Paul Beau Lot 70 Cognac #36 "En Danseuse" - Malternative Belgium

Pieter Knapen: "Our friends Olivier and Léa Laurichesse managed to revive the acclaimed cognac brand Paul Beau after they regained ownership of the brand rights in 2023. This single cask cognac at natural cask strength was bought back by them and we were in France just at the right time. A barrel of history we couldn't pass up!"

About the producer

Founded in the late 19th century by Samuel Beau. After his death in 1914, his son Paul continued the business with his wife Denise. He enlarged the vineyard and modernised the business. Until 1977, they sold their cognacs, which they had already aged for several years, to the cognac houses, mainly Rémy Martin, but from that year onwards, the cognac houses only wanted to buy young eau-de-vie. Because of the large stocks of old cognacs, this posed a problem. So from that year, they started selling cognac themselves under their own label, in addition to supplying the big houses. At one point in history, they had a total of +/- 100 hectares of vineyards in Grande Champagne. They also used to have a vineyard in the Borderies, but it was sold in 1964. After the death of Paul Beau, the company was continued by brothers Michel and Guy Laurichesse (father of Olivier Laurichesse) and the rest of the family was also active there. Michel married Collette, one of Paul's adopted daughters. Guy has since quit and his son Olivier has partly taken over from him. Olivier worked for Paul Beau for 12 years and started his own company, Laurichesse, in 2015. In 2023, Olivier and his wife Léa took over the Paul Beau brand again and fortunately they were able to buy back a limited stock.

Explanation label

Pieter Knapen: "En danseuse". The name "Danseuse" symbolises the cognac's timelessness and elegance. A dancing couple can tell a story from the past and still move in the present - exactly like this cognac, which breathes history but is still alive and relevant in the glass. By making this comparison, we wanted to honour the soul of this cognac: a work of art that is both refined and full of life, inviting the senses to a true dance between complex aromas."

Tasting note

Nose

Just as a choreography consists of many subtle layers and nuances, this cognac has a rich aromatic structure. The bouquet opens with notes of dried fruit and ripe persimmon complemented by the warmth of toasted almond. After some aeration, a subtle minerality emerges, interwoven with hints of cocoa and dark honey.

Taste

Particularly complex aromas. velvety and round, with a distinct presence of ripened fruit, including stewed apple and peach. The mid-palate reveals an intense and complex interplay of notes such as walnut, pecan and marzipan that merge with nuances of cinnamon and dried flowers. A remarkable depth and structure. This harmonious complexity reflects the balance between power and finesse, exactly like a dancer moving effortlessly between intensity and subtlety.

Finish

The finish is layered, subtle and refined. Fruity black tea. The minerality seen earlier lingers subtly in the background, making the finish both intense and elegant.