Delamain Cognac’s Managing Director, Charles Braastad, Speaks of Their Heritage & Process
Cognac.com was granted a rare and exclusive interview with Mr Braastad and shown their extensive assortment of fine cognac aging in their cellars.
“Delamain Cognac’s Managing Director, Charles Braastad, Speaks of Their Heritage & Process”
“Delamain Cognac is a family-run cognac house steeped in tradition dating back to 1759 when James Delamain arrived from Ireland. I’m Charles Braastad, ninth generation of the Delamain family, and I’m proud to be the managing director of Delamain Cognac. We’re based in Jarnac, France, right in the heart of the Cognac region along the Charente River. Our family has been involved in crafting cognacs for over 250 years, and what makes us unique is that we’ve stayed independent, allowing us to pursue excellence in every bottle.”
“Today, we only produce XO cognacs and above, all from the Grande Champagne region, which is recognized as Cognac’s finest terroir. Our process starts with sourcing the best eaux-de-vie from trusted growers we’ve worked with for generations. We age these spirits in old, seasoned oak barrels—never new ones—because we want a slow, gentle maturation that preserves the fruity, elegant character of the distillate rather than overpowering it with heavy wood flavors. This takes time, often 20 to 60 years or more, but it’s worth it for the quality we achieve.”
“Blending is where the magic happens. Our cellar master carefully marries these aged eaux-de-vie to create a consistent house style—think floral notes, citrus, and a long, dry finish, like in our Pale & Dry XO. We don’t rush this; it’s an art passed down through our family. And while we’re rooted in tradition, we’re not stuck in the past. In 2017, we partnered with the Bollinger group, who share our values, ensuring we can keep doing what we love for generations to come. That’s the Delamain way—honoring our heritage while crafting cognacs that stand the test of time.”