I met Pieter and Ysatis of Malternative Belgium in Limburg again, where they showed off two of their latest releases. Unbelievable how so many whisky enthusiasts are still actively avoiding cognac for different reasons, one more stupid than the other. Anyhow, we won’t go into that today.
The first release is the Prunier 1989 bottled for the second Gastronomic Waves dinner. The other is a new Très Vieux Réserve release from Delamain. We’ve seen several of these before – this one is bottled as a festival edition. Not just for Limburg, it was presented at different festivals where they had a stand. Both are now also available in their webshop.
Prunier 1989 – Petite Champagne (60,9%, Malternative Belgium ‘Gastronomic Waves #2’ 2026, 50 btl.)
Nose: highly polished, with a little cellulose varnish and furniture polish. Some roasted nuts and tobacco, as well as stewed figs underneath. After a while the base aroma moves to aromatic fruits, especially lychee. This is underlined by some ylang-ylang and jasmine. Then lots of smaller notes, dunnage floor to name just one.
Mouth: same exotic, fragrant profile. It’s full of Turkish delight, gewurztraminer, rosewater and orange essence. Crystallized ginger. Then leather bound books, oriental spice, more varnish and hints of resin. I have a feeling the sheer power overtakes the fruits a little, even though the lychee and apricots are still present. Some earthier and spicier notes towards the end.
Finish: fairly long, slightly peppery, on walnuts, polished oak and floral notes (violets perhaps).
The exotic lychee note is a plus here, the aromatic quality is very high. On the other hand the ABV is a tad high for it to shine entirely. Water helps. Very limited – it comes with a bespoke ceramic bottle stand, and the price is quite fair. Available from Malternative Belgium.
Delamain Très Vieux Réserve ‘Festival Edition’ – Grande Champagne (41,7%, Malternative Belgium 2025)
Nose: reminds me of the TV RES for Kanpaikai. Juicy mirabelles and nectarines, oranges and peaches. Sultanas. Then also white flowers, bergamot and honey. A few drops of herbal oils, as well as the depth of cedar and light tobacco. Aromatic start.
Mouth: a bit soft of course, but still very bright. I’m picking up marmalade, peach jam, more flower petals and bergamot. Mid-palate a slightly spicier side appears, with mint and a subtle hint of pepper. A leathery quality. A bit of tea towards the end.
Finish: medium, with more tobacco, peppermint and lingering plums.
A lot of finesse and brightness, immediately attractive but offering increasing depth if you let it unfold. I’ve grown quite fond of these TV RES bottlings. Available from Malternative Belgium and partners. Score: 91/100