Citadelle - Original Gin 1L

Distilled in copper Charentais pot stills near Cognac at Château de Bonbonnet, this French craft gin utilizes a patented progressive infusion process where 19 distinct botanicals are introduced to neutral wheat spirit over several days. Master distiller Alexandre Gabriel pioneered this method to capture individual aromatic extraction points before direct open-flame distillation. Unlike London Dry styles that distill all botanicals simultaneously in a single charge, Citadelle's layered infusion yields a structured, dry spirit profile where resinous estate-grown French juniper, lemon peel, and warm baking spices integrate with crisp clarity.

On the nose, fresh juniper pine leads into vibrant orange zest and cardamon. The palate carries a medium-bodied, oily weight with a focused, bone-dry core where bright citrus oil meets a peppery spice progression. Fine-grained tannins from the copper contact provide structural frame through a long, persistent finish dominated by nutmeg, cinnamon, and cubeb pepper. In-house testing at USQ showed its balance in classic builds: stir 2 oz Citadelle Original with 0.75 oz dry vermouth and a dash of orange bitters for a crisp Dry Martini, or combine 2 oz over ice with 4 oz Indian tonic water and a lemon twist for an archetype French Gin & Tonic.