Grey Goose Le Melon Vodka 750ML is a discontinued French flavored vodka infused with Cavaillon melon, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 89 points by Wine Enthusiast in June 2014, this limited-edition expression has become increasingly difficult to find since Grey Goose removed it from its permanent lineup, making remaining bottles a genuine collector's item for flavored-vodka enthusiasts.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof) | Origin: France | Flavored Vodka (Cavaillon Melon) | Distillery: Grey Goose, Cognac RegionProduction & HeritageGrey Goose, the Bacardi-owned French vodka house founded in 1997, produces its base spirit from soft winter wheat grown in Picardy and natural spring water sourced from Gensac-la-Pallue in the Cognac region, filtered through Champagne limestone. The spirit undergoes a single distillation through steel and copper columns before the melon character is introduced. What distinguishes Le Melon from other flavored vodkas is the use of French Cavaillon melons — a celebrated heirloom variety from Provence — harvested specifically between June and August at full maturity to capture peak sweetness and aromatic intensity.Tasting NotesAroma: Crystal clear in the glass, Le Melon releases an immediate and authentic bouquet of freshly cut melon the moment it is poured. Beneath that leading note, subtler layers of melon rind, ripe banana, and soft pear emerge with time.Taste: The entry is bright and clean, with juicy Cavaillon melon dominating the front palate. As it develops across the mid-palate, lighter accents of white citrus and delicate almond come into focus. The wheat base provides a rounded, slightly creamy backbone that keeps the fruit flavors grounded rather than overly sweet.Finish: Silky in texture, the finish carries strong front notes of ripe melon that gradually transition into sweet almond and a gentle wheaty undertone. Most of the complexity reveals itself here, where melon freshness and nutty warmth linger in balance.How to Drink Le MelonChilled and served neat or over ice, Le Melon delivers its full aromatic profile with minimal interference. A single large ice cube opens the almond and pear undertones without diluting the melon character too quickly. Melon Martini: Le Melon's concentrated fruit clarity makes it a natural fit, replacing the need for artificial melon liqueurs. French Mule: Substituted into a Moscow Mule, the Cavaillon melon adds a summer-garden twist that pairs exceptionally well with ginger beer and fresh lime. Le Melon Spritz: Combined with prosecco and a splash of elderflower tonic, the vodka's bright fruit and almond finish create a refreshing aperitif-style serve. Best For Collectors seeking discontinued or limited-edition spirits Summer cocktail entertaining where fresh, fruit-forward flavors shine Gifting a vodka enthusiast who values French provenance and rare expressions Building a complete Grey Goose portfolio tasting alongside the original and other flavored variants Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Le Melon taste like? Grey Goose Le Melon delivers a bright, juicy Cavaillon melon flavor supported by white citrus, sweet almond, and a clean wheat finish. It is fruit-forward without tasting artificial or overly sugary.How does Le Melon compare to Absolut flavored vodkas? Grey Goose Le Melon uses a single-distilled French winter wheat base and real Cavaillon melons, whereas Absolut flavored vodkas are produced from Swedish winter wheat with natural flavoring. Le Melon generally presents a softer, more rounded mouthfeel and a less pronounced sweetness than Absolut's fruit expressions.Is Le Melon good for cocktails? Le Melon excels in cocktails because its authentic melon character is concentrated enough to carry through mixers without requiring additional melon liqueur. It works particularly well in martinis, spritzes, and mule variations.Where is Le Melon made? Grey Goose Le Melon is produced in France, with the base spirit distilled in the Cognac region using water from the Gensac-la-Pallue natural spring and soft winter wheat sourced from Picardy. The Cavaillon melons used for flavoring are a Provençal variety.What foods pair well with Le Melon? Prosciutto-wrapped melon mirrors the spirit's core flavor and adds a savory counterpoint. Fresh goat cheese with honey highlights the almond finish. Ceviche and raw oysters complement the citrus undertones. Light fruit tarts or panna cotta echo the dessert-like sweetness without overwhelming the palate.What sizes does Le Melon come in? Grey Goose Le Melon was primarily available in the standard 750ml bottle. As a discontinued expression, availability in other sizes such as 1L or 375ml is extremely limited.Is Le Melon worth the price? Le Melon originally positioned as a premium flavored vodka, priced above mass-market competitors but in line with other Grey Goose expressions. As a discontinued product, remaining bottles may command a premium above original retail, though its 89-point Wine Enthusiast score and scarcity support its value for collectors and serious enthusiasts.Why Le Melon?Grey Goose Le Melon stands apart from the flavored vodka category because of its reliance on Cavaillon melons — a celebrated French heirloom fruit harvested at peak ripeness — rather than generic melon flavorings. The 89-point score from Wine Enthusiast confirmed what many bartenders already recognized: this was one of the more refined and naturally expressive flavored vodkas on the market. Its discontinuation has only increased demand among collectors and cocktail professionals who valued its authenticity. For anyone who encounters a remaining bottle, Le Melon represents one of Grey Goose's most distinctive limited-edition achievements.
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