Cognac has no doubt faced challenges in the last couple of years, affected by the introduction of US tariffs, uncertainty in the Chinese market, and declining interest in its home soil in France. However, the refined appeal of the spirit’s flavour has remained unchanged, only growing with increased focus on innovation and terroir. As part of The Global Spirits Masters Competitions, The Cognac Masters 2026 and The Brandy Masters 2026 brought a total of 60 expressions to the blind tasting table at The Singer Tavern in London. Liquids were poured from classic French producers to lesser-known brandy-producing countries, offering a great spectrum of delightful sippers.
Shifting focus back to France, Delamain brought its A-game to the competition with its Domaine La Rambaudie single vineyard Cognac. The vineyard is located in Grande Champagne, nestled at the edge of the forest in undulating valleys, benefiting from the region’s unique terroir.
The eaux-de-vie is distilled in small batches in a small 15-litre Charentais pot still with a slow distillate flow. Guarded by managing director Charles Braastad, the spirit is aged in 350-litre well-seasoned French oak casks, limiting the influence of tannins and allowing the terroir to express itself fully.
The result speaks for itself, even in a blind tasting, with the XO expression taking home both a Master medal and the title of Cognac Tastemaster at this year’s competition. The panel was impressed not only by the Cognac’s “expressive” aromas but also by its “soft, bold, bright, and elegant” palate, with “dry and savoury” notes of stone fruits, caramel, and bitter nuttiness.
Excerpt Taken From: The Spirits Business
Author: Miona Madsen
