Hine Debuts U.S. Release of HINE XO 1er Cru: A New Benchmark in Cognac Excellence

San Francisco, CA (December 11, 2024) — In partnership with San Francisco-based importer, Hotaling & Co., the House of HINE is pleased to announce the U.S. release of its latest masterpiece, HINE XO 1er Cru, an exquisite Grande Champagne blend that redefines luxury and craftsmanship in the world of cognac. The result of a collaborative effort between veteran Cellar Master Eric Forget and Deputy Cellar Master, Paul Szersnovicz, this exclusive expression reflects the house’s dedication to precision across all facets of the farming, blending and aging process.

“For the past 25 years, I have had the honor of upholding HINE’s longstanding tradition of excellence,” said Eric Forget, HINE Cellar Master. “HINE XO 1er Cru is representative of the passing down from one generation of cellar master to the next, honoring the past while celebrating the future of what is to come. This XO is a symphony of elegance and richness that showcases the pure expression of Grande Champagne while simultaneously preserving HINE’s signature fresh and vibrant style.”

Packaged in an elegant, diamond-cut decanter designed to highlight its golden amber hue, HINE XO 1er Cru blends a thoughtful selection of eaux-de-vie aged for a minimum of 10 years, all exclusively sourced from estate vineyards in the prestigious Grande Champagne terroir. This premier cru is famed for its limestone-rich soil, ideal for producing grapes with good acidity and freshness, and ultimately, cognacs with exceptional finesse, complexity, and longevity.

Double distilled on the lees to concentrate the richness and complexity of the eaux-de-vie and aged in a careful selection of fine-grained, lightly toasted oak barrels to showcase, not overpower the fruit, HINE XO 1er Cru captures the pure essence of Grande Champagne terroir, enhanced by time. It opens with a rich bouquet of dried apricots, ginger, and cinnamon, followed by a layered palate of floral notes, candied orange peel, and hints of honey and spice that lead to a lingering, silky finish.

“Hotaling & Co. is pleased to introduce this exciting new luxury XO expression to the U.S. market,” said Dan Leese, President and CEO of Hotaling & Co., U.S. importer of HINE Cognac. “Reflective of the quality and attention to detail that have made HINE a globally recognized name in the world of cognac, HINE XO 1er Cru is a beautifully inspired expression for collectors, connoisseurs, and those seeking a truly refined cognac experience.”

HINE XO 1er Cru (700ml) is available nationwide in select U.S. retailers and online through ReserveBar for a suggested retail price of $300.

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About HINE Cognac
Founded in 1763, HINE is an iconic cognac house located in Jarnac, France. For more than 260 years, HINE has followed the traditions of founder Thomas Hine, who traveled from England to France to learn how to make the world finest bespoke cognacs. Today, HINE is internationally acclaimed for its blends, vintage and extra old cognacs and takes pride in its unequalled collection of exceptional cognacs. The House of HINE cherishes a solid belief: that a great cognac is above all, a great white wine. The fine and delicate style is garnered by the careful growing of grapes in the heart of Cognac’s most desired areas, and the use of wood to enhance, not mask, the eaux-de-vie’s flavors.

About Hotaling & Co.
A born and bred San Francisco original, Hotaling & Co. is the leading distiller and importer of artisanal spirits and cocktail essentials. Our dedication to artisanal spirits first started 30 years ago under the name Anchor Distilling Company - heralding the return to copper pot distilling in the U.S. with the original craft introductions of Junipero Gin & Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey. We carry on that pioneering legacy with the name Hotaling & Co. as a nod to the local legend A.P. Hotaling, who ventured West during the Gold Rush and quickly became one of the most reputable spirits dealers in the country and a notable figure in American drinking culture. Fueled by a passion for beverage expertise, education and hospitality, Hotaling & Co. carries on this tradition of artisanal excellence by bringing together a family of like-minded spirits that share our commitment to craft and care.

Today, Hotaling & Co.’s portfolio is synonymous with brands of unmatched quality and character, including Luxardo Liqueurs & Cherries, Nikka Whisky, Junipero Gin, HINE Cognac, Convite Mezcal, Fiero Tequila, Kavalan Whisky, Denizen Rum, HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys, Writers' Tears Whiskey, Old Pulteney Whisky, Speyburn Whisky, Balblair Whisky, Arran Whisky, Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, and more.