Our Brandy Obsession (Win! A $100 Marquis de Villard Prize Pack!)

We can barely think of a more perfect-for-the-holiday-season sip than a smooth and balanced signature French brandy—specifically, Marquis de Villard, aged in Limousin oak barrels in Charente, France, and a perennial favourite in Canada since 1950.

Conjuring up images of us in our knee-high fuzzy Christmas socks (anyone else own a pair?), cosying up to a roaring fire with a brandy-based drink in our hand, this very special VSOP spirit presents so many flavours and aromas to suit this time of year: think aromas of baked apples and vanilla on the nose and, on the palate, a range of flavours from butterscotch to oak, pear, dark chocolate and even a hint of maple sugar.

Best of all, Marquis de Villard is a very versatile brandy that can be enjoyed before or after meals, neat or with water, on the rocks or in cocktails (it’s also beautifully suited for gourmet cooking); to that end, we’re sharing three delicious drink recipes below, and giving you a chance to win a $100 prize pack including two bottles of this very special spirit! —Vita Daily

Club Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1-1/2 oz. Marquis de Villard, 1/2 oz. maraschino liqueur, 1/2 oz. pineapple juice and 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Shake and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon peel and strawberry.

Marquis Sangria

In a pitcher, mix together 1 cup Marquis de Villard, 2 x 750 ml bottles of red wine, 1/4 cup orange liqueur, 1 cup orange juice and 1 cup pomegranate juice. Add sliced orange, apple, and one cup of mixed berries.

The Metropolitan

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1-1/2 oz. Marquis de Villard, 1 oz. sweet vermouth, 1/2 tsp simple syrup and 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Shake and strain into a chilled rocks glass.

Always remember to drink responsibly! For more information, visit marquisdevillard.com.

Win! A $100 Marquis de Villard Prize Pack!

We have a winner! Congratulations Coral S. of Vancouver, who won a Marquis de Villard prize pack including two bottles of the brandy along with a branded pitcher and branded glasswear!