Ciroc VS Brandy 375ML is a French brandy blended from aged brandies and bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 375ml format. Developed under Master Distiller Jean-Sebastian Robiquet at Maison Villevert, this expression draws on copper-pot distillation and French oak maturation to produce a fruit-forward, approachable style that distinguishes itself from the traditional cognac houses. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof) | Origin: Charente-Maritime, France | VS (Very Special) French Brandy | Distillery: Maison Villevert Production & Heritage Ciroc VS is produced at Maison Villevert in the Charente-Maritime region of southwestern France, an area historically associated with fine brandy production. The liquid is a blend of French brandies, some distilled in traditional alembic copper-pot stills, then matured in French oak barrels. Unlike the major cognac houses that distill and age under a single protected appellation, Ciroc VS is labeled as French brandy rather than cognac — a distinction that grants Robiquet greater flexibility in sourcing and blending eaux-de-vie from across France. Tasting Notes Aroma: Ripe stone fruit leads, followed by layered notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. A gentle undercurrent of baking spice and dried fruit adds depth without overpowering the nose. Taste: The entry is smooth and slightly sweet, with apricot and fresh fruit arriving first on the palate. Mid-palate development brings warm caramel and soft oak sweetness, while subtle dark fruit and baking spice fill out the body. The overall texture is velvety and well-balanced, with fruit and wood tones in steady proportion. Finish: Clean, silky, and moderately lingering, with vanilla and caramel carrying through to the end. A faint warmth and residual fruit sweetness round out the close. How to Drink Ciroc VS Neat or over a single large ice cube is the simplest way to appreciate the stone fruit and vanilla character. A small splash of water can open up the oak and spice notes further. For cocktails, Ciroc VS works well in a Sidecar, where its fruit-forward profile complements the citrus and triple sec; a Brandy Old Fashioned, where its caramel and vanilla notes pair naturally with bitters and a sugar cube; and a French Connection, where the soft oak sweetness meshes seamlessly with amaretto. Best For Stocking a home bar with a versatile, cocktail-ready French brandy Introducing someone to brandy who typically drinks vodka or lighter spirits Sampling a VS-level brandy before committing to a full 750ml bottle Bringing a portable bottle to a dinner party or weekend gathering Frequently Asked Questions What does Ciroc VS taste like? Ciroc VS delivers a smooth, fruit-driven profile dominated by ripe stone fruit, vanilla, and caramel, with subtle oak and baking spice in the background. The finish is clean and moderately warm with lingering sweetness. How does Ciroc VS compare to Hennessy V.S.? Hennessy V.S. is a cognac — meaning it must be produced entirely within the Cognac appellation — and tends toward a spicier, more structured palate built from over 40 eaux-de-vie. Ciroc VS, classified as French brandy rather than cognac, leans lighter and more fruit-forward with a smoother, less tannic finish. Is Ciroc VS good for cocktails? Its smooth, fruit-forward character and moderate 40% ABV make it a reliable base for classic brandy cocktails like the Sidecar, Brandy Old Fashioned, and French Connection. The balanced sweetness means it mixes easily without requiring heavy modification. Where is Ciroc VS made? Ciroc VS is blended and produced at Maison Villevert in the Charente-Maritime region of southwestern France, under the direction of Master Distiller Jean-Sebastian Robiquet. The component brandies are distilled in alembic copper-pot stills and aged in French oak. What foods pair well with Ciroc VS? Aged cheeses like Comté or Gruyère complement the oak and vanilla notes. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the caramel sweetness. Stone fruit tarts or crème brûlée echo the brandy's core fruit and custard character. Charcuterie boards with dried apricots and almonds bring out the dried fruit nuances. What sizes does Ciroc VS come in? Ciroc VS is available in a 375ml half-bottle as well as the standard 750ml size. Is Ciroc VS worth the price? Ciroc VS positions as an entry-level French brandy that competes in the same tier as VS cognacs from the major houses. Its 375ml format offers a lower-commitment way to evaluate the expression, making it a reasonable value for drinkers exploring the French brandy category. Why Ciroc VS? What sets Ciroc VS apart from mainstream VS cognacs is its classification as a French brandy rather than a cognac, giving Jean-Sebastian Robiquet broader latitude in sourcing and blending aged eaux-de-vie. The alembic copper-pot distillation and French oak aging are traditional techniques, but the resulting blend skews deliberately toward fruit and smoothness rather than the tannic structure typical of many young cognacs. For drinkers already familiar with the Ciroc name through its vodka range, this brandy represents a coherent extension — approachable, clean, and designed to work equally well neat or in cocktails. The 375ml bottle makes it an accessible entry point for anyone curious about French brandy without the full-bottle commitment.
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