Few houses in Cognac capture precision and restraint quite like Thomas Hine & Co., founded in 1763 and long regarded for an elegant, terroir-driven style. The Hine XO 1er Cru represents a deliberate shift from the historic Antique XO, now composed entirely of eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, the Premier Cru of Cognac, rather than the traditional Fine Champagne blend. This singular focus highlights the chalky soils of the region, prized for producing spirits with exceptional aging potential and natural lift. Aged for a minimum of 10 years in French oak, the blend is constructed to emphasize purity and precision over weight, with each component selected to build aromatic clarity and seamless integration. The result is a Cognac defined by structure, finesse, and length, rather than overt richness, bottled at 40% ABV to preserve its balance and detail. A benchmark modern XO that reflects Hine’s commitment to transparency of origin and a quietly confident house style built on refinement rather than excess.