Delorme VS 750ML is a French cognac bottled at 40% ABV that blends distillates aged well beyond the VS category's two-year minimum. Produced by Distilleries de Matha, this expression draws from eaux-de-vie ranging from five to eight years old, delivering a depth of flavor uncommon at the VS tier.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Cognac, France | VS (Very Special) | Distillery: Distilleries de MathaProduction & HeritageDistilleries de Matha was established in 1889 in the heart of the Cognac production zone. In 1969, the distillery became part of the Compagnie de Guyenne (CdG) group, founded by Michel Coste, which also controls the well-known Meukow cognac brand. Like all authentic cognac, Delorme VS is produced from wine made primarily from Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and Folle Blanche grapes, double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills, and matured in French oak barrels. What distinguishes this particular VS is the age of its component distillates — five to eight years — significantly exceeding the legal two-year minimum for the category.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with a bright, sweet character marked by deep floral tones. Ripe fruit notes emerge underneath, giving way to a warm, inviting bouquet that suggests more age than the VS label implies.Taste: On entry, dried fruits and vanilla muffin lead the palate with a gentle sweetness. At mid-palate, the profile shifts into a more complex range — dark chocolate weaves through with roasted nuts, adding welcome structure. Despite its richness, the cognac remains mild and approachable rather than aggressive.Finish: The finish is notably long for a VS expression, carrying an intense but pleasant warmth. Lingering notes of toasted oak and dried fruit fade gradually, leaving a clean, satisfying close.How to Drink Delorme VSNeat or over a single large ice cube works well for appreciating the unexpectedly mature character of this cognac. The five-to-eight-year distillate age gives it enough backbone for straightforward sipping, but it also performs admirably in cocktails: Sidecar — The dried fruit and vanilla notes complement the Cointreau and lemon juice, creating a balanced, citrus-forward classic. French 75 (cognac variation) — The floral aromatics in Delorme VS pair naturally with champagne and lemon for a festive, effervescent drink. Vieux Carré — Dark chocolate and nut undertones stand up alongside rye whiskey and sweet vermouth in this stirred New Orleans staple. Best For Introducing someone to cognac without overwhelming their palate or budget Building a home bar's brandy foundation with an over-performing VS Hosting a French-themed dinner party with digestif service Mixing classic cognac cocktails where aged character matters Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Delorme VS taste like? Delorme VS leads with dried fruit and vanilla sweetness, transitions into dark chocolate and roasted nuts at mid-palate, and finishes with a long, warm, oak-tinged fade. It drinks smoother and more layered than many VS cognacs due to its older distillate blend.How does Delorme VS compare to Hennessy VS? Hennessy VS is widely regarded as the richest and most full-bodied among the major-house VS expressions, while Delorme VS takes a milder, more fruit-forward approach. Delorme's use of five-to-eight-year distillates gives it additional oak complexity, whereas Hennessy VS relies on distillates closer to the two-year minimum blended for bold intensity.Is Delorme VS good for sipping neat? Yes — the older-than-typical distillates give it enough depth and smoothness for comfortable neat drinking, particularly for those who find entry-level cognacs too sharp or one-dimensional.Where is Delorme VS made? Delorme VS is produced by Distilleries de Matha, located in the Cognac appellation of southwestern France. The distillery has operated in the heart of the cognac production zone since its founding in 1889.What foods pair well with Delorme VS? Dark chocolate truffles amplify the cocoa notes already present in the spirit. Aged cheeses like Comté complement its nutty, oak-influenced character. Dried fruit and nut boards mirror the cognac's core flavor profile. Apple tarte tatin works beautifully with the vanilla and baked fruit aromatics. Roasted duck with a fruit glaze bridges the gap between savory and the cognac's natural sweetness.What sizes does Delorme VS come in? Delorme VS is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle.Is Delorme VS worth the price? Delorme VS positions as a value-tier cognac that punches above its price class, primarily because its distillates are aged five to eight years rather than the two-year minimum required for VS designation. For drinkers seeking authentic Cognac character without paying VSOP or XO prices, it represents strong value within the category.Why Delorme VS?The central argument for this cognac is straightforward: it contains distillates aged far longer than its classification demands. While the VS label legally requires only two years of barrel maturation, Distilleries de Matha blends eaux-de-vie ranging from five to eight years into this bottling. That additional time in French oak translates directly into the dark chocolate, roasted nut, and vanilla complexity found in the glass. Backed by over 130 years of distilling history and produced under the same parent company as Meukow, Delorme VS delivers credible Cognac pedigree at an accessible entry point in the market.
