Citadelle Gin Original – The Pioneer of French Gin
Some gins follow trends. Others create them. Citadelle Gin Original belongs firmly in the latter category – the gin that opened the door to what the world now knows as French Gin.
Twenty-five years ago, long before “French gin” became a category of its own, Citadelle set the standard. Crafted with vision, patience, and a distinctly French sense of elegance, it became the very first handcrafted gin from France and in doing so, opened the door for an entire movement.
At the heart of Citadelle stands Alexandre Gabriel, whose philosophy is simple yet powerful: anything is possible. That mindset continues to define this gin today – innovative, refined, and confidently original.
This is not just a classic gin – it is the foundation of a movement.
A French Distillation, Rooted in Charente
Citadelle Original is deeply rooted in place. Produced at the brand’s own distillery, Château de Bonbonnet, it draws from the rich terroir of the Charente region in southwest France.
What truly sets Citadelle apart is its patented progressive infusion method. Rather than extracting all botanicals at once, each ingredient is infused at precisely the right moment during distillation. This allowing every botanical to express its full character without overpowering the others.
Sustainability is equally central to the process. Citadelle works in close proximity to its raw materials, cultivating its own juniper trees, with citrus orchards soon to follow, and using heat recycling to reduce environmental impact.
This is French craftsmanship at its most thoughtful. Every decision reinforces clarity, balance, and respect for raw materials.
Botanicals & Character
Citadelle Original is built on an ambitious and beautifully balanced blend of 19 botanicals, combining classic structure with subtle exotic flair:
- Juniper – clean, vibrant backbone
- Lemon & orange peel – fresh citrus brightness
- Savory – a gentle Mediterranean herbal note
- Spice & floral accents – cubeb, Sichuan pepper, coriander, star anise, iris, cassia, fennel, licorice, nutmeg, angelica, cardamom, cumin, violet, cinnamon, grains of paradise, almonds, and pepper
Despite the complexity, the result is never chaotic. Each botanical plays its role with precision, creating a gin that feels layered yet effortlessly elegant.
The Production Process
Citadelle Original balances tradition with innovation at every stage:
- Distilled from French wheat
- Single distillation using patented progressive infusion
- Crafted at Château de Bonbonnet
- Sustainable heat recycling throughout production
The result is a gin that feels both classic and contemporary – structured, expressive, and unmistakably French.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Fresh and aromatic with floral lift and gentle spice. A clear expression of southwest France.
Palate:
Lively and elegant. Bright citrus meets structured juniper, supported by warm spices and subtle herbal complexity.
Finish:
Clear, refined, and complex without ever becoming heavy or overwhelming. Balanced to the very end.
Perfect Serve
Citadelle Original shines in classic, clean serves that let its balance speak:
- Classic G&T: Premium tonic with fresh lemon zest for a crisp, vibrant finish
- Spice-forward twist: Use orange zest to highlight warmer spice and citrus depth
Simple garnishes allow the craftsmanship and botanicals to take center stage.
Why We Recommend It
Citadelle Original stands out because it is:
- A true pioneer – the first handcrafted French gin
- Innovative yet respectful of tradition – progressive infusion done right
- Elegant and balanced – complexity without excess, ideal for classic serves and cocktails
- Sustainably crafted – terroir-driven and forward-thinking produced at its own château
- Timeless – just as relevant today as it was 25 years ago
This is a gin for those who appreciate history, innovation, and refined flavor in equal measure that respects tradition while continuously pushing boundaries.
GINferno Rating
With a solid 8.2 / 10 on the GINferno App, Citadelle Original is praised for its balance, clarity, and innovation. Along with its:
- refined citrus and spice harmony
- elegant mouthfeel
- unmistakable French character
- ability to remain complex yet approachable
A classic gin that continues to evolve & inspire.
The Spirit That Started It All – The Taste of French Innovation
Citadelle Original is more than a gin — it’s the foundation of French gin culture. From its pioneering roots to its modern, sustainable vision, it proves that elegance and innovation can coexist beautifully.
Pour a glass. Keep it classic. Taste where French gin began.
Discover and rate Citadelle Gin Original on the GINferno App or on web platform – explore thousands of gins, honest reviews, perfect serves, and endless inspiration for your next pour. Available on iOS, Android, and in your browser – ready whenever curiosity strikes.
