Citadelle French Gin occupies a quietly compelling position within the London Dry category. At 44% ABV, it sits at a strength that signals intent — enough backbone to carry its botanical payload without tipping into the fiercer territory of navy strength expressions. This is a gin that asks to be taken seriously, and on those terms, it delivers.
Style & Character
What sets Citadelle apart is its French provenance. The London Dry classification speaks to method rather than geography, and there is something undeniably elegant about a gin that marries the precision of this traditional style with a sensibility shaped by French distilling heritage. The result is a spirit that feels composed — restrained where many London Drys lean bold, measured where others reach for impact.
In the Glass
At this price point — £34.95 — Citadelle positions itself in that middle ground between everyday pours and top-shelf sippers. It is neither bargain nor indulgence, and I think that reflects the gin itself: dependable, well-crafted, and genuinely versatile. It performs admirably across a range of serves without ever demanding the spotlight in the way that more eccentric contemporaries might.
Best Served
A classic G&T with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic and a twist of lemon peel is where Citadelle finds its stride. The 44% ABV holds its own against the quinine, and the clean, composed character of the spirit shines through without being overwhelmed. A dry Martini would suit it equally well for those occasions that call for something sharper.
I would rate Citadelle French Gin at 7.2 out of 10. It is a solid, well-executed London Dry that does precisely what it sets out to do — no more, no less. A reliable companion for the drinks cabinet, if not quite a revelation.
