It has been a century since the very first blend of Antique XO was revealed by Georges Hine, and the iconic French brand is celebrating the occasion with the release of Antique XO 100th Anniversary 1920-2020 Cognac. The limited edition cuvée is blended with a 100-year-old eau-de-vie from vintage 1920. Crafted by veteran cellar master, Eric Forget, only 1920 hand-numbered decanters were produced, with just 270 allocated for sale in the U.S.
“What a thrill and an honor it was to take on the responsibility of blending such a momentous expression of Hine’s past and present,” said Forge. “The enduring personality, flavor and aromatic nuances of the 1920 eau-de-vie, and the natural ease with which it blended so seamlessly with Antique XO’s eau-de-vies is truly remarkable, and a testament to the Hine family’s lasting legacy of excellence.”
Delicately preserved in glass demi-johns for a century in the Réserve du Paradis cellar beneath the Hine House, the 1920 eau-de-vie enriches the original Antique XO with boundless richness and delicate floral notes of iris and lilac. The balance of the cuvée features 40 hand-selected Cognacs, all aged for a minimum of 20 years and sourced exclusively from the most desired of Cognac’s Grande Champagne region.
Located on the banks of the Charente River in the heart of France’s Cognac region, the Hine House has been crafting fine Cognacs for 250 years, under six generations of Hine family leadership.
“Hotaling & Co. is honored to offer this exclusive and limited release,” said Dan Leese, President and CEO of Hotaling & Co., U.S. importer of Hine Cognac. “As a preeminent producer of fine cognac, HINE’s Antique XO 100th Anniversary edition culminates a centuries’ worth of experience, precision and blending mastery into one extraordinary cognac.”
Hine Antique XO 100th Anniversary 1920-2020 Cognac is now available in select retailers and online exclusively through ReserveBar for the price of $300 per 750ml bottle.