H by HINE VSOP Cognac

Nose: Fruity (apples and raisins), floral (jasmine, vanilla pod, Earl Grey tea), a light caramel/burnt sugar note. There's also a freshness as of lime juice and lightly toasted cereal. Palate: More present than the nose. The arrival is sweet and lightly creamy with some developing mild spice (tannin, menthol and clove), but it's delicate and poised. There are nuances of baked apple and orange zest. Not greatly complex, but what is there is good. Finish: Medium/short. The finish has light grapey notes and a little lemon pepper, but there is a more lingering minty/herbal aftertaste. The nose on this is subdued, but allowing it to develop in the glass enlarges it and finds more depth in the aromas. It's a friendly, approachable and fresh nose that is not particularly deep or resonant. There is an oaky note, but it's faint (a tree was involved somewhere in the production of this, but that's about all one would be willing to say). In comparison to many spirits this could be accused of just being a simple, fresh young expression, but it's compelling. You keep coming back for another nose and taste, and then pour another small measure because it's simply enjoyable to sit and ponder. A good sign. A spirit that is very easy to drink and enjoy. More than acceptable as a sipper, and fine as a mixer. Good value for money and certainly a step up from most entry-level VS cognac. "Above Average" : 82/100 (3.25 stars)

An opportune moment arises for some time for a tasting. I picked up a bottle of H/Hine for Thanksgiving and have been sipping some here and there. Tonight finds time to sip and contemplate this pour (on the anniversary of John Lennon’ unfortunate and untimely passing - big Beatles fan) An initial nosing reveals touches of Raisin Bran cereal dusted with ground cinnamon. As it opens, caramel, apricots and white grapes fruitiness coupled with honeysuckle and lemon zest. A lovely fruity and floral nose. The mouthfeel is thin and watery. Surprising for a rich nose. Wood, cinnamon and white pepper spices keep the palate spry; a effervescent sensation. The sweet fruitiness works it’s way forward with that of apricots, apples with a touch of confectionery sugar. All this is delicate and light. But the flavors all seem to blend well. The finish with medium to short in length. That effervescent sensation carries through. Lemon zest, white pepper with spearmint leave the palate crisp and fresh. An easy sipping cognac. It’s summery light and fruity. I could see this mixing with cloud soda for that summer, poolside refresher, like White Claw (H-Claw?). My exposure to Cognac is small and looking to seek more experiences. This is quite acceptable and will not burn your wallet. [84/100][$57][Tasted: 12/8/22]

There are three cognac's that I always keep around my bar and that's this, Pierre Ferrand Ambre and Pierre Ferrand 1840. The H by Hine VSOP is probably the one I turn to the most when I'm making cocktails, unless the drink is calling for a higher proof cognac (in which case I go with Pierre Ferrand 1840). I believe the 1840 is my favorite of the three, but it's pretty close either way. For the value though, the H by Hine VSOP is probably the best bang for your buck, assuming you can get it for $35-40. The nose is definitely fruity, with apples, orange peel and pears. The oak and vanilla, which is also present on the nose, hits you with the first sip. Neither is overpowering and it quickly gives way to leather and green grapes. The finish is not that long but has little burn and has a nice sweetness to it. H by Hine VSOP will not blow you away but it's very solid. It kind of reminds me of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, easy to like but maybe not all that complex. The real value comes with its versatility, as any cocktail that calls for cognac, you can pretty much guarantee that this can handle it. At $35, it's a steal and while I would probably rate this a 3 if you were to drink this neat, it's multiple uses and value give it a bump up to a 3.5.

So far, I've tasted the "big four" Cognacs from Houses Hennessy, Remy, Courvoisier and Martell. Hine seemed like a logical next step. This one has a bright and fruity nose, grape and raspberry jam, cherry cobbler, and other sweet red fruit desserts. A slight dusty lime. The taste falls flat though; watery and flavorless on the entry, it then turns starkly saline. Tart brambleberry. There is no spice here at all, just a young-tasting (for a VSOP), light, fresh, and fruity Cognac with limited complexity. The last few drops in the glass tasted exactly like unsweetened raspberry tea. A bit one-dimensional, but it really heralds Spring.

Smell bright tone with notes of apricot and floral. Taste of apricot and vanilla, with little spice, not so complex, and the aftertaste is only moderate, but easy to drink by all means. Not wow much for this one but considering the price, which is the cheapest VSOP I can find (in my area), it's good in its class.

It’s better with a couple of drops of water. Without the water it’s sour and I would have probably given in a 2.