Citadelle Jardin d'Été Gin
Citadelle · Maison Ferrand / Château de Bonbonnet
Citadelle's summer garden expression takes the 19-botanical base recipe and infuses it with lemon verbena, yuzu, and chamomile flowers. It works because the foundation is sound — the juniper and angelica core is strong enough to hold the floral additions in check. This is a gin that rewards a simple tonic serve where the botanicals can speak clearly.
Nose
Juniper is present but softened by prominent lemon verbena and chamomile. Gentle lavender and a sweet floral character give the nose an almost garden-like quality. Coriander adds a peppery lift.
Palate
Light and approachable, with lemon zest leading into a mid-palate of chamomile and delicate juniper. Grapefruit bitterness balances the sweetness, and a subtle angelica root earthiness gives it backbone.
Finish
Clean and moderate, with lavender and a lingering citrus brightness. The juniper asserts itself at the very end.
- Style
- French Flavored Gin
- Botanicals
- Juniper, coriander, angelica, lemon peel, grapefruit peel, chamomile, lavender, lemon verbena, yuzu, and 10 others (19 total)
- Base Spirit
- Neutral wheat spirit
- Distillation
- Pot still distillation with 19 botanicals macerated and distilled individually
Cocktail Suggestion
Garden Spritz — 1.5 oz Citadelle Jardin d'Été · 2 oz elderflower tonic · 1 oz dry sparkling wine · Build over ice in a large wine glass, garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a lemon wheel.
Food Pairing
Herb-crusted goat cheese tartlets
Distilled at the Château de Bonbonnet in the Cognac region of France by Alexandre Gabriel, who revived the historic Citadelle recipe and infuses this summer edition with botanicals grown in the estate gardens.
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