When talking about London Dry Gin, the first names that come to mind are Beefeater or Bombay Sapphire. In recent years, though, one French competitor has won hearts among bartenders, gin aficionados, and cocktail lovers everywhere: Citadelle Gin. Produced in the Cognac region of France, Citadelle has established itself as a premium craft gin that checks all the boxes—balanced, flavorful, and versatile.

In this 2025 review, we will go over the taste profile, pricing, a few tasting notes, and the best way to enjoy Citadelle Gin. Whether you are thinking about your first bottle, comparing it with some popular gins, or are just curious about what makes it special, this guide will have it all.

A Brief History: From Cognac to Citadelle Gin

Citadelle Gin is not just another 'trendy' craft spirit. Citadelle Gin is produced by the historic Maison Ferrand, founded in the 1980s as a Cognac house. While best known for Pierre Ferrand Cognac, the distillery decided to produce gin in the 1990s before the gin revival really blew up.

Citadelle is very much a French gin and is produced in traditional copper pot stills normally used to produce Cognac, which allowed Maison Ferrand to combine tradition with innovation. Unlike column still gins that produce in volume, Citadelle focuses more on the small batch elements and botanical character.

What Makes Citadelle Gin Unique?

If you’ve ever asked, “What makes Citadelle Gin stand out from the dozens of other premium gins?” here’s the short answer: 19 carefully selected botanicals, French craftsmanship, and a Cognac-region heritage.

Some highlights:

• 19 Botanicals: Citadelle uses classic juniper and Mediterranean flavors, including coriander, fennel, lemon peel, and even nutmeg.
  
  
• Juniper Forward, but Balanced: Citadelle embraces tradition while combining herbs and citrus, unlike some modern gins that downplay the juniper.
  
  
• Copper Pot Distillation: Distilled in Cognac stills, Citadelle is deeper than many London Dry gins and has a slightly rounder mouthfeel.
  
  
• French Craft Identity: Citadelle is a premium French gin, and one of the few, which means it harbors its own unique cultural and geographic story.
  

Citadelle Gin Tasting Notes

Let’s break down the flavor profile—because ultimately, that’s what matters most.

• Nose (Aroma): Clean, bright juniper at the forefront with citrus zest, fresh herbs, and light floral notes to back it up. A slight peppery edge indicates involvement of juniper complexity.
  
  
• Palate (Taste): Smooth and crisp palate. Juniper leads and is joined fairly quickly by coriander, fennel, and cardamom with a light hint of cinnamon. Lemon peel and orange peel add brightness to the mid-palate.
  
  
• Finish: Long, clean finish that is slightly spicy with lingering botanical notes and a hint of sweetness.

Overall, Citadelle Gin is elegant, versatile, and refreshingly layered. It works beautifully in a simple gin and tonic but also has enough depth to hold its own in a martini or negroni.

Price of Citadelle Gin in 2025

Citadelle remains one of the best-value premium gins on the market. Prices vary depending on your region, but here’s a general guide:

• United States: $27–$35 for a 750ml bottle
  
  
• UK: £25–£30
  
  
• India: ₹2,300–₹3,200 (varies by state and taxes)
  
  
• Europe (France/Germany): €25–€32
  

For a small-batch, artisanal French gin, this price is extremely competitive. Compared to other premium gins like Hendrick’s or Monkey 47, Citadelle offers exceptional value for money.

Citadelle Gin vs. Other Popular Gins

Citadelle vs. Hendrick's

With Hendrick's, you know you're going to get a stronger cucumber and rose flavor profile making it softer and more floral. Citadelle is more juniper-forward and more spiced based on a traditional style where the gin lover may prefer the profile of Citadelle rather than Hendrick's. If you want flexibility, Citadelle lends itself better to classic cocktails.

Citadelle vs. Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire is going to be easier and more approachable with lighter flavors typically for easy G&Ts, Citadelle has more depth/spice/citrus and it's more complex, which I prefer, for cocktails like martinis or negronis.

Citadelle vs. Beefeater

Beefeater is the classic London Dry benchmark with bold juniper and cheap, Citadelle is a little more expensive but has a more nuanced botanical mix with French craftsmanship.

Also Read: Top 7 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: A Connoisseur’s Choice for 2025

Best Ways to Drink Citadelle Gin

One of Citadelle’s strengths is versatility. Here are some tried-and-true serving methods:

1. Gin and Tonic (G&T)

• Use a premium tonic water.
  
  
• Garnish with lemon peel or fresh rosemary.
  
  
• The citrus and herbal botanicals in Citadelle shine here.
  

2. Dry Martini

• Mix 2 parts Citadelle Gin with 1 part dry vermouth.
  
  
• Stir and serve with a lemon twist.
  
  
• Its juniper-forward style makes it excellent in a martini.
  

3. Negroni

• Equal parts Citadelle Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
  
  
• Citadelle’s spice and citrus balance the bitterness of Campari beautifully.
  

4. French 75

• Citadelle Gin, lemon juice, sugar, topped with Champagne.
  
  
• A perfect way to celebrate its French heritage.
  

5. On the Rocks

• While not traditional, Citadelle is smooth enough to sip neat or with a single ice cube.
  

Who Should Buy Citadelle Gin?

Citadelle is perfect if you:

• Enjoy classic London Dry-style gins but want a French twist.
  
  
• Prefer gin with depth that works across multiple cocktails.
  
  
• Want a premium gin at a fair price.
  
  
• Are exploring artisanal or craft spirits beyond mass-market options.
  

It’s also a great entry point for beginners, since it’s approachable without being boring.

Is Citadelle Gin Worth the Price?

Definitely. At a price point of less than $35 (or equivalent), you're drinking small-batch gin from the Cognac region that has 19 botanicals, and experts say it is seriously balanced. Along with many premium gins, Citadelle embraces an uncommon balance of tradition, complexity, and price point.

If you're building a home bar in 2025, Citadelle is a bottle that shouldn't be ignored.

Final Verdict: Citadelle Gin in 2025

Citadelle Gin is more than just a French curiosity—it’s a serious player in the global gin market. With its juniper-forward yet balanced style, crafted in Cognac copper stills, and infused with 19 botanicals, it represents both tradition and innovation.

• Flavor: Complex, crisp, and versatile
  
  
• Price: Excellent value compared to competitors
  
  
• Best For: G&Ts, martinis, negronis, and beyond
  

Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or just starting your journey, Citadelle deserves a place on your shelf in 2025.

FAQs About Citadelle Gin (2025)

Q: What botanicals are in Citadelle Gin?
A: 19 total, including juniper, coriander, fennel, nutmeg, lemon peel, and cardamom.

Q: Is Citadelle Gin good for martinis?
A: Yes—its crisp juniper and spice make it ideal for a classic dry martini.

Q: Where is Citadelle Gin made?
A: In the Cognac region of France by Maison Ferrand.

Q: How does Citadelle compare to Hendrick’s?
A: Citadelle is spicier and more juniper-led, while Hendrick’s is floral and cucumber-driven.

Q: Is Citadelle Gin worth the price in 2025?
A: Definitely. At ~$30, it’s one of the best-value premium gins available.

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