Delamain Vintage Cognac 1995 (700ml)

Delamain is one of the oldest houses in Cognac, founded in 1824. It sources brandy from partner distillers in the top-rated Grande Champagne zone to mature for an extended period of time – unlike other houses, Delamain does not produce a VS or VSOP Cognac. All of the brandy is tasted to make sure it is suitable before Delamain takes it on, although the house has developed long-term relationships with distillers.

The Cognacs are aged in old French oak barrels in cellars on the banks of the Charente, where the temperature and humidity is well-suited to Cognac maturation. After blending, the products spend a further two years in oak to marry together. Rather than using pure water to reduce the final product down to the final alcohol level, Delamain uses a combination of old brandy and water at 15 percent abv, to retain control of the process.

The Delamain range includes a pair of XO Cognacs and several other extra-aged labels. Small batches of vintage Cognac are also offered, while Réserve de la Famille is a single-barrel, single-estate release.-Wine Searcher