Vieux
The Dutch drink that resembles cognac but is not cognac, and of which almost every bottle is exactly 35% ABV. What vieux is, where that percentage comes from and how to drink it.
Not cognac, and that is exactly the point
Vieux is a Dutch drink that approximates the taste of cognac without being cognac. Cognac is a protected name: it may only come from the French region of the same name and must be distilled from wine. When the drink became popular in the Netherlands but remained too expensive, Dutch distilleries started making their own versions with grain alcohol, flavorings and usually some real brandy. The result was given the French name vieux, meaning 'old', and has been found in almost every Dutch drinks cabinet since the 1960s.
What stands out when you look at the shelf is that almost every bottle is exactly 35%. This is not a coincidence but a category standard: vieux has become the Dutch standard, and the brands follow suit. The differences between the bottles therefore lie not in the strength but in the sweetness, the woody notes and how much real brandy is used in the blend.
In brief
Five bottles, all at 35%
In this category, the alcohol percentage does not vary. The difference lies in the sweetness, the woody notes and the price.
Hooghoudt Vieux
From the Groningen family business that also makes jenever and beerenburg. Rounded and lightly sweet, with distinct vanilla.
De Kuyper Vieux
From the Schiedam distillery best known for its liqueurs. Smooth and approachable, with caramel and wood.
Hoppe Vieux
One of the best-known names on this shelf, and a fixture in Dutch cafés. Full-bodied and sweet.
Hartevelt Vieux
One of the more affordable bottles in the category, making it the classic choice for vieux and cola.
Dujardin Vieux
Despite the French name, a Dutch product, just like the rest of this selection. Sweet and rounded.
If you are looking for the French version, you end up with cognac: distilled from wine, at least 40%, and aged for years in oak.
Sweet, with vanilla and caramel
Vanilla & caramel
Sweet vanilla and caramel, with a light woody note. Less fruity and less complex than cognac, but also far less sharp.
Round and sweet
Full and distinctly sweet, with caramel, vanilla, and a hint of dried fruit. At 35%, the alcohol stays well in the background.
Short and warm
A short, warm finish with wood and sugar. Never harsh; that makes vieux the first brown spirit for many people.
Flavor profile of an average vieux at 35%. Cognac scores higher for fruitiness and strength, and much lower for sweetness.
Three ways to drink vieux
Vieux does not need to be chilled or aerated. It is a drink you simply pour.
Neat at room temperature
4 cl in a tumbler or a small shot glass. There is no point in serving it chilled: the sweetness and vanilla come through best at room temperature.
Glass: tumbler →With cola
5 cl vieux in a long drink glass filled with ice, topped up with cola and a slice of lemon. The Dutch counterpart to rum and cola, and the most commonly served version for decades.
Cuba Libre recipe →In coffee
A splash in black coffee topped with a dollop of whipped cream. This is where vieux comes from in many Dutch households, and the vanilla fits seamlessly.
Coffee cocktails →Cocktails with vieux
Vieux rarely goes into cocktails; it is drunk neat or with cola. Anywhere a soft, sweet cognac is used, you can use it too.
Vieux-cola
Vieux, cola, ice, and lemon. The same structure as a Cuba Libre, but Dutch.
Kopstoot
Classic with jonge jenever, but just as good with vieux.
Hot Toddy
Hot water, honey, lemon, and cloves. Vieux's vanilla pairs well with it.
Brandy Alexander
Classic with cognac, crème de cacao, and cream. Sweeter and smoother with vieux.The right glass for vieux
A tumbler for sipping neat, a long drink glass for mixing with cola, and a coffee glass for adding to coffee. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
The brands behind the vieux
Two Dutch producers that, alongside their vieux, also fill the rest of the shelf.
Hooghoudt
Groningen family business since 1888, known for jenever, beerenburg and vieux.
About Hooghoudt →De Kuyper
Schiedam family business mainly known for its liqueurs, but it has been making vieux for just as long.
About De Kuyper →
Hennessy
If you want the French original instead of the Dutch version, start here: distilled from wine and bottled at 40%.
About Hennessy →Everything you still wanted to know about vieux
Is your question not listed? Check out our cocktail recipes or contact us.
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