François Voyer has a pretty classic core range of cognacs but also a series of excellent old assemblages. Last year I tried their Ancestral n°8, from their top-of-the-range series. Now there is a follow-up Ancestral n°9.
This composition includes spirit from 1948, 1955, 1958, 1960 and 1971.
Cognac François Voyer Ancestral N°9 – Grande Champagne (45,1%, OB 2024, 210 btl.)
Nose: total elegance. Lots of apricots and preserved peaches, stewed pears, with darker figs in the background. Then meadow honey, hints of orange blossoms and very light peppermint. Then drops of bergamot tea, some old leather and light furniture polish. Impressive.
Mouth: very bright and fruity, with flashes of apricots, whitecurrants, pink grapefruits and bergamots. Fruit jelly. Light floral hints (rose petals), a lot of different honeys and sweet mint. Then some fruit tea and a bit of sweet wood. Back to peach liqueur and some vanilla pastry. Nice rancio notes as well – tobacco touches and some cedar.
Finish: very long, sweet and fruity, with lingering oak polish.
For a blend of such old vintages, the brightness and lack of oaky dryness is amazing. There are jammy fruits, brighter fruits, floral notes and tiny herbs – really an all-round performer. Not sure you can still get it from Malternative Belgium, you may want to contact them.