Alexandre Ferrand despatched me house from France with the fourth installment in Citadelle’s “Extremes” restricted version gin lineup, which was developed in 2021, with solely 1000 bottles produced. Miraculously you possibly can nonetheless discover it on the market if you happen to attempt.
Citadelle Extrême N°4 Sergent Pepper is a spin on Citadelle which is constructed round two styles of pepper: Recent Sansho berries from Bhutan and what alongside what is alleged to be the rarest pepper on the planet: White Fowl peppers from Cambodia.
I like pepper, and I actually beloved this gin. To kick issues off, perceive that the expertise will not be overtly pungent or redolent of black pepper in the best way that, say, Absolut Peppar is. There’s a mildly spicy high quality to the nostril, however the predominant notes are extra conventional aromas of juniper, earthy angelica, and a mixture of baking spices. The palate finds room for a pinch of sweetness, with lemon-orange citrus notes main the cost. Balancing notes of (stronger) allspice and nutmeg rapidly emerge, tempered by an ample serving to of piney juniper and rumbling, earthy coriander and angelica notes.
Oh sure — the pepper. Spice isn’t shy right here, however once more the gin by no means hits the palate with any sense that you simply’re going to be scorched by warmth or clutching your throat as a result of affect of floor peppercorns. The affect is refined, a gentle warming high quality that works effectively with the alcohol (45.4% abv), whereas ending with only a trace of peppery chunk. The lemon aspect within the gin makes for a very pure complement, and once more a touch of sweetness retains the punch of pepper in examine.
From begin to end it’s a shiny and bracing expertise that’s pleasant by itself, and which presents ample versatility for martinis and Bloody Marys… and doubtless extra drinks I’ve but to contemplate it for. It’s arguably the most effective gin on my again bar in the mean time.
90.8 proof.
A / $100 (700ml) / citadellegin.com
Citadelle Extremes No. 4 “Sergent Pepper” Gin
$100
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