Delorme VS 2/375ML is a VS (Very Special) Cognac from southwestern France, bottled at 40% ABV in a 375ml format. Produced by Distilleries De Matha — a house founded in 1889 in the heart of the Cognac appellation — this expression blends cognac distillates ranging from five to eight years of age, well exceeding the two-year minimum required for VS classification.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Cognac, France | VS (Very Special) | Distillery: Distilleries De Matha (est. 1889)Production & HeritageDistilleries De Matha has operated from the center of the Cognac production zone since 1889, and the facility is equipped with modern distillation and monitoring equipment that allows precise control at every stage. Delorme VS is double-distilled in the traditional Charentais method and matured for a minimum of two years in French oak barrels, though the blend draws on distillates aged between five and eight years. The result is a cognac that carries more depth and complexity than the VS designation alone might suggest, benefiting from the additional time those older eaux-de-vie spend in wood.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with a bright, sweet introduction of deep floral tones and ripe fruit. As the bouquet develops, light woody undertones emerge alongside a subtle warmth that draws you back for another pass.Taste: On the palate, dried fruits and vanilla muffin arrive first, establishing a sweet, approachable entry. The mid-palate shifts into a more complex range as dark chocolate and warm roasted nut notes weave into the profile. Despite the layered flavors, the overall impression remains mild and well-balanced rather than heavy.Finish: The finish is pleasant, intense, and notably long for a VS-tier cognac. Lingering echoes of toasted oak and dried fruit sustain the experience well after the last sip.How to Drink Delorme VSThe 375ml format makes this an approachable option for sampling neat in a tulip glass at room temperature; a few drops of water can help release the floral aromatics. Beyond neat sipping, Delorme VS works well in classic cognac cocktails: Sidecar — The dried-fruit sweetness and vanilla character balance the citrus and triple sec without being overpowered. French Connection — Paired with amaretto, the existing nut and chocolate notes amplify into a rich, dessert-worthy drink. Cognac Highball — Lengthened with quality ginger ale and a lemon twist, the fruit-forward profile shines in a lighter, refreshing serve. Best For Exploring cognac without committing to a full 750ml bottle Building a home cognac tasting flight alongside VSOP and XO expressions Stocking a home bar for classic French cocktails Gifting a spirits enthusiast who is branching into brandy Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Delorme VS taste like? Delorme VS leads with dried fruits and vanilla, transitions through dark chocolate and roasted nut flavors at the mid-palate, and finishes with a lingering warmth of toasted oak. It is an expressive yet mild cognac with a surprisingly long finish for its category tier.How does Delorme VS compare to Martell VS? Martell VS is generally described as smooth and fruity with plum, apricot, and lemon zest notes, leaning toward a lighter citrus profile. Delorme VS tilts more toward dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and vanilla, making it a slightly richer, dessert-leaning alternative in the VS category.Is Delorme VS good for cocktails? Yes — the pronounced vanilla and dried-fruit sweetness gives it enough flavor to stand up in mixed drinks like the Sidecar and French Connection. Its 40% ABV and mild character ensure it blends smoothly without dominating other ingredients.Where is Delorme VS made? Delorme VS is produced by Distilleries De Matha, located in the heart of the legally defined Cognac production region in southwestern France. The distillery has been operating from this location since its founding in 1889.What foods pair well with Delorme VS? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa notes in the cognac. Roasted almonds or hazelnuts mirror the nutty mid-palate. Aged Comté cheese provides a savory contrast to the vanilla sweetness. Dried apricots and figs echo the fruit-forward aromatics, while a simple crème brûlée highlights the caramelized oak character.What sizes does Delorme VS come in? This particular offering is a 375ml bottle, a convenient half-size format. Standard 750ml bottles may also be available depending on market distribution.Is Delorme VS worth the price? Delorme VS positions as an accessible, entry-level cognac, but the inclusion of distillates aged five to eight years in the blend delivers complexity that punches above its price tier. For a VS expression, the depth of flavor represents solid value.Why Delorme VS?What distinguishes Delorme VS from many competitors at this level is the age of its component eaux-de-vie — blending distillates aged five to eight years into a VS-classified cognac gives this bottle noticeably more complexity than the two-year minimum demands. Distilleries De Matha brings over 130 years of production history to the bottle, rooted in the Cognac appellation itself. The 375ml format lowers the barrier for anyone curious about cognac or looking to compare across tiers without a full-bottle investment. For an entry point into French brandy, Delorme VS delivers a genuinely layered drinking experience that rewards both neat sipping and cocktail mixing.
