HINE Rare VSOP Cognac

Nose: Lots of fresh fruit, nectarines, apricots and oranges plus oak, barrel spices and vanilla. Palate: Creamy entry with baking spices, orange, oak, vanilla, caramel and raisins. Finish: Long and peppery with more orange, vanilla, caramel and oak. Some dried fruits come into play also. This is quite nice.

A delicate blend of Grande & Petite Champagnes (60% is the former). This is what's known as a Fine Champagne. The cognac is aged from between 6 & 12 years, with most being around 8 years old. It was first blended by the eponymous Thomas Hine. It opens with notes of caramel, jasmine, oak & strong hints of vanilla; the palate has notes of dried fruit, fresh cream & toffee, full-bodied & as smooth as it gets; while the finish is long, smooth, dry, with notes of oak, smoky, ginger ale, barley & a hint of nutmeg. September 2017

Cognac by the book!! I like its bottle for this price, that's just before I've tried it.. Smell was nice, not too much nor too thin, with fruit notes like apricot and dried fruits. In mouth, got chocolate, little wood note, spice, and only moderate length aftertaste. A little dry with fruity aromas. Not wow, but nice cognac by the book. Considering the price, along with its taste and bottle, it's worth it!!

Powerful nose and finish. Dry yet still sweet. 23-22-23-22=90