Guillotine Heritage Barrel-Aged Vodka
Guillotine Heritage Barrel-Aged Vodka is a 90-proof (45% ABV), 750mL French vodka rested in Limousin oak barrels that previously held Cognac and Armagnac — the only French vodka from Champagne-region vineyards aged in oak barrels, per the brand. Built on the same five-times-distilled Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grape spirit as the Originale, the barrel rest gives it a golden amber hue and a rounder, spicier profile. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof) — retailer-corroborated; brand site does not print ABV
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: Rested in Limousin oak barrels previously holding Cognac and Armagnac (golden amber hue)
- Origin: France — Champagne-region grapes; distilled in a 100-year-old French distillery
- Production: Same 5x-distilled grape base as Originale; oak aging adds roundness and umami depth
- Recognition: Double Gold, 2019 SIP Awards; ranked #3 vodka by Rolling Stone (Aug 2020)
When Vodka Spends Time in Cognac Barrels
Heritage is Guillotine's answer to the question of what oak can do for vodka: take the clean, grape-driven Originale spirit and rest it in Limousin oak that previously held Cognac and Armagnac, and the vodka picks up spice, vanilla, cinnamon and a savory umami depth no unaged vodka can touch. The brand calls it the only Champagne-vineyard French vodka aged in oak — and the medals followed: Double Gold at the 2019 SIP Awards and a #3 ranking in Rolling Stone's best vodkas. For Guillotine fans and vodka explorers alike, this is the bottle that drinks like a bridge between vodka and aged spirits.
Tasting Notes
Golden amber in the glass. Aromas of spice, vanilla and cinnamon with toffee, mandarin orange and a flicker of licorice from the casks. The palate is round and warming — umami depth under sweet oak — finishing long with lingering spice.
How to Enjoy
Neat or over one large cube to let the barrel character open up — this is a sipping vodka. It also makes a remarkable old fashioned or Manhattan riff for drinkers who want the cocktail architecture with a lighter spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What barrels is Guillotine Heritage aged in?
Limousin oak barrels that previously held Cognac and Armagnac — the oak gives it its golden color and spiced, vanilla-driven profile.
What is the proof of Guillotine Heritage Vodka?
90 proof (45% ABV) per multiple retailer listings; the brand's site does not print an ABV, so the bottle is the final word.
Is barrel-aged vodka still vodka?
Yes — Heritage starts as the same five-times-distilled grape spirit as Guillotine Originale; the barrel rest adds color and flavor but it remains a vodka at heart.
Where can I buy Guillotine Heritage Vodka online?
You can order this 750mL bottle online from Guillotine listings at Del Mesa Liquor — it ships from San Diego, CA.
Compare it with the unaged Guillotine Originale, or browse the full vodka collection.
Oak-rested, Cognac-cask-kissed, and double-gold decorated — add Guillotine Heritage to your bar from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.