In 1996, Maison Ferrand Owner and Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel unveiled Citadelle Gin. Today, Citadelle introduces a new family of gins, “Les Excentriques,” a limited-edition collection.
The first Excentrique — Citadelle Gin Vive le Cornichon — features the French cornichon as one of the “botanicals,” the company says.
Citadelle Gin Vive le Cornichon is now available in select U.S. markets. It’s bottled at 43.8% ABV (87.6 proof), and has a suggested retail price of $29.99 per 700-ml. bottle.
Like all Citadelle Gin, Vive le Cornichon is distilled with Citadelle’s process of progressive infusion of juniper berries and 19 other botanicals, as well as cornichon pickles. The cornichons infused in Citadelle Original’s aromatic base come from Maison Marc, a Burgundy-based family business that grows its Cucumis sativus without insecticides, herbicides or preservatives, and picks each one by hand, the company says.
Citadelle Vive le Cornichon is the first product to be produced in the new Citadelle Gin Distillery, designed by Alexandre Gabriel and constructed by the château’s in-house team.
On the nose are notes of juniper and aniseed, followed by the vinegar and green aspects of the pickles that add a salty dimension, the company says. The palate opens with juniper before a fresh flavor, salty and vinegary. The finish has a touch of mustard and pearl onions.
The botanicals in Citadelle Vive le Cornichon include: cornichon pickles, juniper berries, lemon peel, cardamom, cubeb, coriander, nutmeg, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon, cassia, licorice, angelica, iris, almonds, fennel, cumin, star anise, savory and violet.
For a limited time, Citadelle Vive le Cornichon will join the Citadelle portfolio of gins, including Original, Jardin d’été and Extrême limited editions.
