Citadelle Réserve

Citadelle Réserve is a French barrel-aged gin produced by Maison Ferrand in Cognac as the aged counterpart to the classic Citadelle gin. The recipe is built on a base of 19 botanicals used for Citadelle, to which three ingredients specific to Réserve are added: yuzu, genepi and cornflower. In total, 22 botanicals are distilled in small Charentais copper pot stills from a neutral French wheat spirit, using the progressive infusion method developed by the house to extract each botanical according to its aromatic profile.

After distillation, the gin is matured for around five months in five types of casks: traditional French oak, as well as acacia, mulberry, chestnut and cherry wood. Each type of wood contributes its own register, from structure and dry tannins to more delicate notes of spice or toasted nuts. Once this stage is complete, the different casks are blended and the gin is rested again in a tall egg-shaped oak vat of about 2.45 metres. The shape of this wooden egg promotes natural convection inside the cask and helps the various components to integrate gradually before bottling at 45.2% ABV.

On the nose, Citadelle Réserve shows a pale golden colour and opens with notes of dry wood, light tannin and juniper. Aromas of toasted coriander seed, almond and other nuts appear, joined by hints of citrus peel, dried flowers and gentle spice from cardamom, nutmeg and cassia. The impression is dry and nutty rather than sweet, with the barrel influence clearly present but not masking the botanicals. On the palate, pine and juniper lead, followed by layers of warm spice, fennel, star anise and yuzu-accented citrus. As the gin develops in the glass, subtle floral elements and a touch of liquorice root emerge. The texture is medium-bodied and smooth, with a tannic structure that recalls lightly aged spirits.

The finish is long and persistent, marked by notes of seasoned wood, toasted seeds and a restrained bitterness that keeps the profile dry. Citadelle Réserve is often served neat or over a large ice cube to highlight its barrel character, and it also works well in spirit-forward cocktails. It can replace a white or lightly aged spirit in an Old Fashioned-style drink or be used in warm serves such as a Hot Toddy, where its combination of juniper, spice and dry oak brings additional complexity. Its style remains distinctly that of a gin, but with an aromatic palette influenced by the techniques and materials of a Cognac house.