A perfect gin for the summer

Citadelle Jardin D'été Gin | France | LCBO Code # 19409 | 750 ml $36.95

From my vantage point, gin has been enjoying a renaissance for about a decade now. It’s a little uncommon to see such a long trajectory in any category.  We see ever more new products cycling through the LCBO and when new distilleries come online, gin is one of the first products they release.

I was first introduced to the French gin Citadelle when I was still managing private shops in Vancouver, and I was impressed. 

Now Citadelle has released Jardin d’Été, a gin evocative of summer scents and flavours. It’s citrus-forward with a floral bouquet coming in at the finish.

It features an infusion of melons, yuzu, lemon and orange, flavours that unfurl slowly on the palate, revealing themselves one by one. This is a gin of finesse and delicacy with a richer mouthfeel courtesy of the higher-than-average alcohol.

It makes for a gorgeous Vesper Martini (aka James Bond) and a truly expressive and memorable gin and tonic when using Fever-Tree India Tonic.

At this price, Jardin d’Été overdelivers for those who enjoy floral gins with an elegant finish. What I’m saying is, it makes for a lovely drink on its own with just an ice cube as company.