Delamain Cognac debuts L’Oiseau Rare
L’Oiseau Rare will be a permanent addition to Delamain Cognac’s range and is part of the house’s bicentenary celebrations.
The Cognac is presented without an age statement, although the brand has described its ‘decades-long period of ageing’. L’Oiseau Rare blends eaux-de-vie with ‘individual potential’ in a specially crafted ‘foudre’ – a century-old seasoned oak vat that sits in the brand’s Grand Chai in Jarnac. Charles Braastad, Delamain’s cellar master, said: “This exceptional blend was created by Dominique Touteau, Delamain’s former cellar master, crowning his 40-year career. “There are so many wonderous elements at work in this blend. The extraordinary individual qualities of the eaux-de-vies, the opportunity to imagine how these individual talents could be brought together in a symphony. “It is a privilege to continue this blend in the wake of Dominique Touteau’s legacy and to launch this exceptional Cognac in the year of our bicentenary.” The Cognac’s name pays tribute to Jacques Delamain, a former director of the house who had a strong interest in ornithology. He is cited as ‘laying down the foundations of the family philosophy: one that blends an unyielding fascination with the natural world with the crafting of transcendent Cognacs'. The Cognac’s decanter features illustrations of bird species, including a kestrel highlighted in gold. The decanter is presented in an oak wood gift box featuring walnut and birch wood. On the nose, the expression reveals ‘delicate notes of flowers and a hint of spice’, followed by ‘perfectly ripe summer fruits’ and ‘roasted almonds’. On the palate, flavours of ‘orange zest intermingle with red fruits, Kirsch cherries and Muscat grapes’. The expression will be available from select retailers and travel retailers from July for an RRP of €1,500 (US$1,636).
