Cognac #40 "Ma Cerise" (Lot 69 PC) - Malternative Belgium

Pieter Knapen: "This cognac originates from Réaux sur Trèfle, named after the waterway that crosses the municipality, and was distilled in '69. This cognac comes from a family of producers connected to the Estève family (Rignault), whose vineyards are located a few kilometers away, also in Petite Champagne. This cask comes from an inheritance distribution, carried out during an indivision, after the death of Mrs. Estève in 1992. We are proud to be able to share it with you!"

Label explanation

Pieter Knapen: "Ma Cerise, My Cherry. The artwork on the label is inspired by a taste experience when we first tasted this cognac, directly from the cask. Mon chéri chocolate candy with a sweet cherry liqueur. And a big smile! Around the cake with cherries and chocolate swirls a colorful crowd of ants, who as true gourmets want to discover every piece of sweetness. They each carry various ingredients together, as a tribute to collaboration and shared enjoyment. On top of the cake shine the glistening cherries, whose stalks burn like flamboyant fuses, a hint of smokiness. This fiery cherry decoration is a metaphor for the rich, powerful finish of our cognac, full of explosive flavor nuances that entice your senses."

Tasting note

Nose

An aromatic explosion that fills the room with its presence! Here we meet a beautiful duality: on one hand, the delicate, fragile style with polished oak, on the other hand, the rich fruitiness of sweet cherries (summit and bigarreau noir), ripe plums, roasted chestnuts, and stewed pears. After some time in the glass, an elegant interplay of cherry liqueur, coffee, and chocolate develops, while bergamot and apricots provide refreshment.

Taste

A stunning balance between rustic power and refined elegance. The first sip brings a bright fruitiness of pink grapefruit, tangerines, and quinces, which slowly gives way to more complex layers of black bigarreau cherries, raisins, pipe tobacco, black tea, and a subtle spiciness. The oak provides structure with black pepper and licorice, while fruit peels and menthol candies add tension. As this cognac breathes, a captivating spectrum unfolds between fruit and spice, between liveliness and restfulness - exactly what you expect from an exceptional old cognac from the Petite Champagne region.

Finish

Beautifully long and layered, with a pleasant evolution from menthol fresh tones to cherry liqueur and wild heather honey in the aftertaste. The finish is like a good friend who stays a little longer by the fireside, with ever-new stories and nuances to discover.

Ruben Luyten is also very positive about our choice of this cognac under our own label. "Pretty impressive for its age though, and definitely a nice option if you like sweet, robust cognacs at an affordable price."

What others say about it

According to Serge Valentin (Whiskyfun 91 points) : "A lovely little fruity gem, straightforward and uncomplicated, on mirabelles, liquorice, quince and honey. It’s absolutely precise."

Read his entire tasting note here.

Ruben Luyten gave this cognac a nice tasting note (WhiskyNotes 90 points): "Perhaps a tad more woody and rancio-driven than I expected, but nonetheless a really good release. Just when you think it becomes too heavy, a very lively brightness appears." 

Read his entire tasting note here.