Twenty Grand Vodka infused with Cognac 750ML

Twenty Grand Vodka Infused with Cognac 750ML is a 40% ABV fusion of five-times-distilled French vodka and imported VS Cognac from the Grande Champagne appellation. This hybrid spirit occupies a rare category — classified by the federal Tax and Trade Bureau as "other specialties" rather than vodka or cognac — giving it a distinctive identity among blended spirits. Featured in Tasting Panel Magazine (May 2013), Twenty Grand has drawn attention for bridging two traditionally separate French spirit traditions in a single bottle.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: France (Vodka & Cognac) / Bottled in Kentucky, USA  |  VS Cognac Infusion  |  Owner: Western Spirits / Bottler: Three Springs Bottling

Production & Heritage

Twenty Grand begins with soft winter wheat, which is distilled five times in France to produce a clean, neutral vodka base. The cognac component is sourced from the prestigious Grande Champagne cru — the most sought-after growing region within the Cognac appellation — and distilled in traditional charentais copper pot stills before aging for several years in hand-selected French oak barrels. The two spirits are then blended and bottled at Three Springs Bottling in Kentucky under Western Spirits ownership. The result is a spirit that carries the structure and warmth of aged cognac layered onto vodka's characteristic smoothness, a combination that remains uncommon in the market.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with mellow sweet fruit and a dark floral bouquet. Underneath, there is a gentle suggestion of aged oak and dried grape that signals the cognac influence.

Taste: The entry is soft and approachable, with fresh grape and light citrus leading into a vibrant mid-palate of dark cherries and toasted oak. The wheat-based vodka keeps the texture silky, while the cognac adds depth and body that builds toward a rich, layered peak.

Finish: The finish runs long, trailing off with subtle vanilla, caramel, and a whisper of light spice. French oak tannins linger gently without any harsh bite, leaving a warm, rounded close.

How to Drink Twenty Grand

Neat or over a single large ice cube is the most direct way to appreciate the vodka-cognac interplay — the cold suppresses the alcohol just enough to let the oak and fruit character step forward. A splash of water opens the floral aromatics further for a contemplative pour.

In cocktails, Twenty Grand's dual personality makes it versatile. A Sidecar gains extra smoothness from the vodka component while retaining the classic cognac backbone. A French Martini (with pineapple juice and Chambord) takes on richer depth than it would with straight vodka. An Old Fashioned riff with a barspoon of demerara syrup and orange bitters highlights the toasted oak and caramel already present in the spirit.

Best For

• Introducing spirit-curious drinkers to cognac-influenced flavors without the full intensity of a traditional VS
• Building a home bar with versatile, crossover bottles that work in both vodka and cognac cocktail recipes
• Hosting a tasting flight comparing French spirit styles — pair it alongside a straight VS Cognac and a premium French vodka
• Gifting someone who appreciates unusual or category-defying spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Twenty Grand taste like? Twenty Grand leads with fresh grape and light citrus before moving into dark cherry, toasted oak, and a long finish of vanilla and caramel. The vodka base provides a smooth, clean texture while the cognac contributes warmth and depth.

How does Twenty Grand compare to Grey Goose VX? Both blend French vodka with cognac, but Grey Goose VX uses only a small hint of cognac and leans heavily on its vodka character. Twenty Grand delivers a more prominent cognac influence, with noticeable oak aging, darker fruit notes, and a warmer, longer finish.

Is Twenty Grand good for sipping neat? Yes — its 40% ABV and smooth wheat-vodka base make it approachable on its own, while the cognac component provides enough complexity to hold interest without a mixer.

Where is Twenty Grand made? The vodka and cognac are both produced in France, with the cognac specifically sourced from the Grande Champagne cru within the Cognac appellation and distilled in charentais copper pot stills. The final blend is bottled at Three Springs Bottling in Kentucky.

What foods pair well with Twenty Grand? Dark chocolate truffles complement the vanilla and caramel finish. Aged cheeses like Comté or Gruyère mirror the French oak influence. Stone fruit tarts echo the cherry and grape notes on the palate. Charcuterie with fig jam bridges the savory and sweet elements. Crème brûlée amplifies the caramelized, warm spice character.

What sizes does Twenty Grand come in? The standard bottle is 750ml. A 375ml half bottle and a 50ml miniature are also available in select markets.

Is Twenty Grand worth the price? Twenty Grand positions as an accessible, mid-range expression within the specialty spirits category. Its dual vodka-cognac character delivers more complexity than most spirits at its price tier, making it a strong value for drinkers looking to explore beyond conventional categories.

Why Twenty Grand?

The vodka-cognac fusion category remains remarkably small, and Twenty Grand stands as one of its most committed entries — blending Grande Champagne cognac distilled in traditional copper pot stills with a five-times-distilled wheat vodka rather than simply adding a trace of one to the other. The resulting spirit genuinely inhabits both worlds: clean enough for vodka-based cocktails, complex enough to sub into cognac serves. For drinkers tired of choosing between smoothness and character, it presents an honest third option grounded in French distilling tradition from grape to grain.