This first edition of Citadelle’s new “Excentriques” series of limited edition gins stars the small but mighty cornichon pickle, a true symbol of France. But not just any gherkin will do the cornichons infused in Citadelle Originals aromatic base come from Maison Marc, well known to foodies and fans of French terroirs. This Burgundy-based family business grows its Cucumis sativus without insecticides, herbicides or preservatives, and picks every one by hand. These are values shared by Maison Ferrand, which has planted 2,500 juniper trees in front of its home at the Chteau de Bonbonnet, all of which will soon be certified organic.

This first Excentrique, wasalso the first gin for Citadelledeveloped in their new distillery designed by Alexandre Gabriel and entirely constructed by the chteaus in-house teams. Built on the property of the Chteau de Bonbonnet, it is entirely gin focused, while the main Chteau remains focused on Cognac production.

The gin itself is built upon Citadelle’s signature distillation of 19 botanicals, with a couple key additions to support the cornichon. You’ll find intense, herbaceous notes of juniper and aniseed, followed by the vinegar and salty dimensions of the pickles. A long and persistent finale with a subtle touch of mustard and pearl onions. Only 3000 bottles produced. Bottled at 43.8% abv.