Citadelle Gin Reserve (70cl , 45,2%)

Citadelle’s Réserve Gin endures a rater intriguing maturation. Firstly, it’s aged for five months in casks made from acacia, cherry, chestnut, French oak and mulberry. The gin is then combined and refined in an eight foot tall, egg-shaped oak cask! It’s now bottled at 45.2% ABV (slightly higher than previous bottlings).

• Production: Distilled in a Cognac still from French wheat, it uses 19 botanicals, a recipe dating back to the 18th century.
• Aging Process: A distinctive feature is its maturation in small, seasoned wooden barrels (including acacia, mulberry, cherry, chestnut, and French oak) for several months. This process, rare for gin today but traditional centuries ago, imparts a light golden hue and smooth character, while taming some of the sharper botanical edges. The liquid from the various barrels is then blended and sometimes further refined in a large, egg-shaped oak vat.
• Flavor Profile: The aging adds notes of vanilla, toasted wood, and subtle tannins, which blend with the gin’s core profile of citrus (lemon/orange peel), juniper, and spices (coriander, cardamom, ginger, pepper). The result is a complex, silky, and well-balanced spirit that builds in a slow burn of juniper and spice.
• ABV: Typically bottled at 45.2% ABV (though variations exist across vintages), which is slightly higher than the original Citadelle Gin. 

• Neat or on the rocks: The smoothness from barrel aging makes it suitable for sipping like a fine spirit or a light whisky.
• Classic cocktails: Its complexity makes it an excellent base for a classic Gin Martini or a gin and tonic.
• Pairings: It pairs well with crisp tonic water and garnishes like orange, cinnamon, or mint to complement its existing notes.