The impetus for HINE Cigar Reserve XO began 35 years ago when sixth generation HINE Honorary Chairman, the late Bernard Hine, crossed paths with the late Nicholas Freeman, managing director and eventual chairman, of Hunters & Frankau, the UK distributor of Havana Cigars The two shared a mutual affinity for cognac and cigars, which prompted the idea of creating a world class cognac specifically designed to pair with the most expressive Havana cigars.
Following a decade of tastings, samplings, and trips back and forth between London and Jarnac, the inaugural bottling of HINE Cigar Reserve XO was introduced in Europe in 1996. Twenty-five years later, this exclusive HINE offering is poised to make its U.S. debut in partnership with Hotaling & Co.
“At HINE, we take great pride in crafting a dynamic range of quality cognac for discerning palates, but perhaps more importantly, we mindfully craft each expression through an experiential lens, blending to achieve specific profiles for specific experiences,” said Thibaut Delrieu, HINE Commercial Director. “HINE Cigar Reserve XO is no exception. With countless parallels between cognac and cigars, we spent years working to find the perfect balance of aromatic and flavor complexity tailored to complement the first puffs of a powerful and fragrant medium-bodied Havana cigar.”
HINE Cigar Reserve XO features a blend of 20 eau-de-vie produced using Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois grapes aged for over 15 years. Crafted in a bold style to stand up to the intensity of a strong and flavorful cigar, Cigar Reserve is the only expression in the HINE portfolio blended with Fins Bois grapes, known for their concentrated flavors and robust aromatic profile. The result is a rich and opulent cognac filled with complex layers of spice, fresh pepper, and tobacco underscored by walnut, honey, and lightly toasted flavors.