Imagine a world where art and craftsmanship meet, where creativity and innovation merge to create something truly extraordinary. The result, after more than 160 years of passion, is a cognac and a brand that has captured the hearts of connoisseurs and collectors alike. A testament to the power of collaboration, creativity and the enduring beauty of art.
Hardy owes its name to a 19th century British gentleman, Anthony Hardy (1823-1888). A wine and spirits professional, Anthony regularly escaped from his London shop to check the quality of Charentais wines. He fell in love with the region at first sight and eventually settled there. He founded Hardy in 1863. A great lover of France and the French, he even changed his first name to Antoine and adopted the Gaul cockerel as his company's emblem.
The quality and seriousness of Anthony Hardy's work made him a respected name in the region. In 1869 his Fine Champagne was awarded the Diploma of Excellence at the Amsterdam Exhibition. This was in recognition of his dedication and love for the "Liqueur of the Gods".
One event turned the cognac world upside down and put the brakes on the company's growth: phylloxera. From 1872, this parasitic insect spread rapidly through the Cognac vineyards. It destroyed almost all the vines by the end of the 19th century. The region was saved by bumper harvests in 1869, 1871, 1874 and 1875. Cognac merchants, including Anthony Hardy, kept enough reserves to start again.
By 1880, Anthony Hardy was selling his eaux-de-vie in many countries around the world. In 1891, the “Alliance Cognac”, created as a tribute to Franco-Russian friendship, was awarded a gold medal at the St Petersburg Exhibition. Hardy gradually consolidated its position and confirmed its style.
Valère Hardy died prematurely before the First World War. One of his five children, Armand, took over the family business, where he remained until 1957. Like his father, Armand Hardy focused on Central European markets.
In 1945, three of Armand's six children joined the family business : Philippe, Jacques and Francis Hardy. In 1955, the fourth brother, Jean-Antoine Hardy, joined the management team. Armand Hardy died in 1957. The house then became a limited company. Jacques Hardy was given the reigns as the new leader of the company. New markets were opened in North America, South America and English-speaking Africa. The Coq was growing.
Invention of the concept of "Anniversary" cognacs: the beginning of a long saga that saw the birth of the Noces de Perle decanter (cognac with an average age of 30 years), the Noces d'Or (50 years), the Noces de Diamant (60 years) and the Noces d'Albâtre (75 years). The Noces d'Argent decanter (25 years) was revisited in 2015.
Two American importers asked Jacques Hardy for an exceptional cognac. Cognac Perfection was born. The prestigious Daum crystal works were chosen to create a unique decanter. The contemporary artist Carzou created a lithograph for this object, which was unprecedented at the time. Jacques Hardy remained at the helm until he retired in 1999. Hardy Cognac took over from A. Hardy et Cie.
A Grande Champagne cognac, bottled by Jacques Hardy in 1983, is presented in a precious casing with the Caryota decanter designed by Marie-Claude Lalique. This limited edition of 333 bottles bears the signature of Bénédicte Hardy, a direct descendant of the founder.
The cockerel is as proud and bold as ever! The most Gaulish of symbols and one of France's most unmistakable emblems has been redesigned to mark the 160th anniversary of the House, and the Fier et Hardy coat of arms has given its name to the new bottles in the Hardy Tradition range!