Citadelle Jardin d'Été (70cl, 41.5%)

Citadelle Jardin d'Été is a French dry gin from Maison Ferrand. It builds on a juniper base with Charentais melon and pronounced citrus notes, an idea drawn from the garden of Château de Bonbonnet near Cognac. The recipe adds melon flesh, whole lemons and yuzu peel to the Citadelle Original formula, with more orange peel, for 22 botanicals in total. Progressive infusion adjusts maceration time and strength to each botanical. Juniper is partly estate-grown and harvested by hand once a year. Orange peel leads the nose with juniper, violet, fennel, clove and anise. The palate brings lemon, yuzu and orange together with rounded Charentais melon, mandarin, pepper, nutmeg, angelica and star anise, plus a light menthol freshness. The finish stays fresh and fruity, with melon and citrus and a gentle sweetness.