93 points,"Inviting and complex on the nose. Well balanced and nicely mellow on the palate with a smooth, silky texture and finely balanced spice and floral notes, intertwined with lovely elements of grape."- International Wine&Spirit Competition 2020 Hine Rare fully deserves that subtitle of'The Original', because it sets the benchmark for Cognac and is the perfect introduction to this exceptional House. A blend of around twenty eaux-de-vie from Grande and Petite Champagne grapes, Hine Rare is a V.S.O.P. with a gloriously summery and wine-like vibe. According to Hine, sipping it is like visiting an orchard in Arles painted by Van Gogh and soundtracked Cesária Évora - the colour, the vibrancy, the fruit and the sunny warmth all coming together. First blended by the eponymous Thomas Hine way back when, this Cognac is suave and smooth, presenting orchard blossom, jasmine, iris, roasted nectarines, juicy apricots, marmalade, Charentais melon, ripe grapes, gingerbread spices and brioche. Stick on'Sodade'by the aforementioned Cape Verdean songstress and unwind with sun-kissed glass of Hine Rare.£9.29 per 100.00ml