About this cognac:
As the only independent bottler in the world, we have access to the legendary cognac cellar of Laurichesse in Segonzac. On May 5, 2025, not coincidentally Pieter’s birthday, after thorough preparation, we were allowed to make this special selection.
This exceptional single cask cognac from the mid-1970s represents everything that Malternative Belgium stands for: authenticity, craftsmanship, and a story that goes beyond the bottle. Cask number 120, a true treasure from Grande Champagne, was crafted and distilled using a traditional wood-fired alambic charentaise.
We proudly present our fifth Laurichesse bottling, which was bottled on july 8th 2025 at cask strength to preserve the pure expression of this cognac. Our previous Laurichesse releases were received with great enthusiasm by connoisseurs and enthusiasts, as numerous positive reviews confirm, resulting in extremely rapid sales.
This bottling perfectly reflects what Malternative Belgium stands for: discovering and sharing exceptional cognacs that are a testament to time, tradition, and are truly exceptional for their terroir. Whoever says Malternative Belgium, says Laurichesse; whoever gets themselves a bottle will also understand why we're so crazy about it here!
About the producer:
Olivier Laurichesse and Léa are both from Segonzac, this is where their roots lie. Olivier comes from a family with a long history in viticulture and cognac distillation. Olivier continued his studies in wine and oenology and gained his first work experience in Alsace and Médoc and returned to his "own terroir" in 2003. In 2015, Olivier started independently with 40 ha of vineyards located in Verrières and Angeac-Champagne located in the grande champagne, the first cru of the cognac region. Léa obtained a bachelor's degree in wine and spirit trading in 2008 and then went on to do a 3-month internship in New York America for an importer-distributor of spirits. She then resumed her studies at university and in 2010 she met Olivier.
In 2018, a marriage and 3 children later, they launched "laurichesse cognac" together to promote the barrels of cognac that Olivier's father, Guy Laurichesse, distilled in the 1970s (on a small 12 hl alambic). They also now distil cognac themselves from their own vineyards. Guy had handed over the keys to his chai, a hidden cellar at the back of the garden of his residence in Segonzac, to his son in 2018. What makes this cognac unique is that it is a single cask and has not been blended over the years. Very unique spirits that were never commercialized and that only waited for the next generation to convince the enthusiasts of its great qualities and aromas. Grande champagne cognac at its peak!
In the late summer of 2021, during a cognac trip, we went to pick up our daily fresh bread at the bakery on the square in Segonzac. This beautiful municipality is our regular base when we are in France. Here we were pointed out that the neighbor across the street also had a cognac house. For real? Many times we passed this little square without realizing that behind that brown gate a treasure of sublime cognac was hidden. We got in touch and a first visit followed in December 2021. The sweet and down-to-earth owners Olivier and Léa introduced us to their family business. We are very grateful and proud to have this exclusif collaboration!
Tasting-notes:
Nose: An abundance of tropical aromas greets you: think juicy mango, sunny mandarin, and ripe quince. In the background, hints of candied pineapple, lime zest, and nectarine emerge. The scent is intense, yet remains refined—a touch of mint, fine chartreuse tea, a soft accent of old wood, and a delicate floral quality provide a beautifully layered perfume.
Taste: The first sip is oily with phenomenal fruity intensity. The elegant power allows the fruit to shine: apricot, papaya, mango, and a fresh note of passion fruit follow one another gracefully. Meanwhile, hints of beeswax, light honey, and a wisp of orange peel appear, nicely rounded off with a gentle menthol and a hint of precious leather. The mouthfeel is smooth and grand. An amazingly structured and layered body!
Finish: The finish lingers for a long time, rich in fruit and freshness, subtly interwoven with minty notes, spicy tea, and a soft woody nuance.
We are not too modest to claim that this is probably the fruitiest of all Laurichesse's bottled to date.
Label explanation:
Le Lion Sage - The Wise Lion. For this special release with Maison Laurichesse, we were once again inspired by a powerful symbol: the lion. At Laurichesse, we traditionally work with the image of the lion (and/or its family) also because the Laurichesse logo features a proud lion and lioness. These animals symbolize protection, wisdom, and connection. The label of "Le Lion Sage" continues this tradition. The wise lion at the center represents the balance between strength and class!
