Paul Masson VS 200ML is a California grape brandy bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a convenient 200ml format. Scoring 89 points from Wine Enthusiast, this VS expression stands out with a minimum three years of oak aging — one full year beyond the standard VS requirement — delivering notable depth for its category. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof) | Origin: California & Kentucky, USA | VS (Minimum 3 Years Aged) | Bottled at Tom Moore Distillery, Bardstown, KY Production & Heritage Paul Masson traces its roots to a 19th-century California winemaking legacy. The brandy begins with premium grapes sourced from central California, which undergo carefully controlled fermentation and distillation. The resulting spirit is then transported to the Tom Moore Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, where it rests in oak barrels for a minimum of three years — surpassing the two-year minimum required for the VS classification. This extra year of maturation gives the brandy a richer, more integrated oak character than many competitors at the same designation level. Tasting Notes Aroma: Butterscotch leads the nose, followed by warm vanilla and a thread of toasted oak. Subtle dried fruit and praline notes emerge as the brandy opens in the glass. Taste: The entry is soft with caramel and ripe pear, building through a mid-palate of raisins and maple sweetness. A gentle oak spice and nuttiness develop toward the peak, adding structure to the fruit-forward profile. Finish: Medium in length with lingering butterscotch and a faint peppery warmth. The dried fruit and vanilla taper off gradually, leaving a clean, slightly sweet close. How to Drink Paul Masson VS The 200ml format makes this an ideal carry-along brandy, well-suited to neat sipping at room temperature or over a single large ice cube that opens up the caramel and fruit notes. It also works reliably in classic brandy cocktails: Brandy Sidecar — the caramel sweetness balances Cointreau and fresh lemon juice without going flat. Brandy Alexander — vanilla and butterscotch notes complement the crème de cacao and cream beautifully. Brandy Old Fashioned — the oak-driven spice holds up well against bitters and a sugar cube, a staple in Wisconsin-style cocktail culture. Best For Sampling a quality American brandy without committing to a full bottle Travel, picnics, or outdoor gatherings where portability matters Mixing single-serve cocktails at home with precise portion control Introducing someone new to aged brandy at an approachable price tier Frequently Asked Questions What does Paul Masson VS taste like? Paul Masson VS delivers a fruit-forward profile led by caramel, vanilla, and dried pear, with supporting notes of butterscotch, raisin, and gentle oak spice. The overall impression is smooth and mildly sweet with a medium-length finish. How does Paul Masson VS compare to E&J VS Brandy? Both are popular American VS brandies made from California grapes and priced in the same value tier. Paul Masson is aged a minimum of three years versus the standard two-year VS minimum, which generally gives it a slightly more developed oak character and smoother profile than E&J VS. Is Paul Masson VS good for cocktails? Yes — its caramel-forward sweetness and moderate proof make it a reliable base for brandy cocktails like the Sidecar, Brandy Alexander, and Brandy Old Fashioned without overpowering other ingredients. Where is Paul Masson VS made? The brandy is distilled from grapes grown in central California, then aged and bottled at the Tom Moore Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky — a town long associated with American spirits production. What foods pair well with Paul Masson VS? Dark chocolate truffles highlight the brandy's butterscotch and vanilla tones. Pecan pie mirrors its praline and maple notes. Mild blue cheese creates a pleasant sweet-savory contrast. Baked apples or pear tarts echo the dried fruit character, and charcuterie with aged salami complements the oak spice. What sizes does Paul Masson VS come in? Paul Masson VS is widely available in 200ml, 375ml, 750ml, and 1.75L bottles, making it one of the more accessible brandies in terms of format options. Is Paul Masson VS worth the price? Paul Masson VS positions firmly in the entry-level value tier for American brandy, yet its three-year minimum aging and 89-point Wine Enthusiast score suggest quality that punches above typical expectations for the category. Why Paul Masson VS? The defining advantage here is the extra year of oak maturation — aging a minimum of three years when only two are required for VS designation. That additional time in barrel is directly responsible for the integrated butterscotch and oak character that earned this brandy 89 points from Wine Enthusiast. In a competitive value-brandy segment, few expressions at this price tier deliver comparable complexity. The 200ml bottle, in particular, makes it easy to keep on hand for single cocktails or a quick after-dinner pour without the investment of a full-size bottle.
