Citadelle Gin

Nose: Refined and balanced, with juniper prominently featured and supported by a variety of light spice and herbal notes, including lavender and rosewater. It evokes the scent of flowers, but in an elegant, not overpowering, way. This is an excellent example of a gin nose executed with subtlety and flair, free from the harshness of alcohol. Palate: A very pleasant initial taste of light herbal notes transitions quickly to sweetness, then develops into a warm finish. The palate maintains excellent balance and cohesion throughout, with individual botanicals contributing without dominating. The texture is just right. Finish: Medium length. The sweetness from the palate fades into warmth, with spicy notes reappearing in the aftertaste, and no bitterness is present. This is a very good gin. It presents a classic gin profile but is crafted with a delicate yet expressive touch. Everything integrates precisely, and the palate evolves distinctly both in the mouth and as it sits in the glass. It's a delicious gin for sipping neat. I suggest this as the foundation for a subtle G&T using a specific light tonic and no citrus, or even with soda water and a few drops of orange bitters. This gin is a subtle performer that deserves to be the focus. I appreciate bold, juniper-forward gins and lighter, fruitier ones. I also enjoy gins with earthy or intensely herbaceous qualities, but this gin is unique. It's light, subtle, passionate, and demure – a nuanced and refined experience. The official description aligns with my assessment. This is a very good gin, best enjoyed neat over ice or in simple preparations like a light G&T. It would be overwhelmed in complex cocktails. 'Very Good': 86/100 (4 stars)

When my preferred gins ran out, I visited a large liquor store. While browsing and checking reviews, I noticed this gin had positive feedback and a great price. Life's too short for indecision, so I purchased a bottle for a closer look. Tasted neat from a glencairn, which isn't my usual method, but it's a good way to understand the spirit before mixing. The nose is met with fragrant juniper and sweet floral notes, thankfully without any ethanol or acetone harshness. It seems to possess a quality base spirit, unlike many promising gins ruined by a poor foundation. Compared to my usual bar staple, Bombay Sapphire, it has more evergreen notes, but they are surprisingly similar in scent. Bombay's nose is sweeter and lighter, while this one is richer and 'greener'. On the palate, it's exceptionally well-balanced, slightly bitter, vegetal, with a prominent juniper character. It lacks sweetness, being slightly less sweet and a bit richer than Bombay Sapphire. The overall taste leans towards spices like anise, juniper, pine, cardamom, fennel, and coriander. I don't detect much citrus in this tasting. The finish is clean with a rich mouthfeel. It doesn't reach the complexity of a certain other gin, nor the deep herbaceousness of another, but it's quite pleasant and holds its own against my regular choice. I'm eager to try it in a Martini. For the price, this is a fantastic value.

This gin offers a smooth and accessible profile. Coriander and cardamom are apparent, followed by tart citrus peels, and concluding with a strong anise note. While licorice flavors aren't typically my preference, they don't detract from the overall character and those who enjoy them will find this even more appealing. Mixed It paired wonderfully with Fever Tree tonic in a pink gin combination. I discovered this gin by chance at a local store and decided to give it a shot. For enthusiasts of more creative gin blends, this will represent a significant improvement over standard London Dry varieties. Assuming consistent production, gin aficionados should definitely try this. Cheers!

This gin has been a delight to taste and explore its flavors. It offers a smooth juniper aroma and a light citrus taste, blending well with everything I've mixed it with. I'll be adding this to my list of 'Gins for people who claim not to like gin.' The flavor is subtle but doesn't vanish in drinks like some others. It's a solid gin; my only minor critique is wishing for a higher proof, but overall, I truly enjoy this spirit and will keep it stocked.

Juniper is present, followed by airy citrus. I detected some earthiness, and it seems a bit subdued overall. It's quite drinkable and easy, but not energetic or thrilling enough for a summer gin. While I usually refrain from comparisons, this one is too similar to the standard brand offering; it's like comparing looking at a summer garden through a window to actually being in one.

I usually favor a London dry style, but I genuinely appreciate this gin. It has considerable heat, but also abundant juniper and other botanicals that make it quite captivating. I am eager to try it with tonic and as a base for various cocktails.