Delamain

Delamain Cognac, founded in 1759 by Irishman James Delamain in Jarnac, France, is a prestigious, family-owned house celebrated for its unwavering focus on XO and older expressions, eschewing VS or VSOP entirely. Sourcing exclusively from Grande Champagne, the premier cru of Cognac, it crafts pale, elegant eaux-de-vie aged for decades in seasoned Limousin oak barrels, often in the damp cellars along the Charente River for a refined finish. Under the stewardship of direct descendants like Charles Braastad-Delamain, signature offerings like Pale & Dry XO (aged 20+ years) and Vesper (30+ years) deliver floral, fruity complexity—think apricot, vanilla, and rancio—with a silky texture. Known for its artisanal approach and light, uncolored style, Delamain remains a purist’s choice among cognac aficionados.