Wine Enthusiast 94 points - TOP 100 SPIRITS OF 2017 - From the only house were the Cognacs start at XO, this blend of 20- to 25-year-old brandies is mellow and honeyed. The white flower, honey and pear fragrance leads the nose. A flurry of spice-cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger-enlivens the palate, leading to toasty brioche and vanilla, plus hints of pear and walnut. The finish is long, palate-coating and silky. Grande Champagne region..December/2017 Ultimate Beverage Challenge 95 points - A rich set of aromas includes shortbread and oven roasted yellow nectarines. Equally impressive on the palate, the notes of fresh and dried stone fruit intertwine with buttery pastry dough and floral flavor akin to honeysuckle. Very pretty..March/2017 Brilliant pale gold in color, this superb Cognac is distinguished by its remarkable delicacy and refinement. The grape and vanillin aromas are confirmed on the palate, where intense yet elegant fruit flavors are offset by floral and licorice notes which linger in the extended finish. 40% abv Delamain Pale & Dry Très Belle Grande Champagne Cognac was introduced as Delamain's standard-bearer in 1920, and represents 80 percent of the firm's production. The label is a reproduction of a 17th century engraving of the town and Château of Jarnac by Claude Chastillon. Named to reflect its clean, dry purity of flavor, it is blended from a range of Cognacs averaging 25 years of age. Through the evaporation of alcohol over time, it has been naturally reduced to approximately 53 percent alcohol; the final dilution is accomplished by the gradual addition of "vieilles faibles," literally, very old, weak Grand Champagne Cognacs of 15 percent alcohol, to a final strength of 40 percent
