Malternative Belgium was recently in the spotlight with two new bottlings. One is an undisclosed cognac for a Dutch retailer, and the other was their own release.
The first is a Lot 74 from a forgotten dame jeanne in a traditional chai at the heart of the Grande Champagne. It was selected by Stefan & Michel at Passion for Whisky.
Cognac Lot 74 – Grande Champagne (40,64%, Malternative Belgium for Passion for Whisky 2024, 48 btl.)
Nose: a grapey start, with stewed apricots evolving towards ripe figs. Then hints of flower petals, apple compote and honey. Light vanilla with herbal notes (thyme and chamomile), as well as golden sultanas. Fine leather comes out as it darkens, with a hint of coffee beans as well.
Mouth: more on the rustic side of Grande Champagne, I’d say. Caramelized notes, plums and polished wood, honey and liquorice. Sweetened herbal tea, sultanas again and star anise. Rather rounded, but it gradually becomes drier, on walnuts and citrus peels. A hint of pine in the end.
Finish: still a hint of fir wood and eucalyptus, but also cinnamon, jammy fruits and roasted nuts. Quite long.
A nice find from a very small producer. Out of stock, I’m afraid. Given the outturn and the quality not very surprising.
Next up: cognac from Fins Bois, sourced from the stocks at Rémi Landier. It is a micro-vatting of three harvests, similar to the duo we saw in the Journal des Kirsch series.
Cognac Rémi Landier L72-73-74 – Fins Bois (50,13%, Malternative Belgium 2025, 350 btl.)
Nose: more refined, with brighter fruits. Think quinces, greengages, Williams pears and nectarines. Rich floral notes as well, with fragrant grape must and whiffs of polished oak. Then there’s also a beautiful waxy side of paraffin and candles. Very seductive.
Mouth: the waxy texture stays strong, albeir with a punchy hint of pepper, ginger and some grassy notes as well. Then back to rich fruits – apricots on syrup and mirabelles. Hints of marzipan, light caramel and vanilla. Oak spice, mint and drying leafy notes towards the end.
Finish: long, still sweet and fruity, with honey and orange peels. Light menthol and furniture polish too.
A lovely texture here, taken to a higher level by a typical Fins Bois kind of floral note and fruits. Always elegant. The mix of different harvests makes this a true all-rounder. Available from today at Malternative Belgium. Score: 90/100