Hine Cigar Reserve XO

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

The Hine Cigar Reserve XO from France is a blend of 20 eaux-de-vie (a clear, colorless fruit brandy), and has an ABV of 40%. On the nose, it is aromatically complex, with notes of fresh pepper and tobacco, and hints of sweet fruit. On the palate, it is round and long, with slightly spicy notes, and hints of walnut and honey.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

Cognac is best served neat. Some connoisseurs will tell you not to add anything to it, and some will suggest adding a drop of water to reveal more of the floral, fruity, spicy qualities. It’s great to pair with a number of things. Enjoy it with some mature cheeses like Manchego, Emmental, or Camembert for starters. Entrees like duck and glazed pork is brilliant with it, and for dessert, some dark chocolate will make it shine.

A JOURNEY WORTH RISKING

Thomas Hine was a young Englishman who set off from his hometown of Dorset to seek the secrets of his father’s favorite drink—cognac. It was in 1791, and he was only 16, and thus, likely didn’t realize what terrible timing he had for his pilgrimage. It was the French Revolution, and he was imprisoned at the Château de Jarnac, which was founded on the banks of the Charente in 1763. He married the daughter of his hosts, Françoise-Elisabeth, and gave his own name to the house in 1817. Six generations later, the descendants of Thomas Hine have led Thomas Hine & Co. with passion and dedication, continuing the creation of the beloved cognac that their ancestor risked his life for.

Storage Instructions

Store your bottle upright in a cool, dark place, ideally between 12 and 15°C. There is no need to refrigerate cognac. To maintain the moistness of the cork and prevent it from chipping, occasionally tilt your bottle horizontally two to three times, then restore it to the upright position. Opened bottles of cognac should be consumed within six months, as the alcohol may oxidize and begin to lose its flavor.