H by Hine

Spirit Name: Spirit Type:	H by Hine Brandy
Score:	79/100
ABV:	40%
Region:	Cognac, France
Body:	Medium
Intensity:	Medium-light
Texture:	Medium
Balance:	Superb
Best served:	Neat, mixed
Theme(s):	Licorice, anise seed, raisins, dried fig, vanilla, mint, alcohol, steamy young eaux-de-vie
Summary:	Gentle and calming, the theme of licorice dominates with an earthy twist of anise seed as dried fruits and spicy oak try to moderate the alcohol
Tasting notes:	H by Hine is a cognac with a VSOP designation, which means that it contains eaux-de-vie that are at least 4 years old. In my blind tasting its age was noticeable, with the steaming alcohol agitating the beautiful flavours rising from the liquid. This can certainly pass for a sipping cognac, but certainly I would mainly use it as a mixer.  Nose: Earthy licorice meets the nose in the form of anise seed with mint, raspberry confectionery and multi-coloured candy squares - it is gentle, vibrant and stunning.  Taste:  On the palate the youthful strike of the immature eux-de-vie is more noticeable, with that steamy alcohol we must come to accept in young brandy. It offers calming chocolate, raisins and creamy vanilla with a herbaceous glow of peppermint (the mint on the nose intensified, as the alcohol and sugars intermingle with it).
	Finish: Creamy with notes of vanilla bean and coffee ice cream layered with raisins develop on the finish, presenting a very interesting finale.
Dislikes: Tasted:	Lacking in complexity and some immature notes develop  06/09/2013
Price:	£30 (UK), $60 (Aus)