Cognac Hardy


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The House of Hardy owes its name to a British gentleman, Anthony Hardy. As a good professional of wines and spirits, he regularly escapes from London to control the quality of the Charentes crus. He succumbed to the charm of the region and eventually settled there. He founded the Maison Hardy in 1863. A great lover of France and the French, he went so far as to change his first name to Antoine. He also adopts the Gallic cockerel as the emblem of his house. The quality and seriousness of Anthony Hardy's work allow him to make a respected place in the region. In 1869, his Fine Champagne obtains the diploma of Excellence at the exhibition of Amsterdam. It is the recognition of his commitment and his love for the "liqueur of the gods". In 1880, Anthony Hardy already places his eaux-de-vie in many countries around the world. In 1891, a gold medal at the St. Petersburg exhibition rewarded the "Cognac de l'Alliance" created as a tribute to Franco-Russian friendship. Little by little, the House of Hardy positioned itself and confirmed its style. Antoine Hardy's son, Valère, is associated with the business. Antoine Hardy, aware of the changes that are taking place, sets out to conquer the markets of Eastern and Northern Europe. Valère Hardy dies prematurely before the war of 14-18. One of his five children, Armand, takes the head of the family home. He will remain there until 1957. Armand Hardy, like his father, turns to the markets of Central Europe. Armand Hardy died in 1957. The company then takes the form of a limited company. Jacques Hardy was appointed General Manager. New markets are opened in North America, South America and English-speaking Africa. The rooster grows. Two American importers asked Jacques Hardy for an exceptional cognac. Cognac Perfection is born. The prestigious Daum crystal factory is chosen to make a unique decanter. Contemporary artist Carzou creates a lithograph for this object, which was out of all proportion at the time. Jacques Hardy keeps the reins of the house until his retirement in 1999. Hardy Cognac then succeeded A. Hardy and Co. A Grande Champagne Cognac bottled in 1983 by Jacques Hardy joined in a precious box the Caryota decanter imagined by Marie-Claude Lalique. This limited edition of 333 bottles bears the signature of Bénédicte Hardy, a direct descendant of the founder. Bénédicte Hardy embodies the fifth generation of the family. As ambassador of the brand, she is developing sales in the United States.