About this cognac:
As the first independent bottler in the world, we have gained access to the amazing cellars of the highly renowned cognac house Delamain. This cognac is the first selection in this exceptional collaboration. A scoop.
We carry out our selections and related activities with great passion and deep respect for authenticity and craftsmanship, proceeding with the utmost critical eye. The mutual respect and trust we have received from the Delamain team means a great deal to us and is seen as recognition for our commitment to cognac. We are grateful for the confidence to carry the Delamain name with worthiness. As an independent bottler, we strive to add value to the producer’s existing range. There are absolute gems in the cellar for enthusiasts who prefer a more eccentric cognac, who appreciate a higher alcohol content or who love more explosive and intense flavors.
After a preparatory phase of 9 months of work, consultation and 3 visits to the domaine, we are proud to present our first Delamain selection. A more than 60-year-old Petite Champagne (from the municipality of Archiac) – you read that correctly – never before has a Delamain single cask Petite Champagne aged in France been bottled! A scoop. Although Delamain is known for its exquisite Grande Champagnes, there is also a small amount of Petite Champagne in the cellars. This cognac at its natural cask strength, with no additives, is also the first time Delamain has exceeded the 50% alcohol content. A scoop. On July 1, 2025, this wonderful cognac was bottled straight from the cask and is now ready to be enjoyed to the fullest!
About the producer:
Cognac house Delamain, located in Jarnac, France, is one of the most respected and oldest cognac houses in France. Founded in 1824, but with roots that go much further back in the cognac trade, this prestigious family business has been guaranteeing excellent cognac of the highest quality for almost two centuries.
What makes Delamain special is their unwavering commitment to traditional production methods and their focus on only the finest quality cognac. Their philosophy is as clear as it is demanding: only the very best eaux-de-vie are good enough for their assemblages or single cask selections. A distinguishing feature of Delamain is their aging process. They use only old barrels of neutral wood, allowing the cognac to develop complexity and depth naturally. This is a particularly time-consuming and costly process, but it results in cognacs of extraordinary refinement.
The house is known for its ‘patience’. No cognac leaves the cellars before it has fully matured, which usually means they age significantly longer than the minimum required time. This commitment to quality over quantity has earned Delamain its reputation as a producer of some of the most refined cognacs in the world. Their collection reflects this philosophy, with cognacs that are characterized by elegance, complexity, and an extraordinary finesse that cognac connoisseurs worldwide appreciate. The current cellar master, Charles Braastad, safeguards these values for the ninth generation. He continues the Delamain philosophy by combining knowledge and expertise.
This is a cognac house that does not see tradition as a limitation, but as a foundation upon which excellence is built—a vision that has resulted in cognacs of exceptional quality for generations.
Tasting-notes:
Nose: A rich, complex opening with intense aromas of dried apricots and old leather book bindings. Preserved peach and floral notes of orange blossom. After a moment in the glass, subtle hints of toasted hazelnuts, antique oak, and a touch of nutmeg emerge.
Taste: Remarkable elegance for this alcohol strength and yet a robust body. The first impression brings caramelized figs and candied orange peel. Followed by passion fruit liqueur. The mid-palate reveals layers of dried dates, old Madeira, and a subtle hint of dark chocolate. The characteristic chalky minerality of the Petite Champagne terroir is still present, perfectly integrated after more than 60 years of aging. Notes of old Cuban cigars and roasted almonds add extra complexity.
Finish: Exceptionally long and harmonious. The finish begins with sweet spices gradually transitioning into softer notes of dried apricots and old cognac rancio. Echoes of mint, tropical fruit, and dried flowers linger for minutes. The finale is a perfect balance between power and finesse, typical of the very best cognacs from Archiac.
Label explanation:
Le Rossignol - The Nightingale.
At Delamain, the relationship with nature is considered extremely important. We were inspired by the history of this cognac house. Mr. Jacques Delamain (born in 1874) was not only active as a négociant in cognac, but also a passionate ornithologist. He wrote the book "Pourquoi les oiseaux chantent" ("Why Birds Sing"). This interest in nature and birds would later also become a source of inspiration for the presentation of their cognacs.
The choice for a nightingale is based on a personal story. As a child, I grew up with a grandfather who also had a great love for birds. I still vividly remember a beautifully singing little nightingale. Our province's anthem also begins with "Where in the bronze-green oak wood, the nightingale sings…" – hence the illustration on the label, which is a tribute to Delamain, combined with a touch of family nostalgia and love for our own region.
