First Impressions
Citadelle is made by Maison Ferrand in Cognac, France — distilled in direct-fired Charentais copper pot stills using their patented Progressive Infusion method. Nineteen botanicals from five continents include French juniper, Moroccan coriander, Mexican orange peel, Chinese liquorice, and Indian cardamom. Launched in 1996, it proved that exceptional gin could come from France.
Tasting
The nose is juniper-led and fresh with fragrant coriander, honeysuckle, peppery grains of paradise and fruity orange-mango. On the palate, fresh clean piney juniper with citrus and quickly emerging cracked black pepper, then baking spices building. The finish is bright, aromatic — cardamom, angelica, nutmeg melding into liquorice and fennel.
The Bottom Line
Citadelle earns an 8 for demonstrating that Cognac's distilling expertise translates brilliantly to gin. The nineteen botanicals create remarkable complexity without confusion, and the naked-flame Charentais stills give character that column distillation cannot. At around £26, outstanding value for this quality.
