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Liquor Review: Cîroc

Ciroc Vodka      Unlike most vodka that is traditionally derived from corn, sorghum, rye, wheat, or potatoes, Cîroc Vodka is made in France from “snap frost” grapes.  The juice of Mauzac Blanc grapes from the Gaillac region and Ugni Blanc grapes from the Cognac region is extracted and cold fermented.  While the Mauzac Blanc grapes are distilled four times in copper continuous stills, the Ugni Blanc grapes are also distilled four times but in steel column stills.  They are combined together, 95% being Mauzac Blanc and the other 5% being the Ugni Blanc.  The final concoction is then distilled one last time in a traditional copper pot still.  It sounds like a tedious and drawn-out process, but the remarkable results are enough to bring a tear to my eye.

     Over ice, Cîroc vodka is truly a delight.  The five distillations allow for the vodka to go down extremely smooth, and the taste is a light and fresh one.  The finish is a sweet one with a very noticeable grape taste.  It’s not like drinking wine or anything, but this unique grape finish does an exceptional job covering the traditional vodka burn or rubbing alcohol-like aftertaste most of us expect when drinking vodka on the rocks.  This vodka stands as one of a mere handful I prefer to drink without even a splash of tonic water.

     As delicious as Cîroc is to sip on the rocks, it is even more wonderful with a little Sprite©.  It was really hard for me to muster the courage to actually mix this delicious vodka; I was terrified that it would water it down too much.  I have no problem admitting I was wrong.  I would recommend using a little more vodka than Sprite© in the mixture because the two compliment each other incredibly well.  The mixed drink tastes like a slightly sweeter variation of the soda with an extremely pleasant and light grape aftertaste.  The Coca-Cola Company should partner with the people at Cîroc to produce pre-mixed versions of this concoction.  It is truly that good.  Just try to remember that there is vodka in the drink because you will think you are sipping on a light and icy dessert.  I don’t want to be responsible for you doing something stupid like spilling your liquor.

     80-proof Cîroc gave me a nice buzz rather quickly, and after four drinks, I was floating in drunken bliss.  I was definitely intoxicated, but the alcohol sat lightly on my stomach, and I still felt as though I was in control of myself.  I was just very calm and felt warm and fuzzy inside.  Naturally, I couldn’t stop this delight at merely four drinks.  I ended up consuming about seven or eight of these delicious beverages over the course of the next couple hours.  Surprisingly, I awoke the next morning with absolutely no trace of a hangover!  My eyes were a little dry, but that is normal for me on any given morning.  There was no headache, and I didn’t even have the slightest bit of dry mouth.  I found myself completely naked and on top of my sheets with my clothes randomly strewn about the room.  I found that a little odd, but the complete lack of a hangover totally put my mind at ease about the whole situation.  I’m glad I got that off my chest.  Doesn’t that sounds sexy, ladies?

Diddy     I read that Cîroc inked P-Diddy or the artist fromerly known as Puff Daddy, or whatever the hell he wants to be called, to do advertisments in 2008.  I cringe at the thought of him talking about this stuff, but I guess they want to try to reach a younger audience or something.  I personally don’t know anyone who would listen to what he has to say about anything, but they are paying him millions.  Perhaps that’s why this vodka is steep in price.  Plunking out 30-something dollars for a bottle may seem a little ridiculous for a fifth of vodka, but if you are looking for a new vodka experience, it’s a small price to pay for Cîroc.  I’ve tasted a handful of “ultra-premium” vodkas that cost more than twice that of Cîroc that really don’t hold a candle to it.  If you’ve ever even remotely enjoyed vodka, borrow, steal, or finagle some cash for Cîroc.  You will be impressed.

Sipability – 8.0

December 2007Mixability – 8.5

Drunkability – 8.0

Hangover-ability – 9.5

Bang for the Buck – 6.0

Overall – 8.5 rating

What is your opinion on Cîroc?
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Comments

  1. joe
    18 February 9:56 pm

    you woke up with no clothes on, facedown on your bed? and you have no idea how it happened? don’t you live with a guy?

  2. 20 February 1:18 pm

    I would have been concerned, but I felt no pain in my nether-regions. Also my bedroom door was locked. Those were both comforting things. I’m not sure if it’s good or bad, but I’m going to assume everything is okay.

  3. B
    16 August 1:19 pm

    your description of Ciroc mixed with Sprite is spot on. Heaven in a glass.

  4. John
    24 August 3:07 pm

    I couldn’t stop laughing when I read the part about waking up naked, Ciroc is my favorite vodka (on the Rocks w/ Tonic and 3 limes) and have found myself waking up naked face down many Sunday mornings as I have today and never quite thought about it, but You got me thinking now!

  5. justin
    31 August 4:34 pm

    I bought a bottle of Ciroc last night while visiting my brother. I had two mixed drinks. I used half Ciroc, Half Red bull. As i wanted to stay awake. This drink worked wonders. I usually can taste the taste of vodka if I use cheaper brands in this mix. I like not being able to taste the vodka. It makes it easier on my stomach. Some of you folks might not prefer the absence in taste. But i love it!

    I paid $29.00 in Portland, Oregon for this bottle.

  6. Tom Y
    10 September 10:31 am

    I am not a big vodka drinker and like my drinks with a minimum of mixers or sweeteners. Ciroc is the only unflavored vodka I have regularly and almost always in a Gibson up.

  7. 16 September 3:26 am

    Good review. This is not available this side of world (eastern side) but probably If I find this on a duty-free, I would pick it.

  8. rtd
    5 October 12:40 am

    Good review, I’d never have tried this stuff without you guys! My only complaint is the price other than that I love this delicious liquor.

  9. Ms. Smith
    11 October 2:01 am

    Yes I too have had the Red Bull and Ciroc… I must say that this is my favorite drink. I used to drink Red Bull with Grey Goose but the vodka taste was too strong. I also agree that they should cut the price alittle…. But it is worth it depending on what you are trying to get accomplished . For a fifth in the Washington, D.C. area you will pay $40. Oh and I did feel alittle queasy the next morning but I have definitely seen worse days. Overall GREAT product!!!

  10. 11 October 1:36 pm

    Yea here in Rochester it cost $20 and i had it with apple juice and it was great…. best shit i had i had by a rapper since for ever… big ups too P-Diddy…. Flintown 751 the whole hood love it…

  11. Kyle Weiss
    4 December 2:25 am

    I’m not much of a vodka drinker. I like Scotch. However, I also like variety.

    I first tried Ciroc because the bar ran out of just about everything else, and they turned down the price as a special… $2.00 per shot. I knew this stuff was pricey, so what the hell.

    The first shot I tried was straight-up. It was smooth, I could taste the dryness of the grape skins and what I swear were dry “tannins,” from the distillation process.

    This is not a flavored vodka, which many people think when I say “This is grape-distilled vodka.” This is made from grapes. Not from grain/potato and then flavored with Welch’s.

    The second drink I asked for made with this was a vodka sour, on the rocks. That splash of sweet and sour really brought out the vibrant flavor this vodka is capable of.

    I find it on sale occasionally for around $25, and it is a good buy, and looks great on the shelf.

    I’m almost tempted not to drink it after seeing some stupid rap star promoting it.

    That’s okay, there’s always Roth vodka, which is a domestic version of Ciroc, and in my opinion, better than Ciroc for about $10 more. No guilt here.

    KW

  12. 5 December 2:31 pm

    Roth is very tasty, no matter who is promoting it. Roth is DISGUSTING to me though. Bleh!

  13. Jeffrey
    20 December 1:53 pm

    Actually, P. Diddy is one of the partners who owns the label. That’s why they use him as spokesperson.

  14. jay
    23 December 1:04 pm

    Had my first shot of this over the weekend and I think I’m in love. Went down extremely smooth and left a good after taste. I had to go buy me a bottle. Found it on sale for $22 regular price is $30 so that ain’t too bad. I give it a perfect 10!!!!

  15. Victoria
    31 December 9:51 pm

    My partner and I went out the day after Christmas for a small bday get together. I usually need a drink to get motivated enough to step on the dance floor alone; I recalled my niece telling me about Ciroc and pineapple. So that’s just what I got, upon sipping on my second cup I was feeling pretty damn lovely, lol. Wasn’t what I was expecting; I had prepared myself for this strong alcohol tasting drink, to my surprise it didn’t burn when it went down. I have a new drink to play with now.

  16. JohhnyO
    28 January 5:21 pm

    Vodka has been my drink of choice for years. Typically I drink Bellvedere, Kettle One, Stoli’s or on a budget, my housebrand Three Olives. I received a bottle of Ciroc for XMAS and I have to say I was very impressed with the light and fresh taste of this vodka! I usually drink a Vodka Redbull with a splash of Cranberry but I stuck with Ciroc and Tonic with Lime because I didnt want to stay up late. Now, I didnt wake up naked on the bed but I must say the energy level I got drinking this versus other vodkas was amazing. I actually drank more than I expected and was so up that I looked at the clock and it was 4am! I think there something in here…its Magic Vodka (and no, I didnt have any other stimulants). Who needs redbull with this! Its a keeper in my bar.

  17. KJ
    17 February 3:49 pm

    Jay is right. Diddy bought close to controlling shares of Ciroc in late 07. I think Diageo’s shooting for what so many brands have accomplished just by being mentioned in rap music. What a shame he doesn’t sing anymore- or not. As far as the price of Ciroc is concerned, Diddy is not. It’s expensive because the quality ingredients and time-consuming distillation process make it so. The price hasn’t risen at all since Diddy, barring inflation and tax hikes.

  18. 19 February 1:48 pm

    Black Ceza Records

    Hello friends, I’m Ceza DaLandLordOfDaSouth a promoter in the south and I’m here to tell you guy, to go out and buy a bottle of Ciroc Vodka by P. Diddy.. P. Diddy you did it again.

    662.871.2313

    Black Ceza Records
    CEO DaLandLordOfDaSouth!
    Rent’s Due! “Pay Me!”
    http://www.myspace.com/cezaclanmafia
    kingceza@gmail.com

  19. Rodzilla
    27 March 2:34 pm

    The bottle is the best part. You can sort of smell the essence of grapes, kind of cool. I didn’t find this vodka to be incredibly smooth, and I definitely don’t think that it’s worth the price.

  20. Epillz
    30 March 5:55 pm

    party + ciroc = you on your ass

  21. Vitamin T
    8 April 7:08 am

    Fantastic. Just a hint of sweetness to it. I drink it straight, room temeprature.

  22. Gary T
    26 April 9:46 pm

    This is an incredible Vodka…smooth and clean! I tried it when it first came out a couple years ago and it’s been one of my favorites ever since. I understand not wanting to mix it because of its pure taste. My wife prefers it mixed and I will take it either way depending on my mood, but this is one of the few vodkas that I can drink over ice and actually enjoy by itself. It truely is a premium spirit.

    P.S.- It’s one of the best out there, but they should lower the price if they want to continue to use P-Ditty to promote it. This is a premium quality spirit…not a malt liquor.

  23. D-Pitty
    26 April 10:08 pm

    Great vodka. I would put it up against Kettle One, Grey Goose, or Bellvedere any day. It’s very smooth and easy to drink. The only problem is its hard to take serious with P-Ditty as a spokesman. He almost makes this vodka look cheap. Its hard to put out almost $40 on a bottle after the sales clerk says, “You must be buying this because you like P-Ditty.” WTF?!? Buy the drink, not the image!

  24. 28 April 7:45 am

    Now i will admit I did first try this vodka because of P. Diddy, but I am VERY pleasantly surprised by the flavor of this vodka. I usually get Kettle One but I really think I will be purchase Ciroc as my vodka of choice. Its smooth and has a hint of sweetness from the grapes that make it just a wonderful vodka to drink. Drinking it with grape juice is also very tasty! I added Welchs + Ciroc + a little splash of sprite and its GREAT!

  25. NLOVE
    2 May 6:47 pm

    So I went to a bar last night and the owner bought a round of Ciroc shots and I must say I didn’t need a chaser, lime, or bread. It was good enough to get me to surf it on the web and post here. I’ve found a winner!

  26. Sarah
    12 May 9:35 pm

    I went to the store with a couple of friends last night to buy some beer but ended up looking at the liquor. I saw Ciroc on the shelf and remembered this review and told my friends what it said and they were completely sold and wanted to try it as bad as I did. We were all super excited especially because of the fact that it was on sale for $23!!! We bought some Cherry 7-up with antioxidants (for the illusion of healthiness) for a chaser. We were all very surprised that this vodka is made from grapes and not the usual potatoes. We were also pleasantly surprised with the grapey smell and aftertaste, although I still don’t like this alcohol by itself, but I have to say it goes down quite smooth. We each took about 4 shots over the course of the night. We were all pretty drunk I would say, but it wasn’t a sloppy or violent drunk that I am used to when drinking vodka. I just felt very happy drunk, but definitely in control of myself. And it didn’t make me tired like most alcohol does. We stayed up until 4am. I didn’t even drink any water before going to bed like I usually do to try to ward off any hangover. But, as I was hoping by what the review said, we all woke up feeling fine! We were all very surprised and happy! The only thing I felt was a little tired from going to bed at 4am and not sleeping in quite enough, but I didn’t feel a tid bit of a hangover. I am so happy to have finally found my favorite drink! Especially because I get to ditch my old favorite Jagermeister!!! I thought it was the only alchohol that would give me a happy drunk without falling asleep. But as I am sure everyone knows, Jager gives the WORST hangover!!! Thanks so much for this website and helping me find the best alcohol ever! Everyone should drink Ciroc!!!! XD

    P.S. P. Diddy is definitely not cool enough to drink Ciroc

  27. 22 June 9:21 pm

    Sounds interesting. Thanks for info .I like You Now! (sounds weird.. should say I follow you Now!.. ) :)

  28. CD
    9 July 3:01 pm

    Wow great review and yes Ciroc is deff that good!!! Have you tried the Diddy or OG Diddy mix drinks they are tasty? Also check this new ciroc ad its great!

    http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid271521316?bctid=28441713001

  29. Totmom
    2 September 6:59 pm

    I am not a “vodka person” but I would drink Ciroc!I tried it out by purchasing several minis and the stuff is just crisp and no burn!Especially good with lemonade or OJ but also a good “shot” vodka.It is almost criminal to mix it.

  30. Totmom
    2 September 7:02 pm

    Oh by t he way,in Maryland they like to mix it with Nuvo-why I dont know but thats a popular duo.

  31. John Boy
    22 September 10:55 am

    I’ve been drinking Ciroc for about 5 years and I liked it BEFORE Sean Combs starting endorsing it, i really like it but wish he had nothing to do with it. Whenever I order it I always hear “oh you down with puffy” NO i’m not down with him I just like the vodka.

  32. Gary
    27 September 12:41 am

    I first tried Ciroc a few years ago when it was first introduced and have loved it ever since. This is the smoothest, cleanest tasting vodka I’ve ever tried!! it’s the only vodka I can just sit and drink straight over ice…no mixer needed & no bite at all. It’s a little on the pricey side, but if you are a vodka drinker you’ll understand why. You have to try it.
    By the way…I get the same dumbass questions at the register about buying it because of P-Diddy!

  33. Jeff
    3 October 9:56 pm

    Having diddy endorsing it is a great idea in my opinion, no matter what anyone thinks. the point is to spread the word about Ciroc, not find a spokesperson that EVERYONE likes, because using someone that you guys would find to be worthy, others might not. So idk what all the fuss is over him endorsing it. so they used one of the biggest, most popular, and richest rap artists whose music gets played in a ton of bars and clubs to speak for it…. sounds like such a bad marketing idea. Im sure the marketing team for Ciroc is a bunch of rookies that didnt know what they were doing…. wait

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