Citadelle Gin is a French brand of gin that was first released in 1996. It is produced by Maison Ferrand in Cognac, France. It is named after the only Royal Distillery in the 18th century that was built in Dunkirk, France.[3] It is packaged in a decorated bottle that notes each of the 19 botanicals used in its production.[4] Its primary market is Spain.[5]

Citadelle
Citadelle Gin Bottle
TypeGin[1]
ManufacturerMaison Ferrand
Country of origin France
Introduced1998 in United States[2]
Alcohol by volume 44.0%[1]
Proof (US)88[1]
VariantsCitadelle Reserve
Related productsList of gins
WebsiteCitadelle Gin

History

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On September 5, 1775, received a royal grant to produce genièvre at the Citadel of Dunkirk. This news was not well accepted by the Trade Chamber fearing that it could jeopardize the trade of Brandies in France. Therefore, Carpeau and Stival were not allowed to sell their products within France.[6]

In 1995 the founders of Cognac Ferrand identified the surge of super-premium gin before the category even existed, registered the trademark Citadelle and launched the brand in the United States.[7]

Distillation

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Citadelle Gin is made using an open flame Pot Still distillation. Using a traditional Charentaise pot still used in Cognac France. Distillation over an open flame allows the complementary aromas to come together when the wine comes into contact with the bottom of the boiler.[8]

Citadelle Reserve

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Citadelle Gin Reserve is aged in Cognac casks, which minimizes the citrus flavor.[9]

Awards

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Citadelle has performed very well at international spirit ratings competitions, including at the San Francisco World Spiritis Competition, the Beverage Testing Institute, and Wine Enthusiast. Proof66 rates Citadelle amongst the Top 20 gins in the world.[10]

Citadelle Gin won the double gold medal at the San Francisco World and Spirits Competition.[11]

Reviewers have noted that it is a mid-pungency gin,[12] with a more complex and assertive taste than London dry gin.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Citadelle Gin
  2. ^ a b Grimes, William (2 December 1998). "Fully Armed, a French Gin Storms the Gates". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  3. ^ Ward, Olivier. "Citadelle".
  4. ^ Dowd, William (28 March 2007). "Gin Makes A Comeback". Falls Church News-Press. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  5. ^ Newman, Kara (20 April 2011). "Spirited Traveller: Why Madrid serves the best gin and tonic". London Free Press. Reuters. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  6. ^ de Bertrand, Raymond (1966). Le port et le commerce maritime de Dunkerque au XVIIIe siècle.
  7. ^ Unknown, Aaron (September 6, 2014). "Citadelle Gin". The Gin is In. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  8. ^ "Charentaise distillation " L'encyclopédie du Cognac". www.pediacognac.com. Retrieved 2015-06-01.
  9. ^ Fabricant, Florence (23 June 2009). "A Couple of Gins With Attitude". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  10. ^ "Proof66.com Top 20 Gins". Archived from the original on 2012-11-15. Retrieved 2012-10-20.
  11. ^ "San Francisco World Spirits Competition". sfspiritscomp.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2015-06-01.
  12. ^ Hellmich, Mittie (2006). Ultimate bar book: the comprehensive guide to over 1,000 cocktails. Chronicle Books. p. 172. ISBN 978-0-8118-4351-5.
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