Notes: 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

Appearance: Crystal clear almost shiny sheen to it. Color is thin scalloped edges develop 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 complete departure from your usual gin. First point being Juniper is not the first and defining characteristic but is present among the other 18 botanicals – just not out front leading the charge. Cardamom, licorice, cubeb, cassia, savory, and grains of paradise wrap around nutmeg and citrus peels, with star anise lingering around the edges extremely complex, savory and luscious bouquet.

Taste: Complex interplay of the floral and spicy makes for multilayered gin experience without being mugged by Juniper. The savory 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 a aromatic ending and a delightful tingling of the Sichuan pepper corns at midpoint of tongue and lips.

Drinks: Makes a outstanding martini of unparalleled complexity . Gin and tonics are brought to a whole new level with the complexities of the botanicals and and citrus notes playing against the tonic . ( Note: Use Fever tree tonic not some cheap syrupy crap – its well worth the extra 50 cents.) Citadelle 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 a 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 collar of the screw cap closusre is embossed with Product De France in a charming rather antique script and an interesting repetition of the citadelle design on top.

Final Thoughts: A truly outstanding gin in flavoring, complexity yet subtlety. 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

Website: http://www.citadellegin.com

Website is nicely laid out but not a lot of information – somewhat basic.