Malternative No.43 Le Rossignol Lot 62 French Cognac

Malternative Belgium No. 43 “Le Rossignol” Lot 62 French Cognac is an extraordinary long-aged Petite Champagne release sourced from the historic cellars of Maison Delamain. Distilled in 1962 from eaux-de-vie originating in Archiac and matured in France for more than 60 years, this exceptionally rare single cask was selected by Malternative Belgium after an extensive nine-month selection process. Bottled directly from Single Cask No. 755 at its natural cask strength of 54.4%, without additives, Le Rossignol represents a landmark release: the first independently bottled Delamain Petite Champagne matured in France and the first Delamain bottling released above 50% ABV. Only 198 bottles were produced, making this an exceptionally scarce expression of mature Cognac craftsmanship.

Producer: Maison Delamain
Bottler: Malternative Belgium
Vintage: 1962
Age: 63 Years
Region: Petite Champagne, Cognac
Origin: Archiac, France
ABV: 54.4%
Cask: Single Cask No. 755
Outturn: 198 Bottles 

Malternative Belgium is an independent bottler specialising primarily in exceptional Cognac, alongside carefully selected Armagnac and Calvados. No. 43 “Le Rossignol” marks a particularly significant chapter for the bottler, with Malternative Belgium becoming the first independent bottler granted access to the cellars of the prestigious Maison Delamain. Following nine months of preparation, three visits to the Cognac house and an extensive selection process, this remarkable Petite Champagne cask was chosen for its individuality, intensity and extraordinary maturity. The name “Le Rossignol,” meaning “The Nightingale,” pays tribute to Delamain’s historic connection with ornithology and nature, particularly Jacques Delamain, who was both a Cognac négociant and passionate ornithologist.

Tasting Notes:
A rich and deeply complex nose opens with dried apricots, preserved peach and orange blossom layered alongside antique leather, toasted hazelnuts and mature oak. The palate combines remarkable elegance with considerable power, delivering caramelised figs, candied orange peel and passion fruit before developing into dried dates, old Madeira, dark chocolate and the distinctive chalky minerality of Petite Champagne. Layers of aged cigar tobacco and roasted almonds add further depth, leading into an exceptionally long and harmonious finish of sweet spices, dried apricot and mature Cognac rancio. Lingering notes of mint, tropical fruit and dried flowers remain beautifully persistent, balancing more than six decades of maturity with freshness, power and finesse.