Cîroc VS is the brand stepping outside vodka entirely, and it is a more logical move than it first appears. Cîroc has always been a grape spirit: the vodka is distilled five times from fine French grapes in an eau de vie style rather than from grain or potato, which is the single thing that distinguishes it in a crowded category. Brandy is what happens when you take that same French grape distillate and age it in oak instead of bottling it clear. The result is a French Brandy rather than a Cognac, and that distinction is worth understanding rather than glossing over. Cognac is a protected appellation covering grapes grown and distilled within a defined region of southwest France under strict rules. This is made from French grapes and produced in France, but outside that appellation, so it is labelled French Brandy. VS stands for Very Special, the entry designation in the brandy grading system, indicating the youngest spirit in the blend has been aged a minimum of two years in oak. What lands in the glass is amber, approachable and built for mixing rather than contemplation: vanilla and caramel from the oak over a base of ripe stone fruit and grape sweetness, with a soft spice through the middle and a smooth, warming finish. It is bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume, which is 80 proof, notably higher than any of the Cîroc flavored vodkas. Serve it over ice, mix it with ginger ale or cola, or use it as the base of a brandy sour. This bottle is a full litre rather than the standard 750ml.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Size |
1 Liter |
| Country |
France |
| Brand |
Cîroc |
| Producer |
Diageo |
| Category |
French Brandy |
| Expression |
VS, Very Special |
| Base |
Fine French grapes |
| Maturation |
Oak, minimum two years for the youngest spirit in the blend per VS designation |
Tasting Notes
Color: Warm amber.
Nose: Vanilla and caramel from the oak, over ripe stone fruit and grape sweetness.
Palate: Smooth and approachable. Sweet grape and dried fruit carry vanilla and toffee, with soft spice building through the middle.
Finish: Warming and rounded, with lingering oak and gentle sweetness.
FAQ
Q: Is this a Cognac?
A: No. It is a French Brandy. Cognac is a protected appellation limited to grapes grown and distilled within a defined region of southwest France, and this is produced outside it.
Q: What does VS mean?
A: Very Special, the entry designation in the brandy grading system, indicating the youngest spirit in the blend has been aged a minimum of two years in oak.
Q: How is it related to Cîroc vodka?
A: Both are made from fine French grapes. The vodka is bottled clear, while this is aged in oak to make brandy.
Q: What size is this bottle?
A: One full litre, larger than the standard 750ml.
Q: How should I serve it?
A: Over ice, mixed with ginger ale or cola, or as the base of a brandy sour.
Q: Where can I buy Cîroc VS French Brandy online?
A: Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
