Citadelle has unveiled the latest permanent addition to its portfolio, Citadelle Jardin d’été. Inspired by a French garden cultivated by Debbie Gabriel, wife of Citadelle Founder Alexandre Gabriel, Jardin d’été is made with melon flesh, whole lemon, yuzu zest and more orange peel, in addition to the 19 botanicals used to make Citadelle Original.
Citadelle has been crafting authentic gin de terroir in a small village in Charente, France for 25 years. To celebrate its latest release, Citadelle took a cue from the garden at the Château de Bonbonnet, Citadelle’s home in the southwest of France.
A ramble through the grounds of the Château de Bonbonnet brings you to an oasis nestled in a sunny corner. This is Debbie’s garden. Here, she plants flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs that blossom and thrive in the summertime. As evening falls after the heat of the day, it’s a delight to linger among the greenery and breathe in the scents. Alexandre Gabriel felt he had to bottle this little patch of paradise.
“Jardin d’été is inspired by wandering through the beautiful summer garden that Debbie plants each year,” says Alexandre Gabriel. “This garden is bursting with incredible flowers, vegetables and fruits and the scent is always so intoxicating. We created Citadelle Jardin d’été pairing melon flesh and whole lemon with zests of yuzu and sweet orange.”
Jardin d’été is also rooted in its magnificent terroir. In keeping with its commitment to authenticity, Citadelle Gin now cultivates several hectares of juniper trees just across the road from the Château de Bonbonnet. The juniper berries are a key ingredient of Citadelle and the flavor foundation of Jardin d’été.
“When you’re lucky enough to have a great terroir like ours in Charente, you have to let it sing!” Alexandre continues.
The fruits that are unique to Jardin d’été – Charentais melon, whole lemon, yuzu zest and orange peel – were cold distilled and create a vibrant, aromatic chorus. This technique ensures a flavor and fragrance of “just picked” freshness.
The botanicals that make Citadelle Jardin d’été include the previously mentioned whole lemon, melon flesh, and yuzu zest in addition to more orange peel as well as the botanicals in Citadelle Original: plus juniper berries, lemon zest, cardamom, cubeb, coriander, nutmeg, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon, cassia, licorice, angelica, iris, almonds, fennel, cumin, star anise, savory and violet.
On the nose, the gin is fresh and intense. It opens with notes of juniper and citrus fruits (yuzu and orange peels, candied lemon), complemented by flowers (violet) and fennel with the soft spices and licorice. The balanced and delicate palette follows the floral profile of the nose but on a spicier and fruitier expression with tangerine, melon and cubeb. It evolves with notes of angelica, nutmeg, orris root and star anise. The finish is long, floral and fruity, on citrus fruits, almonds, cumin, savory and grains of paradise.
Gin & Tonic À La Française
Jardin d’été can be enjoyed however you enjoy gin – neat, on the rocks, in a martini or in a more elaborate cocktail, such as the signature Gin & Tonic À La Française:
- 1 part Citadelle Gin Jardin d’été
- 3 parts tonic
- Peel of an organic lemon
In a large wine glass filled with ice cubes, pour 1 part Citadelle Gin Jardin d’été. Top it off with 3 parts tonic. Make a nice twist of lemon peel, express it above the glass and place it delicately in the glass.
Bottled at 41.5% ABV, Citadelle Gin Jardin d’été is currently available in the United States for a $24.99 per 750ml bottle.
For more information, check out the official Citadelle Gin website.