The House of Hardy has been producing cognacs since 1863. Founded by Englishman Antoine Hardy, the House of Hardy is currently run today by Bénédicte Hardy a fifth generation descendant of the Antoine Hardy. Hardy produces a wide range of cognacs, especially in the luxury range. Indeed, Hardy once held the distinction of selling the World’s Most Expensive Cognac, Perfection Lumiere according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
While Hardy focuses on upper end cognacs, it also produces excellent VS and VSOP offerings.
The Review
We tasted Hardy V.S. neat. Here are our notes:
Price
Hardy VS is priced higher than three of the big four cognac houses VS products. It is pricier than the VS cognacs of Martell, Rémy Martin and Courvoisier, but slightly less expensive than Hennessy Privilège V.S.O.P.
Alcohol: 40% (80 proof)
Age:
Five years in Limousin oak (generally one year longer than most VS cognacs); eaux-de-vie from four growing crus including eaux-de-vie from Fins Bois .
The Bottle/Label
The House of Hardy places a lot of attention the design and presentation of it bottles. Each of its offerings come in an unique bottle. Hardy’s symbol is the rooster which adorns the bottles of its VS cognac (see below).
The Color
Pale amber, golden sheen.
The Nose (Nez)
Wood, floral, plum and cherry.
Mouth (En Bouche)
Grape, caramel, maple and honey.
Finish
Floral, orange peel, hint of nuts
Overall
Hardy VS is surprisingly fresh for a cognac that has been aged five years. As such, we believe it would mix well in many popular cognac cocktails like the Side Car and the French 75. For sipping, Hardy VS is a pleasant, if not not complex VS, and a fine introduction to the House of Hardy’s line of cognacs.
HARDY COGNAC
142, rue Basse de Crouin
16100 Cognac – France
T. +33 (0)5 45 82 59 55
hardycognac@hardycognac.fr
For more information:http://www.hardycognac.fr/eng/home
Learn more about the House of Hardy.
