FRANCE. Cognac house Delamain has teamed up with Extime Duty Free (the joint venture between Lagardère Travel Retail and Groupe ADP) for the travel retail debut of L’Oiseau Rare at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport.
The release of the ultra-prestige Cognac is a tribute to the 200th anniversary of Delamain, owned by the Bollinger Group. The Cognac house was established in 1824 but its brand name dates back to shortly after the arrival of Irishman James Delamain in France in 1751.
The launch is being celebrated with an immersive brand experience at the airport until 31 July, followed by a series of activations to be rolled out at key airports.
The exclusive Grande Champagne Cognac is the latest addition to the house’s permanent range.
The hors d’âge Cognac reflects Delamain’s 200 years of savoir-faire, as well as its commitment to the Cognac experience and special relationship with the Grande Champagne terroir.
Delamain Cellar Master Charles Braastad said: “This exceptional blend was created by Dominique Touteau, Delamain’s former Cellar Master, crowning his 40-year career. There are so many wondrous 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 ultra-premium expression is also an homage to Jacques Delamain, described as a Cognac visionary who skillfully combined his passions for the natural world and pursuit of Grande Champagne Cognacs.
Jacques is also a scholar and prolific writer, who co-created the X.O Pale & Dry, 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 is presented in a specially designed decanter, featuring a kestrel highlighted in gold, native to the Charente region, and a reference to Delamain’s portrayal of the bird in his book Portraits d’Oiseaux.
Highlighting the Cognac’s naturalist inspiration, the sandblasted decanter complements the decorative pattern with a gold-coloured metal collar and a glass stopper. The decanter is housed in an oak wood gift box featuring walnut and birch wood.
L’Oiseau Rare is now available in travel retail for an RRP of €1,500 (US$1,600).
Tasting notes
On the nose, the amber-hued spirit reveals delicate notes of flowers and a hint of spice, followed by ripe summer fruits and elevated by the scent of roasted almonds and other nuts.
On the palate, flavours of orange zest intermingle with red fruits, Kirsch cherries and Muscat grapes, complemented by a note of cardamom. ✈
