Bacardi launches vodka-Cognac hybrid Grey Goose VX

Bacardi has announced the launch of Grey Goose VX, an ultra-premium hybrid spirit combining vodka with drops of fine Cognac.

Grey Goose VX, a vodka-Cognac hybrid, will be launched in global travel retail locations

The new travel retail exclusive, priced at £89, contains Cognac created from grapes from the Grande Champagne cru.

Bacardi has claimed Grey Goose VX (which stands for vodka exceptionelle) is a “significant step change for the vodka/ white spirits category”.

Mike Birch, managing director of Bacardi global travel retail, said: “This really is… creating a truly innovative and exceptional ultra-premium offering to enhance and expand the vodka experience for luxury spirits connoisseurs across white and dark categories.

“Innovation has tended to rely on flavours and, whilst we have several great flavours with Grey Goose, we wanted to create something truly disruptive in this category. We are incredibly excited with the result and initial reaction from retail customers is superb.”

The 40% abv expression, which is packaged in a decanter reminiscent of a Cognac bottle, is described as having notes of white fruit blossom, honeysuckle and violets, and is recommended to be drunk neat or on the rocks.

Francois Thibault, the creator of Grey Goose, added: “In creating Grey Goose VX, I wanted to capture the aromatic notes of a precious Cognac, bringing its delicate essence of orchard fruits, plum, apricot and the mild flavours of wild honey to the remarkable character of Grey Goose vodka.”

Grey Goose VX will be launched in limited batches to select premium airports, beginning with LS travel retail at Paris Charles de Gaulle this month.

Grey Goose VX is not the first Cognac-vodka hybrid – Twenty Grand Vodka launched in January 2013 in three expressions: Original, Black and Rosé, the latter of which is infused with rosé wine.