Notes: This is a new expression/flavor of the House of Bobonnet (Maison Ferrand )Citadelle Brand, JARDIN D’ ÉTÉ . The other expression are the Classic/Original Citadelle de France , Citadelle Reserve,  ,Citadelle Gin De France Rouge,  and  VIVE Le CORNICHON !, and Citadelle Old Tom.

This the is a new direction for the House Bonbonnett. There are now a few different varieties of Citadlle and a different set of experimental variations that will appear from time to time and whose duration are yet to be determined.

The Base Spirit : Imported from France with a 4x distilled wheat grain base and a blend of 19 botanicals from all over the world. The production of this gin is absolutely unique – with the 4th distillation done using equipment and methods no one else uses anymore . The base wheat spirit is triple distilled in a column still then the 19 botanicals are added and it is distilled in a quite small (200 liter) cognac copper pot still using naked flame – which is a lot trickier than it sounds. Overall a unique gin crafted lovingly and with minute attention to detail. The payoff is a full flavored but subtle gin

The Distinguishing/Unique Characteristics of This Expression : Infusion of whole lemons, yuzu zest, melon flesh, orange peel in addition to their standard mix of 19 botanicals ( see ingredient list) .

Appearance: Despite any expectation from the name it is colorless.Silvery pool of liquid in the glass . Crystal clear almost shiny sheen to it. Spirit develops thin scalloped edges  on swirling, changing to tears after a long period on the side of the glass. Somewhat oily/thickness to body (sign of quality and lots of flavor).

First Impression: A departure from your usual gin, in that it smells like a different aftershave. Just kidding.It does have a passing resemblance to such things but that is a derisive oversimplification of what is going on…First point being Juniper is not the first and defining characteristic but is present among the other 22 botanicals – just not out front leading the charge. The additional 3 botanicals make up a substantial overlay on the foundational gin base with cardamom, licorice, cubeb, cassia, savory, and grains of paradise wrap around nutmeg and citrus peels, with star anise lingering around the edges extremely complex, floral, aromatic, savory and overall luscious bouquet.

We have seen similar efforts in Gardener Gin which defines itself as a ” Riviera Style Gin ” – nice concept but not a recognized style per se. I am glad to see someone else embracing a more complex, floral expression of gin

Taste: It is very citrus forward- almost a Pimms Cup in a glass in and of itself. Complex interplay of the floral, fruit,  and spicy  without being mugged by Juniper. It leads very much with the orange zest and the whole lemons, yuzu and cardamom, with the  Charentais Melon giving it a wider mellow base note that grounds it nicely. The aromatic, juicy components come on strong then the savory notes throw in some balancing notethe savory which is immediately followed on by a show from the star anise but it plays nicely with the citrus and violets. The savory and woody components then start to take hold leaving a lingering but complex dryness with an floral, berry, and aromatic ending and a delightful tingling of the Sichuan pepper corns at midpoint of tongue and lips. One is also left with a floral juice and sweet aromatic finish that has a medium long finish – or as the Japanese say – Shiripin – it has a tail.

Drinks: Has the makings of a great number of new drinks of unparalleled complexity and a potential for new twists on some of the classics ( such ass a Martini, Bees Knees of  a Floral martini )  . Gin and tonics are brought to a whole new level with the complexities of the botanicals and and red berries notes playing against the tonic . ( Note: Use Fever tree tonic not some cheap syrupy crap – its well worth the extra 50 cents.) Citadelle Rouge brings a whole different melange of flavors to classic gin drinks that make each one a new and delightful adventure.

Bottle: Blue tinted, Clear glass, silkscreened with a graphic of a Citadelle Tower and a lot of decorative script to lend an antique , classic feel  to it. Diamond shaped paper label at midline and helpful illustrated paper band listing all  the botanicals near the bottom and some explanations on what makes it unique and regional at the same time. The lower band shows all the fruits involvedThe collar of the screw cap closure is embossed with Product De France in a charming rather antique script and an interesting repetition of the Citadelle design on top and is a bronze/gold color to easily distinguish it from the other Citadelle gins (an important color coding on a crowed bar shelf) .

Final Thoughts: An interesting variation on a gin, and much more successful endeavor in my mind than a goodly number of “floral” style gins” some of which taste like what would happen if you took all the flower from a cemetery flower dump and distilled it. Great for a gin and juice or a juicy French 75 also Really explores and shows off what is possible when you take a careful , discriminating, and thoughtful approach to producing a spirit. With a mild and not overwhelming Juniper presence balanced by the well chosen botanicals and outstanding distillation it is one of the more complex examples of pushing the gin botanical envelope without being a hot mess.

Another point is since this gin is such a departure from what has gone before is the unparralled opportunities for Cocktail creation and making your mark in the cocktail world- any drink you come up with is probably new – now more coming up with something and finding out it was done back in say, 1928 London.

Website: http://www.citadellegin.com

Website is nicely laid out with a LOT  of information on both thoriginal Citadelle ( which forms the base for all the others) and a explanation of how each one is different,
A remarkable upgrade from their earlier iterations of the website.

For Their newsletters and more information for ALL their many products go to : News, Maison Ferrand