Citadelle Jardin d’été Gin

About this bottle

Citadelle Jardin d’été Gin now joins the classic Citadelle Gin and Citadelle No Mistake Old Tom Gin on my shelf. The classic has been in my collection for a very long time — one of my first bottles, and a gift from my mum — and now Jardin d’été brings a new variant to the market. We already know a Sommergarten Gin from Feinbrennerei Simon’s. I've enjoyed that one a lot in the past. Let's see how this second summer garden gets on.

Botanicals in Citadelle Jardin d’été Gin

With 22 botanicals, the list for Jardin d’été is anything but short. It's probably safe to say already that a complex flavour is guaranteed.

Tasting Citadelle Jardin d’été Gin

On the nose

My first impression is of a light gin. Citrus and gentle fruit aromas rise to my nose. Even so, it's clearly a gin. The classic Citadelle isn't a million miles away by comparison, but it isn't so close that you'd think they'd only added one little extra.

Taste

The gin opens up much more on the tongue and palate than it does on the nose. A wonderful dance of juniper and fruit. The melon comes through beautifully, but there's citrus and a certain dryness too. No sugar bomb. There's a lovely, gentle kick that complements the gin, but it's more part of the whole than something you'd notice on its own.

Finish and aftertaste

On the finish, the gin becomes more gin-like. The fruit notes slowly fade, leaving a dry, sweetly warm aftertaste. Not too short, not too long. A little more aromatic as it lingers.

With ice

The obligatory test with ice is a must here. As soon as the ice goes in, the fruit becomes a little more citrus-led. The melon is a touch less noticeable.

Thoughts on Citadelle Jardin d’été Gin

I really enjoyed this summery gin. Melon is a wonderful flavour in it, and despite the fruit notes, we're still drinking a gin. Personally, I like Jardin d’été quite a bit more than the classic Citadelle Gin. If you're looking for a gin for this summer and you enjoy honeydew melon … here's your gin.