Description
Producer
The story of Hardy traces back to the 19th century, when Anthony Hardy, a British connoisseur of wine and spirits, found himself captivated by the allure of Charentais wines during his frequent visits to the region. Enchanted by the land, he decided to make it his home and established Hardy House in 1863. Embracing his newfound French identity, he adopted the name Antoine and adorned his company’s emblem with the iconic Gaul cockerel.
Anthony Hardy’s dedication to craftsmanship quickly earned him respect in the region. His Fine Champagne cognac was awarded the Diploma of Excellence at the Amsterdam Exhibition in 1869, a testament to his passion for the “Liqueur of the Gods.” However, the devastation wrought by phylloxera in 1872 halted the company’s growth momentarily, as the parasitic insect ravaged the Cognac vineyards. Yet, resilient and resourceful, Anthony Hardy and other cognac merchants persevered, rebuilding their stocks from the bumper harvests of the late 19th century.
By 1880, Hardy’s cognacs were sought after in numerous countries worldwide, solidifying its reputation and distinctive style. The accolades continued, with the “Alliance Cognac” winning a gold medal at the St Petersburg Exhibition in 1891, honoring Franco-Russian friendship.
Valère Hardy died prematurely before the First World War. The legacy of excellence continued with Armand Hardy, who succeeded his father, Valère Hardy. Under Armand’s leadership, the family business expanded into 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. After his passing the reins of the company were passed to Jacques Hardy, who spearheaded the opening of new markets in North America, South America, and English-speaking Africa.
With each generation, the House of Hardy has remained true to its roots, blending tradition with innovation to create premium quality cognacs that embody the spirit of craftsmanship and adventure.