Malternative Belgium just bottled two 5th anniversary bottlings. Actually it’s a quartet because there is also a pair of Pineau des Charentes releases. We’ll review these in a separate post if you don’t mind.
Cognac Marie Foucher Lot 96 – Fins Bois ‘L’horizon perdu’ (59,34%, Malternative Belgium 2024, 131 btl.)
Nose: orchard fruits like apples and peaches, with some wildflowers and hints of stem ginger (or ginger cookies). Hints of cardamom and soft mint. Then whiffs of jasmine tea and a light grassy touch.
Mouth: quite bright, with plenty of peppermint along with peaches and nectarines, a little citrus and plenty of white flowers. Some white pepper, lime leaves and light tangy / zesty hints. Stays quite spicy, with some gin-like herbs later on. A drop of pine resin in the end.
Finish: quite long, fresh, with more of these minty herbs, a little liquorice, drying tobacco leaves and cedar wood. A late hint of apple as well.
Not as fruity or rancio-driven than the ones we’re usually getting (Marie Foucher had some lovely old ones too), but a very nice youngster (ahum). Slightly spirity but also showing a great minty freshness and a nice balance. Good value for less than € 100. Launching today from Malternative Belgium.
Cognac Fins Bois Lot 45 ‘La Symphonie’ (58,2%, Malternative Belgium 2024 btl.)
Nose: spot on, right away. A lot of mead and Manuka honey, with quince jam, a little brass polish and furniture varnish. Then orange peels, blood orange and dried apricots. Caramelized macadamia nuts. A hint of engine oil even. And rich toffee. Glorious composition!
Mouth: quite robust for such an oldie, with excellent richness. It starts on glazed chestnut and some walnut dryness, more blood orange, pink pepper and spiced honey. Then mid-palate a burst of tropical fruits like mango, tangerines and pink grapefruits. Also herbal tea, peppermint and roasted almonds.
Finish: very long, still going strong on mango, orange peels, rancio and mild tannins.
The nose is priceless. After that, the palate is much more powerful and rich than I expected, but it does have wonderful tropical fruits. It simply keeps giving. Also making a debut today from Malternative Belgium. Score: 92/100