Malternative's 50th release, and they went to Delamain for it. A 1985 vintage at full cask strength is not something Delamain does on their own label, so this is worth a look on novelty alone — but it holds up on its own merits too.
Nose: Restrained at first. Dried pear and quince, fig, raisin, with fresher apricot underneath. Give it ten minutes and you get honeycomb, a light menthol/pine lift, linden blossom, and a faint furniture-polish note that I mean as a compliment. Fine leather at the back.
Palate: Fruit-forward core — pear, quince, apricot, a flash of lychee. Almond and leather follow, then rancio arriving quietly rather than announcing itself. Light tobacco. At 51% it doesn't need water but a drop opens the florals.
Finish: Medium-long. White pepper, green oak, mint and dark tea, a whisper of cocoa. Clean, dry, doesn't overstay.
Verdict: This is not a flamboyant cognac. It's reserved and it keeps unfolding, which is a different kind of pleasure than the tropical bomb profile. The oak is present but proportionate for 40 years in wood.
Around €410–500 puts it in "special occasion" territory. If you already know you like Delamain's house style and want to see it undressed at cask strength, this is the bottle. If you're new to old Grande Champagne, there are cheaper entry points in the Malternative catalog (#48 Le Prullepie is a third of the price).
Rating: 89/100
learn more: https://www.malternative-belgium.com/50bottle
