In the 4 and a half years since we launched the Gin Box, we have only ever repeated one gin. We are consistently asked if we would bring Citadelle back and so, this is the second box we’ve brought back for an encore in that time! I’m really excited to bring you a flavour of the Mediterranean. This month’s gin has been distilled since 1995, in a Chateau that dates back to 1702!

Citadelle, owned by the Cognac house Maison Ferrand, harnesses the concept of terroir to help define its gin. As the principal botanical, they decided to grow their own juniper in front of the Chateau de Bonbonnet to make sure it took on the unique flavours and characteristics specific to the area. The resulting drink is elegant and refined (what else would you expect from the French?) with definite hints of the hyper-local juniper, along with fresh flowers and a finish of liquorice and fennel.

The taste begins quietly until the aromatics re-enter the nose. The middle begins with fresh bright juniper, turning crisper and bolder. The finish is what sets Citadelle Gin apart from its peers: really bright, a touch sweet and strongly aromatic. This would have been way out there back in 1995. Nowadays we take for granted that a gin can go this direction. But this would have been really unlike nearly anything on an English or American gin shelf at the time. Citadelle Gin and Bombay Sapphire are probably on the short list of those that helped bring gin out of its late 80’s dark ages. It’s fantastic in classic cocktails – but perhaps the best recommendation we’ve come across, is to keep this so simple, with just tonic, and lemon peel. 

We’ve included a lemon and Thomas Henry tonic for a clean crisp serve. Lastly, should you walk into a bar in Southern Italy and sit atop the bar whilst ordering a gin and tonic, you’ll be met with a bowl of Amica chips. They are arguably the best crisps on the planet and complete this month’s Mediterranean theme!