Citadelle Original

Tasting notes and serving suggestions for Gin Citadelle Original

Tasting

Appearance

A crystal-clear hue with pronounced brilliance, reflecting the artisanal quality of this French gin.

Nose

The nose is balanced and inviting, with dominant notes of juniper, anise, and cinnamon.

Palate

The palate is harmonious, with a voluptuous, lingering structure. The finish is slightly dry, with persistent juniper freshness and a backdrop of warm spices. A delicate touch of citrus zest leaves a refreshing, satisfying impression.

Pairings and serving occasions

Citadelle Original can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails. It pairs particularly well with refined dishes such as smoked salmon, haddock, fish carpaccios, and scallops. For dessert, opt for lemon sorbets that echo the gin’s citrus notes.

Mixology

Citadelle Original is extremely versatile and truly shines in great classics like the Martini, the Negroni, and the Gin & Tonic. For an Original Gin & Tonic following the official recipe: chill a balloon glass, fill it to the top with large ice cubes, add 15 cl of Citadelle Gin Original, and top up with tonic. Garnish with a lemon zest twist, gently expressing it over the glass. This gin also lends itself well to the Tom Collins, the French 75, and many citrus-driven or floral creations.

A French craft gin from Poitou-Charentes with nineteen botanicals

Citadelle, the first French craft gin, is produced at Château de Bonbonnet in Poitou-Charentes. Owned by Groupe Comte-Serres, this distillery stands out for its traditional method using small copper pot stills heated over an open flame. The blend of nineteen aromatic plants, infused for one to four days depending on their profile, gives Citadelle its unique character. Crowned “Spirit of the Year” at the World Spirits Awards 2017 and “Best Gin in the World” in London, this spirit has amassed more than sixty medals, attesting to its excellence and internationally recognized French craftsmanship.

Citadelle Original: the expression of French artisanal expertise

Citadelle Original embodies the excellence of the first artisanal French gin. Its production is based on a rigorous selection of nineteen botanicals including juniper, coriander, lemon and orange zest, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, violet, and angelica root. Each aromatic plant is infused individually for a period ranging from one to four days depending on its specific profile, allowing the optimal essence of each ingredient to be extracted.

Distillation takes place in small copper pot stills heated over an open flame, a traditional method that enables precise temperature control and encourages the development of complex, refined aromas. This artisanal approach gives Citadelle Original its distinctive character, combining the rigor of the London Dry style with French elegance.

Bottled at 44% alcohol, Citadelle Original has won over international judging panels and established itself as a benchmark among premium gins, equally suited to neat tasting and the creation of refined cocktails.