- The liquid is a blend of over 25 eaux-de-vie, designated as Fine Champagne (minimum 60% Grande Champagne).
Variant Matrix:
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 70cl | General Release/UK | Rare & Delicate label | Core consumption target (Smoother profile) |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist:
The label must clearly state "Rare & Delicate VSOP" and the Fine Champagne appellation. The packaging is often a simple bottle and gift box. The key technical marker is the 40% ABV strength.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes:
The liquid is legally a Fine Champagne Cognac (AOC).12 The term "Delicate" is a marketing claim emphasizing the soft, fruit-forward nature and low tannin presence, which contrasts with the astringency of some oakier VSOPs.
- Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is light, highly fruity, and exceptionally smooth, deliberately avoiding aggressive spice or oak influence.
Nose: Bright tone with notes of apricot and floral hints. It is smoother and has more light fruity notes like peaches and nectarines, coupled with honey.
Palate: A soft arrival, with light fruity notes of peaches, nectarines, and honey.13 The texture is noticeably smoother, with a much lighter oak presence compared to more standard, often astringent, VSOPs.
Finish: Smooth and clean.
With water: Not applicable at 40% ABV.
- Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The Hine Rare & Delicate VSOP is priced in line with the core Hine VSOP range, maintaining high liquidity and accessibility.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): 57.50 GBP.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): 40.00 GBP (Mar 2024, 1L format for Hine VSOP).14
Pricing stratification: Pricing is consistent with the core Hine VSOP bottling, reflecting its status as a reliable core product without specific scarcity.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is high globally. Sourcing is straightforward 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 (Hine Rare VSOP) |
| Auction (Hammer Context) | Mar 2024 | 100cl / 40% ABV | 40.00 | Winning bid (Context for Hine VSOP) |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
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. This "Rare & Delicate" expression showcases the blender's ability to create an exceptionally smooth, fruit-forward style of Fine Champagne, appealing to consumers who prefer a lighter, less robust sipping experience.
Sourcing
- Target formats/eras to prefer: The standard 70cl bottle. Focus on securing the best retail pricing.
- Red flags to avoid: Avoid bottles that appear overly dark, which may contradict the delicate style.
- 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.