Pioneers of craft gin in France, Citadelle, has unveiled an addition to its permanent offerings with the launch of the Citadelle Jardin d’été (which translates to ‘summer garden’ in French) in markets around the world.
In addition to the 19 botanicals used to make the Citadelle Original Gin, the Citadelle Jardin d’été is created with the addition of Charentais cantaloupe flesh, whole lemon, yuzu zest and more orange peels.
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The result is heightened citrus and fruit aromas compared to the original, with a brighter and fresher mouthfeel, while still allowing spice notes like angelica, cinnamon, and star anise found in their flagship gin to surface.
Citadelle’s founder and master distiller Alexandre Gabriel was inspired by his wife’s garden at Château de Bonbonnet when making the gin. He sought to recreate the aromas and feelings that come up when appreciating the fragrant flowers, fruits and herbs found there.
Château de Bonbonnet in Ars, France, is where the gin distillery is located, as well as where they grow their own juniper berries used in the making of their gins. Proud of their terroir, it is their goal to eventually cultivate more of the botanicals used in distillation themselves.
“The new Citadelle Jardin d’été is a tribute to my wife’s beautiful garden with all of her fruits, vegetables and herbs blooming in the summer. Her garden is my oasis and I wanted to bottle this little patch of paradise,” states Alexandre Gabriel.
“It took several attempts to determine the ideal infusion period for each fruit and botanicals and we’ve finally created the perfect summer in a bottle”.
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Other than the Citadelle Jardin d’été and their flagship Citadelle Original Gin, they currently have three other gins in their permanent collection: the Citadelle Réserve (a wood-aged gin), Citadelle No Mistake (an Old Tom gin), and Citadelle Extréme (a floral take on the original).
The Citadelle Jardin d’été (RRP S$82) is available in Singapore at EC Proof, and at selected Cold Storage and Market Place stores.
About the Author
Dannon Har is the Managing Editor of Spill. Discovering his innate gift for drinking only at a ripe age, he spares no time trying to find more delicious drops to imbibe during his time on Earth. When he’s not minding every detail at Spill, he spends his time concocting luscious libations and sharing them with folks that visit his home bar.