CITADELLE - Long live the Pickle - 43.80%
The Citadelle Gin is an exceptional French gin, meticulously crafted at the Château de Bonbonnet by the renowned Maison Ferrand. Founded in 1989 by Alexandre Gabriel, this house is dedicated to passionately preserving ancestral artisanal methods, thus guaranteeing the authentic expression of each spirit. Its philosophy is based on the subtle balance between tradition and innovation, reinventing classics while encouraging creativity. In 1996, Alexandre Gabriel launched Citadelle Gin, a true pioneer of French gin, initiating a movement that places France at the heart of the international premium gin scene. Subject to the strict standards of the AOC Cognac, Alexandre had to suspend the use of his stills for seven months each year, but after five years of perseverance and negotiations, he obtained the precious right to distill gin during this period, thus breathing new life into traditional Charentais copper stills.
The juniper berries, the emblematic ingredient of gin, are carefully cultivated and harvested directly on the estate, where nearly 2,500 juniper plants flourish facing the château. A unique tradition animates the house: each new artisan joins the team by planting their own juniper, symbolizing their personal commitment and contribution to this exceptional terroir. The method of progressive infusion, exclusive to Citadelle, ensures a slow and controlled extraction of the delicate flavors of the botanicals that compose this exceptional gin: orange peel, cubeb pepper, violet, lemon peel, composing a rich and harmonious aromatic bouquet.
Citadelle "Les Excentriques" embodies the spirit of innovation and boldness that drives the house, exploring the boundaries of artisanal gin by producing exceptional limited editions. Each season, master blender Alexandre Gabriel and his team push the limits of creativity by combining unexpected ingredients to surprise the most demanding palates. For this remarkable edition, pickles carefully selected from the Maison Marc, a Burgundian family recognized for its environmentally respectful know-how (without insecticides, herbicides, or preservatives), are incorporated into the original Citadelle gin recipe, offering a unique and innovative tasting experience.
