Malternative Belgium simply bottled two fifth anniversary bottlings. Really it’s a quartet as a result of there’s additionally a pair of Pineau des Charentes releases. We’ll assessment these in a separate publish should you don’t thoughts.
Cognac Marie Foucher Lot 96 – Fins Bois ‘L’horizon perdu’ (59,34%, Malternative Belgium 2024, 131 btl.)
Nostril: orchard fruits like apples and peaches, with some wildflowers and hints of stem ginger (or ginger cookies). Hints of cardamom and tender mint. Then whiffs of jasmine tea and a light-weight grassy contact.
Mouth: fairly vivid, with loads of peppermint together with peaches and nectarines, a bit citrus and loads of white flowers. Some white pepper, lime leaves and lightweight tangy / zesty hints. Stays fairly spicy, with some gin-like herbs afterward. A drop of pine resin in the long run.
End: fairly lengthy, contemporary, with extra of those minty herbs, a bit liquorice, drying tobacco leaves and cedar wooden. A late trace of apple as effectively.
Not as fruity or rancio-driven than those we’re normally getting (Marie Foucher had some beautiful previous ones too), however a really good teenager (ahum). Barely spirity but in addition displaying minty freshness and a pleasant stability. Good worth for lower than € 100, although total in all probability extra of a gesture in the direction of the producer, as a thank-you for the previous beauties? Launching as we speak from Malternative Belgium.
Cognac Fins Bois Lot 45 ‘La Symphonie’ (58,2%, Malternative Belgium 2024 btl.)
Nostril: spot on, instantly. A whole lot of mead and Manuka honey, with quince jam, a bit brass polish and furnishings varnish. Then orange peels, blood orange and dried apricots. Caramelized macadamia nuts. A touch of engine oil even. And wealthy toffee. Wonderful composition!
Mouth: fairly strong for such an oldie, with glorious richness. It begins on glazed chestnut and a few walnut dryness, extra blood orange, pink pepper and spiced honey. Then mid-palate a burst of tropical fruits like mango, tangerines and pink grapefruits. Additionally natural tea, peppermint and roasted almonds.
End: very lengthy, nonetheless going robust on mango, orange peels, rancio and delicate tannins.
The nostril is priceless. After that, the palate is far more highly effective and wealthy than I anticipated, nevertheless it does have fantastic tropical fruits. It merely retains giving. Additionally making a debut as we speak from Malternative Belgium. Rating: 92/100
