A Muddled Thought

Coming to us from the house of Hine Cognac is Hine Rare VSOP, a cognac that starts with hand selected grapes chosen from relationships, Hine has established with a small number of wine growers(only 50 out of over 8,000 in France). These grapes are then allowed to ferment naturally before distillation begins. At this point, only the heart cut is selected and used in the final spirit, a blend of Grande and Petite Champagne cognacs, consisting of more than 25 cognacs, the youngest of which has aged been in French limousin oak barrels for a period of no less than four years.

By creating a blend of more than 25 cognacs, Hine has been able to create a spirit that is brimming with subtle nuances of a variety of flavors. This magnificent spirit starts off incredibly smooth, and succulent. As you enjoy that first sip soft notes of maraschino cherries, and sweet fragrant wine lead the way into a body filled with flavors of vanilla, sprinkles of cocoa and a finish featuring a touch of smoke and bitter orange.

I’ve come across a good deal of cognacs in my travels and quite a few have been rough around the edges. Hine’s VSOP offering with its smooth characters and variety of flavor notes definitely doesn’t fall into this category. It works just as well as a sippable spirit as it does in cocktails. .

Final Score: 9.5/10

Sneaky before Dawn
2oz Hine Cognac
¾ oz Los Amantes Mezcal
2 Dashes-Peach Bitters
½ oz Chai Demerara Syrup

Garnish with Orange Peel

Sneaky before Dawn. A combination of Hine VSOP Cognac, Los Amantes Mezcal, Peach Bitters and Chai Demerara Syrup

The Conference-Courtesy of Brian Miller of Death and Co.
1/4 oz Demerara Sugar Syrup
1/2 oz Rittenhouse Bonded Rye (100 Proof)
1/2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon
1/2 oz Hine Rare VSOP Cognac
1/2 oz Calvados
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
1 Dash Xocolatl Mole Bitters

Garnish with Orange and Lemon Twists

Stir all the ingredients aside from the twists in an ice filled shaker glass. Strain into a double old fashioned glass over ice. Add orange and lemon twists.