Citadelle has never been a brand to shy away from experimentation, but infusing a gin with pickles is a move that catches most people off guard. It sounds strange until you taste it, at which point you realize the savory, briny kick is exactly what a standard gin and tonic has been missing. If you are tired of the usual sweet or heavily floral gins, this quirky bottle brings a refreshing, savory twist to the table.

Citadelle Vive Le Cornichon! 70cl

Brand: Citadelle | Category: Gin | ABV: 43.8% | Origin: France

Tasting Profile:

• Nose: Fresh and aromatic. The classic juniper base is right there, but it is immediately followed by a sharp, vinegary tang and a hint of fresh dill.

• Palate: Crisp and intensely savory. It feels light on the tongue, opening with a burst of salty pickle brine before mellowing out into bright citrus and herbal notes.

• Finish: Clean and lingering. The brininess fades gently, leaving a dry touch of pepper and a final, refreshing whisper of dill.

Production Details: This limited-edition expression starts with Citadelle’s signature French wheat gin and its nineteen botanicals. The distillers then infuse genuine cornichons from the Maison Marc estate in Burgundy into the spirit, letting the pickles steep before the final distillation to lock in that distinct, savory crunch.

Perfect For: Breaking out during a casual weekend brunch with friends, especially if you are serving a spread of cured meats and cheeses.

Expert Notes: Part of the distillery's "Les Exotiques" series, this unorthodox release has become a cult favorite among bartenders who praise it for completely redefining what a savory gin can do in modern mixology.

Customer Reviews:

"I was incredibly skeptical, but it is brilliant. It makes the most refreshing gin and tonic I have ever had." - Thomas C.

"If you love a dirty martini or anything briny, you need this bottle in your collection immediately." - Paula M.

Interesting Fact: The cornichons used in production are grown entirely without insecticides or herbicides, hand-picked on a family farm in France that supplies some of the finest bistros in Paris.

Serving Suggestions: Skip the usual lime wedge. Mix this with a premium tonic water over lots of ice and garnish it with an actual cocktail onion or a small cornichon to play up the savory notes.

Distillery Background: Produced at Château de Bonbonnet in the Cognac region, Citadelle revived artisanal French gin production by using traditional copper pot stills over open flames. This hands-on, historical approach allows them to experiment with wild flavors while keeping the quality incredibly high.