in 2016 DJ Khaled was signed as another brand ambassador co-promoting a new mango flavor, and in 2017 Puff Daddy announced a French vanilla flavor to be produced in partnership with hip-hop artist French Montana. As of October 2021, the U.S. brand offerings include seven main-line flavor varieties: Mango, Apple, Pineapple, Red Berry, Coconut, Peach, and French Vanilla, and four "limited edition" varieties: White Grape, Summer Citrus, Summer Watermelon, and Pomegranate. In April 2022 Ciroc introduce one more flavor as CÎROC PASSION. Brandy Cîroc VS Brandy, bottled at 80 U.S. proof (40% ABV), was added to the brand family in June 2018. It is a blend of aged French brandies, some of which is distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French oak. A review in The Spirits Business said its taste profile has rich' notes of fresh fruit, vanilla and a hint of French oak". In brandy production, "VS" is an abbreviation for "very special" and typically refers to a blend in which the youngest brandy has been aged for at least two years in a cask. Background Cîroc was founded in France by Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, whose family is from the wine-growing region of Bordeaux. Robicquet, whose family has been in the wine and spirits business since the early 17th century, had studied winemaking in university before moving into spirits production. Having worked for French cognac-maker Hennessy for ten years, he was approached by the British-based Diageo – which owns a 34% stake in Hennessy – to produce a vodka made from grapes as opposed to grain or potato common among most vodka. Jean-Sebastien Robicquet is recognized as a "Commander of Bordeaux" by the Great Council of Bordeaux for his accomplishments in the field of wine/liquor. Marketing Marketing campaign history When the brand was launched in 2003, NFL football player Earl Little was one of the first American brand ambassadors to promote the beverage in the U.S. market. It was introduced to nightclubs and venues throughout the United States and marketed especially in cities such as Atlanta and Miami. In 2007, Jay-Z became a brand ambassador for the vodka brand, which had been struggling to sell 40,000 cases in its first few years on the market. In December 2007, the commercial for Cîroc had Sean Combs calling the drink the "official vodka of New Year's" after brand became official sponsor for Cîroc The New Year event. Describing his