SAN FRANCISCO (December 5, 2025) — In partnership with San Francisco-based importer, Hotaling & Co., the House of HINE, renowned for its specialty in vintage cognac, is pleased to announce the U.S. release of Hine 1975 – a rare eau-de-vie sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne that has been thoughtfully matured for half a century. Presented in a bespoke porcelain decanter handcrafted by premier French porcelain maison, Bernardaud, Hine 1975 is the first release in a new vintage collection from the historic cognac house honoring exceptional expressions of time, terroir, and French savoir-faire.
"1975 was a year of bold creativity, cultural evolution, and one of the greatest Cognac vintages of the twentieth century," said Paul Szersnovicz, Cellar Master, Hine. "Exceptional climatic conditions fostered grapes of perfect balance and aromatic depth, resulting in an eau-de-vie of extraordinary quality. Powerful yet elegantly refined, Hine 1975 is a testament to the fruits of this remarkable vintage and to Hine's enduring commitment to capturing the pure essence of Grande Champagne."
For this exclusive vintage collection, Hine partnered with esteemed French porcelain house, Bernardaud to create a contemporary vessel that reinterprets the long-standing tradition of cognac presented in porcelain. The decanter's sculptural form features three broad faces, each serving as a canvas for creative embellishments designed to capture the spirit of the vintage. It is crowned with a striking fluted stopper inspired by Hine's historic style.
The decanter's artwork was designed by French artist, Manon Briquet de Valon whose vibrant composition captures the cultural spirit and creative energy of 1975. Drawing inspiration from defining symbols and innovations of 1975, her design reflects the era's optimism, transformation and artistic expression. Each subsequent vintage in the series will feature a new interpretation by Briquet de Valon, celebrating the aesthetic and emotion of its respective year.
This rare lot – sourced from a single plot in Grande Champagne in 1975 – matured gracefully in the house's historic cellars for five decades in fine-grained, lightly toasted 350-liter oak casks. The pinnacle of half a century of excellence, Hine 1975 is vibrant and expressive, offering generous notes of roasted pineapple, baked apple, and gentle spice, with a seamless balance of roundness, intensity, and complexity.
"Hine 1975 exemplifies the artistry and rarity that collectors and connoisseurs seek – where craftsmanship, culture, and time converge to create something truly exceptional," said Brian Radics, Chief Marketing Officer, Hotaling & Co. "We're honored to bring this extraordinary collaboration between two world-class French maisons – Hine and Bernardaud – to the U.S. market."
Only 500 hand-numbered decanters of this limited-edition vintage have been produced. Hine 1975 will be available in the U.S. and select global markets in two exclusive presentations:
- Timeless Poetry (SRP $5,500) – featuring an embossed presentation box designed by Atelier Créanog. 450 available
- Timeless Ritual (SRP $10,100) – a collector's gift set including two bespoke crystal tasting glasses, a Bernardaud porcelain tray and custom coasters, all presented on a carved wooden base created by award-winning French artist, Robin Françoise. 50 available
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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's 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 Bernardaud
Bernardaud embodies the excellence of French porcelain. Established since 1863 in Limoges, the historic birthplace of porcelain, the family-run factory is founded on unique know-how handed down through 5 generations. It has been combining creation, excellence and innovation for more than 160 years.
Working in a sector that is in a permanent state of change, the house continues to develop advanced technology and push back technical limits in the art and science of porcelain-making. As France's most prestigious porcelain maker, Bernardaud brings savoir-faire, heritage, and artistry to every creation.
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.
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