This review was written in 2008 and has been updated with the review above. This is the first time I’ve revisited a review, so I’m not sure the best way to handle this old review. For now, at least, I am leaving it in place so that you can compare my thoughts from a decade ago.

Cîroc, or Ciroc for short, is arguably a vodka. At least, the European Union, or EU for short, thought it was worth arguing about in the so-called Vodka War. You see, Ciroc is made from grapes. Vodka, according to certain countries, must be made from grains, potatoes, and sugar beet molasses… or something like that. Currently, beverages made from other things should read “Vodka produced from” instead of “Vodka.” This really solved nothing, and I am now reviewing Ciroc as a vodka.

If you’re familiar with the vodka, it’s probably because of the recent ad campaign featuring Sean “Diddy” Combs or in Rick Ross’s video BOSS (yeah, I don’t know him either). I was under the impression that the gangsta set goes for cognac. I guess it’s fitting that Ciroc is a vodka-ized brandy made in France. Or maybe I’m crazy.

The Shot

The shot initially caused a severe tingling in my mouth. That severe tingling continued until I swallowed, then continued to severely tingle my throat. This wasn’t a pleasant tingle. It was almost like licking a 9 volt battery, except the flavor is strikingly bitter and alarmingly unpleasant. I couldn’t place the taste on a range. It was oddly neutral-bitter. The aftertaste is by far the worst part, which is unfortunate since that is the part that lingers the longest. Ciroc is not a good shooting vodka.

The Mixed Drink

Color me surprised. I mixed Ciroc with Low-carb Monster. It mixed perfectly well with the energy drink. It complemented the sharp tastes, and actually made the drink seem sweeter.

Opinions

Daniel did a shot with me. Initially, he was pleased with it, commenting only on the sting going down. After another drink, he reconsidered and gave it a 5 out of 10 for shooting.

While Ciroc mixed well with my energy drink, it was a very poor vodka for drinking straight. It looks like the Vodka Belt of the EU, who ought to pride themselves on the taste of their vodka, shouldn’t have bitched. Vodka made from grapes, or at least Ciroc, makes for a pretty bad tasting vodka.