Maltbarn is also into cognac these days and they sourced it from one of my favourite houses Vallein Tercinier. I tried a Lot 90 some time ago, I’m not sure how this relates to that one.
There’s now a new release, Vallein Tercinier Lot 89 from the same bottler.
Vallein Tercinier 27 yo ‘Lot 90’ (49,7%, Maltbarn 2018, Grande Champagne, 150 btl.)
Nose: not the tropical fruitiness that we got in older examples. This one has Cantaloup and old rose petals, summery blossoms, raisins, subtle hints of Christmas cake. Szechuan pepper. Candied ginger as well as mint and beeswax. Soft leathery touches too.
Mouth: citrusy notes (lemons, pink grapefruit), a little rhubarb, then slightly tropical notes (mango). Candied fruits. Also tobacco, floral notes (violets), mint and ginger again. The oak is stronger now (nutmeg and such), it gives it a rancio edge and a light sourness.
Finish: medium long, with fruit tea, leather and nutty notes.
Another great malternative from a superb house. Sold out from Maltbarn. Just € 90 which means this was great value – the normal Lot 90 is available for quite a bit more at The Whisky Exchange.