A vibrant gin with fresh juniper, bright citrus, and complex herbal undertones, culminating in a subtly spicy finish.
Citadelle is a premium French gin that embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship and botanical expertise. Created in the Southwest of France, this elegant spirit represents a harmonious blend of traditional distillation methods and innovative techniques.
Production Process
Citadelle employs a unique progressive infusion method where 19 carefully selected botanicals are individually distilled at specific temperatures and times to extract their optimal flavors. The base spirit is distilled from French wheat, and the gin is crafted in small copper pot stills using an open flame heating method, a traditional technique that helps develop complex flavors.
Taste Profile
On the nose, Citadelle presents fresh juniper followed by floral notes and delicate citrus aromas. The palate experiences:
- Fresh and vibrant juniper as the primary botanical
- Bright citrus notes from lemon and orange peel
- Complex herbal undertones featuring angelica, iris, and coriander
- A subtle spicy finish with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg
Territory
Citadelle is produced at Château de Bonbonnet in Cognac, France. The distillery benefits from the region's limestone-rich soil and maritime climate, which influences the growth of local botanicals used in the gin. The château's centuries-old tradition of spirit-making contributes to the gin's authentic character.
Fun Facts
- Citadelle was the first gin to be produced in Cognac, France
- The brand revived an 18th-century recipe discovered in a French distiller's manual
- It's one of the few gins still made using open flame copper pot stills
- The bottle design is inspired by the Art Deco movement and features the iconic Citadelle fortress