Overview
An emblematic Grande Champagne Cognac and a distinctive expression of the Delamain house style. Created in 1920 by Jacques and Robert Delamain, Pale & Dry XO takes its name from its unusually pale colour and elegant, delicate character. Made exclusively from eaux-de-vie sourced from Grande Champagne, Cognac's premier cru, it is crafted without added sugar or colouring and matured patiently in old oak to preserve purity, finesse and aromatic precision.
Production & Maturation
Pale & Dry XO is composed exclusively of Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie and matured in 350-litre old Limousin oak barrels in Delamain's centuries-old cellars on the banks of the Charente. Cellar Master Charles Braastad describes a progressive and meticulous reduction of the Cognac's ABV to 42%, designed to achieve a balance between power and natural sweetness. The use of old oak allows extended maturation while limiting overt wood influence.
Producer Tasting Notes
Aromas: “Particularly delicate, notes of vanilla and apricot, enveloped by fresh notes of passion fruit, orange zest and almond.” — Delamain
Bouquet: “Vanilla which blends into apricot aromas, highlighted by nuances of spices and ginger.” — Delamain
Style: “Intense and persistent, a perfectly balanced final touch of this rare cognac.” — Delamain
Critic Reviews
95 Points — Wine Enthusiast
“Bold and butterscotchy, this easy-drinking Cognac also has dried fruit and nutty tones, plus a saline touch that's reminiscent of salted caramel. There's a spicy flourish on the relatively dry finish.”
Tasted July 2015
94 Points — Wine Enthusiast
“From the only house where 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.”
Tasted July 2019
93 Points — Guia Penin
“Colour, light mahogany. Aroma, powerful, candied fruit, sweet spices, toasty, new oak. Flavour, powerful, spirituous, spicy, long, balanced, round.”
Tasted February 2020
Awards
Double Gold — San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Awarded 2026
Gold — Critics Challenge Wine Competition
Awarded 2025
Gold — Bartender Spirits Awards
Awarded 2025
Gold — New York International Spirits Competition
Awarded 2025
Specifications
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Producer: Delamain
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Type: XO Cognac
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Appellation: Cognac Grande Champagne
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Country: France
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Alcohol: 42%
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Origin: 100% Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie
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Maturation: Old Limousin oak barrels
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Barrel Size: 350 litres
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Added Sugar: None
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Added Colouring: None
