Hardy Cognac XO Rare Cognac Fine Champagne

The finest Cognac in Hardy’s Tradition series… so worth the wait.

Back in the mid 1800s, Anthony Hardy — an Englishman — fell in love with northern France and Cognac. After decades of flirting with the region as an importer of Cognac into England, he eventually moved there, changed his name from Anthony to Antoine, and opened up his own Cognac distillation house (a “maison”). Hey… follow your passions, right? Today, Maison Hardy produces two lovely Pineaus and a wide range of Cognacs from the middle price points all the way up to some truly fantastic artistic expressions arrayed in fine crystal decanters.

The official rules were changes last year. Now, in order to cell legally called “XO” the youngest Cognac in the bottle must be aged a minimum of ten years. And Hardy Cognac actually has two XO Spirits in their portfolio. Hardy Cognac XO Rare is Champaign Cognac comprised of hand-selected casks with a higher ratio of older Cognacs in the blend with floral aromas and a rich palate. And we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the brilliant decanter it comes in, which looks like it was plucked from a five-star resort. It’s the finest Cognac in their Tradition series. Simply a beautiful Cognac presented beautifully.

Smartass corner:
Pineau is a local French fortified wine… a sweet, “earthy” Sherry-style aperitif with lots of tannins. Think of it as a sweet Wine with a small amount of Cognac added to it.