Citadelle looks to perfumery techniques to craft non-alc ‘spirit’
The first non-alcoholic expression from Maison Ferrand-owned gin brand Citadelle has debuted in France and Italy.
The brand has taken a ‘rare and exacting approach’ in the production of the non-alcoholic ‘spirit’, which has been created for those who want ‘the unmistakable Citadelle Gin experience without the alcohol’.
The brand chose not to dealcoholise the product, instead utilising a gentle hydrodistillation process inspired by perfumery techniques, capturing the most expressive aromatic notes of the botanicals without alcohol.
This approach is said to allow the distillate to develop depth and complexity, resulting in a flavour profile that remains ‘unmistakably Citadelle’.
“Working without alcohol meant going back to the essence of the plant,” explained Fannie Thibaud, creation and experimentation manager at Maison Ferrand. “Hydrodistillation allowed us to express the botanicals as they are: naturally fresh, bright, and delicate. It wasn’t about imitating gin; it was about finding a new way to let the botanicals speak.”
The ‘spirit’ is described as having fresh, spicy, and vibrant notes with citrus, combining the character of Citadelle Original with the ‘sun-kissed aromas’ of Citadelle Jardin d’Été.
The nose is light and herbal, lifted by spices and delicate floral touches, while the palate is generous and refreshing, structured by a peppery bite; and the finish is long and vibrant, extending these sensations with remarkable precision for a non-alcoholic distillate.
This balance of texture, freshness, and aromatic structure reflects the care taken in its creation and makes it particularly harmonious in cocktails, especially with tonic, where its aromatic architecture truly comes into its own.
Alexandre Gabriel, Citadelle owner and master blender, added: “At Citadelle, we’ve always believed that great flavour should have no boundaries. With Citadelle 0.0, we wanted to offer a genuine expression of our savoir-faire to everyone who values taste. We explored, refined, and pushed every detail, guided by a single conviction: delivering a true Citadelle experience, in a new way.”
Citadelle 0.0 debuted in France and Italy this month, priced at €19.99 (US$23), with broader distribution to follow in the spring.
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