2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal Winner

Fresh and intense on the nose, it opens with notes of juniper and citrus fruits (yuzu and orange peels, candied lemon), complemented by flowers (violet) and fennel with the soft spices and licorice. Very delicate palate with a beautiful freshness, it follows the floral profile of the nose but on a spicier and fruitier expression with tangerine, melon and cubeb. It evolves with notes of angelica, nutmeg, orris root and star anise. Very long on the finish, floral and fruity, on citrus fruits, almonds, cumin, savory and grains of paradise.-Distiller Notes

The work at Chteau de Bonbonnet, of course, is all about creating artisanal spirits that are meant to be savored. On that July day in 1996, we had a particular one in mind: gin. How could we distill the essence of this region into one perfectly crisp spirit? We were lunching on the back terrace, and the debate as is often the case with close family was lively. The challenge was issued: create summer in a glass. Beyond the obvious juniper berry, lay a mlange of botanicals that would make a unique gin.
The discussion moved to the distillery. Bent over the open flame copper pot stills, they began to experiment. It took 19 aromatics and botanicals, layered in just so, before they re-convened around the table to agree: this gin would be the perfect tonic and cocktail partner.
For more than 20 years, we have shared this fine Gin de France all over the world. But we have never stop trying to make it better. Our ultimate goal is to make Citadelle in the same way vintners make fine wine, with terroir from juniper berries grown on our estate. A true chateau-to-bottle gin. So, we are clearing acreage and planting junipers with an eye toward future harvests.-Distillery Notes