H by HINE VSOP Cognac

Nose: Fruity (apples and raisins), floral (jasmine, vanilla pod, Earl Grey tea), with a light caramel/burnt sugar note. It also has a freshness akin to lime juice and lightly toasted cereal. Palate: More pronounced than the nose. The initial taste is sweet and lightly creamy, developing into mild spice (tannin, menthol, and clove), yet it remains delicate and balanced. Nuances of baked apple and orange zest are present. It's not highly complex, but the existing flavors are good. Finish: Medium/short. The finish offers light grapey notes and a touch of lemon pepper, but a minty/herbal aftertaste lingers longer. The aroma of this spirit is subdued initially, but allowing it to breathe in the glass enhances it, revealing greater depth in the scents. It's a pleasant, accessible, and fresh nose that isn't particularly profound or resonant. There's an oaky note, but it's faint – suggesting oak's involvement in production without being prominent. Compared to many spirits, this might be criticized as merely a simple, fresh young expression, but it's engaging. You find yourself returning for another sniff and taste, and then pouring another small measure because it's simply enjoyable to contemplate. A positive indicator. A spirit that is very easy to drink and appreciate. More than acceptable for sipping, and fine for mixing. Offers good value and is certainly a step above most entry-level VS cognacs. "Above Average": 82/100 (3.25 stars)

The right moment has come for a tasting. I purchased a bottle of H/Hine for Thanksgiving and have been having small amounts now and then. Tonight, I have the time to sip and think about this pour (on the anniversary of John Lennon’s unfortunate and untimely passing - a big Beatles fan). An initial smell reveals hints of Raisin Bran cereal sprinkled with ground cinnamon. As it airs, fruity notes of caramel, apricots, and white grapes emerge, along with honeysuckle and lemon zest. A wonderful fruity and floral aroma. The texture is thin and watery. Surprising given the rich aroma. Spices like wood, cinnamon, and white pepper keep the palate lively; a sparkling sensation. The sweet fruitiness makes its way forward with notes of apricots, apples, and a touch of confectioner's sugar. All of this is delicate and light. But the flavors all seem to blend well. The finish is medium to short in length. That sparkling sensation continues. Lemon zest, white pepper, and spearmint leave the palate crisp and fresh. An easily sipped cognac. It’s summery, light, and fruity. I could imagine mixing this with cloud soda for a summer, poolside refresher, similar to White Claw (H-Claw?). My experience with Cognac is limited, and I'm looking to explore more. This is quite acceptable and won't break the bank. [84/100][$57][Tasted: 12/8/22]

I always have three cognacs available: this one, Pierre Ferrand Ambre, and Pierre Ferrand 1840. H by Hine VSOP is usually my go-to for cocktails, unless the recipe requires a spirit with a higher proof, then I opt for Pierre Ferrand 1840. I consider the 1840 my top pick of the trio, though the difference is minimal. Considering the price, the H by Hine VSOP offers excellent value, assuming it's purchased for around $35-40. The aroma is distinctly fruity, featuring apples, orange peel, and pears. Oak and vanilla, also noticeable on the nose, become apparent with the initial taste. These elements are not overwhelming and soon transition to notes of leather and green grapes. The conclusion is rather brief but possesses a mild warmth and a pleasant sweetness. H by Hine VSOP is a dependable choice, though not extraordinary. It bears a resemblance to Buffalo Trace Bourbon – approachable but perhaps lacking depth. Its true strength lies in its adaptability; it's suitable for virtually any cocktail calling for cognac. At $35, it's an exceptional deal. While I'd assign it a 3 for sipping neat, its broad applicability and cost elevate its rating to a 3.5.

So far, I've sampled the "big four" Cognacs from Houses Hennessy, Remy, Courvoisier, and Martell. Hine seemed like a sensible next choice. This one has a bright and fruity aroma, with notes of grape and raspberry jam, cherry cobbler, and other sweet red fruit desserts. A subtle dusty lime. The taste, however, is disappointing; watery and flavorless at first, it then becomes distinctly salty. Tart brambleberry. There's no spice here at all, just a light, fresh, and fruity Cognac that tastes young (for a VSOP) with little complexity. The last few sips in the glass tasted exactly like unsweetened raspberry tea. A bit monotonous, but it really signals the arrival of Spring.

A bright scent with hints of apricot and flowers. It tastes of apricot and vanilla, with a little spice, not very complex, and the finish is just moderate, but it's easily drinkable for sure. It didn't blow me away, but considering the cost, which is the lowest VSOP I could find (where I am), it's good for its category.

Adding a few drops of water makes it much better. It’s harsh on its own, and I likely would have scored it a 2 without that adjustment.