Malternative No.50 Les Tarins Verts 1985 French Cognac

Malternative Belgium No. 50 “Les Tarins Verts” 1985 Grande Champagne Cognac is an extraordinary 40-year-old vintage Cognac produced by the prestigious house of Delamain & Cie in Jarnac, France. Distilled in 1985 and drawn directly from a single cask in February 2026, this exceptionally rare release represents the 50th Cognac selection from Malternative Belgium. Matured for four decades and bottled at its natural cask strength of 51%, without dilution or additives, Les Tarins Verts combines remarkable fruit purity, mature complexity and the elegance for which Grande Champagne Cognac is renowned. With only 252 bottles produced, this is a highly collectible expression of long-aged Cognac craftsmanship.

Producer: Delamain & Cie
Bottler: Malternative Belgium
Vintage: 1985
Age: 40 Years Old
ABV: 51%
Cru: Grande Champagne
Cask Number: 258
Outturn: 252 Bottles 

Malternative Belgium is an independent bottler specialising in exceptional Cognac, Armagnac and Calvados, with a reputation for sourcing distinctive old and rare eaux-de-vie from some of France’s most respected producers. For their milestone 50th Cognac release, Malternative Belgium became the first independent bottler granted access to the historic cellars of Delamain, one of Cognac’s most prestigious houses. Les Tarins Verts is particularly significant as an officially recognised 1985 vintage and the first Delamain Grande Champagne Cognac to be bottled above 50% ABV. Drawn directly from the cask on 26 February 2026, it was bottled without added water, sugar, caramel or wood extract, preserving the character of the spirit in its natural form.

The name “Les Tarins Verts”, meaning “The Green Siskins”, pays tribute to Delamain’s longstanding connection with nature and ornithology. Jacques Delamain, born in 1874, was both a Cognac négociant and passionate ornithologist whose writings explored birds and their song. The bird depicted on the label continues Malternative Belgium’s own artistic tradition while acknowledging this distinctive part of the Delamain family heritage.

Tasting Notes:
Rich aromas of apricot compote, stewed peach and candied stone fruits immediately emerge, layered with cinnamon, nutmeg and delicate mature spice. The palate is full and powerful, delivering concentrated apricot, dried fruits and mandarin preserve alongside vanilla cream and subtle speculoos sweetness. Cinnamon, clove and cardamom develop through the fruit, while delicate pepper provides lift and structure. At 51% natural cask strength, the Cognac carries impressive depth and tension while remaining beautifully balanced. The finish is long, warm and finely spiced, with lingering stone fruit compote giving way to dried flowers, almond, subtle tobacco and elegant mature complexity.