De Luze VS Cognac 750ML is a Grande Champagne Fine Champagne cognac bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml format. It earned a Grand Gold Medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — a remarkable achievement for a VS-level expression — along with Double Gold at the 2022 SIP Awards, underscoring the quality Maison Boinaud delivers even at the youngest tier of their range. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Grande Champagne, Cognac, France | VS (Very Special) | Distillery: Maison Boinaud Production & Heritage De Luze is produced by Maison Boinaud, the largest family-owned estate in the Grande Champagne growing region — the most prized terroir within the Cognac appellation. The family operates the largest distillery in the Cognac region, housing 41 charentais alembic pot-stills used for traditional double-distillation. What sets De Luze apart at the production level is their insistence on distilling unfiltered wines on their lees, a painstaking method that preserves aromatic complexity and contributes the creamy, textured mouthfeel that distinguishes this VS from many competitors. The base wine comes exclusively from Ugni Blanc grapes, the dominant varietal across the Cognac region prized for its high acidity and aromatic neutrality, which allows distillation character and oak aging to come through cleanly. Tasting Notes Aroma: Bright citrus and orange zest open the nose immediately, followed by delicate floral notes — vine flowers and honeysuckle — that give way to a subtle honeycomb sweetness. There is a gentle underpinning of baking spice that hints at the oak aging beneath. Taste: The entry is soft and fruity, with ripe apple and apricot flavors taking center stage on the mid-palate. As it develops, layers of vanilla, honey, and candied orange emerge, balanced by a creamy, almost velvety texture that is notably refined for a VS cognac. Raisin and baking spice round out the peak, adding just enough warmth without sharpness. Finish: The finish is long and deliciously fruity, with lingering notes of apricot, honeycomb, and a whisper of orange peel. The texture remains smooth through the close, leaving a clean and inviting warmth. How to Drink De Luze VS This cognac drinks well neat at room temperature, where its floral and fruity layers are easiest to appreciate, and a single ice cube can open up the honeyed mid-palate without dulling the fruit. It also performs exceptionally in cocktails: a Sidecar, where its orange zest character naturally complements Cointreau and citrus; a French 75, where the floral aromatics harmonize with Champagne's effervescence; and a Cognac Old Fashioned, where the vanilla and baking spice backbone stands up to bitters and sugar without losing its identity. Best For Introducing a curious drinker to quality cognac from a premier cru region Building a versatile home bar for French spirit cocktails Gifting someone who appreciates award-winning spirits at an accessible price point After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or coffee Frequently Asked Questions What does De Luze VS taste like? De Luze VS delivers a smooth, fruit-forward profile dominated by ripe apple, apricot, and candied orange, supported by vanilla and honey undertones. The mouthfeel is notably soft and creamy for a VS cognac, with a long fruity finish. How does De Luze VS compare to Martell VS? Both are elegant, approachable VS cognacs, but De Luze sources exclusively from the Grande Champagne premier cru, while Martell VS blends eaux-de-vie from multiple crus. De Luze also tends to sit at a lower price point than Martell VS, making it a strong value proposition for Grande Champagne quality. Is De Luze VS good for cocktails? De Luze VS is an excellent cocktail cognac thanks to its bright citrus and vanilla notes, which integrate well in classics like the Sidecar, French 75, and Cognac Old Fashioned without being lost beneath other ingredients. Where is De Luze VS made? De Luze VS is produced by Maison Boinaud, located in the Grande Champagne region of Cognac, France — the most prestigious of the six cognac growing areas. Boinaud is the largest family-owned estate in Grande Champagne and operates 41 charentais alembic pot-stills on site. What foods pair well with De Luze VS? Crème brûlée works beautifully, echoing the vanilla and caramel tones. Tarte Tatin amplifies the apple and apricot notes. Aged Comté cheese complements the baking spice. Milk chocolate truffles mirror the honeyed sweetness. Foie gras or duck rillettes match the cognac's soft, rich texture. What sizes does De Luze VS come in? De Luze VS Cognac is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is De Luze VS worth the price? De Luze VS positions as an entry-level cognac that punches well above its tier, sourcing from the most prestigious Grande Champagne cru and earning a Grand Gold Medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It offers premier cru quality at a price that typically undercuts the VS expressions from the four major cognac houses. Why De Luze VS? Few VS cognacs can claim exclusive Grande Champagne sourcing backed by a Grand Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Boinaud family's practice of distilling unfiltered wine on its lees — using their 41 charentais pot-stills — creates a textural richness and aromatic depth that most VS expressions simply do not achieve. Where many entry-level cognacs lean on blending breadth to smooth rough edges, De Luze relies on terroir quality and distillation technique, making it a genuine introduction to what Grande Champagne cognac tastes like. For drinkers exploring cognac seriously or building a cocktail-friendly spirits shelf, this is one of the strongest values in the category.
