H by HINE VSOP Cognac

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.

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 any entry-level VS cognac. In the whisky world I'd compare this to something like Teeling Small Batch, and in the rum sphere maybe Appleton Estate Reserve - a very solid 3.5 stars falling short of 4 by a whisker. "Good" : 3.5 stars