Hine
The history of Cognac Hine begins in 1763 on the banks of the Charente in Jarnac, a town steeped in tradition at the heart of the French cognac region. The young Englishman Thomas Hine, newly arrived from his native Dorset, began an apprenticeship with an experienced cognac merchant. His passion was not limited to the art of creating fine spirits – he also tied his life to that of his master’s family by marrying the merchant’s daughter. After the death of his father-in-law, Hine took over the business and gave it his own name. This was the beginning of a family enterprise that, over generations, became synonymous with distinguished cognac from France.
Throughout the centuries, masters of their craft left their individual mark on the Maison with expertise and a spirit of innovation. Hine expanded internationally, opened up new markets, created innovative cuvées and consistently presented outstanding vintages – always with an uncompromising commitment to quality. This careful craftsmanship gives Hine’s premium cognac its uniquely fine aromas and worldwide recognition.
The craft is founded on three pillars: the sunlit vineyards of the region, double distillation on the lees, and maturation in fine-grained oak casks. These preserve the house style and allow selected eaux-de-vie to mature for decades in cool cellars, reaching a perfect balance of elegance, depth and finesse. A distinctive hallmark is the ageing of vintage casks in the damp cellars of Glenfarclas, England. There, Thomas Hine cognac undergoes a unique maturation process influenced by the maritime air – an exception in the cognac world. A significant milestone was reached in 1962, when Hine was appointed official supplier to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – the only cognac house ever to receive this honour.
