Jardin d’Été — “summer garden” — is Citadelle’s tribute to the gardens around Château de Bonbonnet in Cognac, and its centerpiece is a melon. The Charentais is the small, intensely fragrant French cantaloupe considered by many the finest melon ever bred, too soft-skinned to ship well, which is why Maison Ferrand goes straight to local growers for the fruit. Released in April 2021 as a permanent addition to the range, it starts with all nineteen botanicals of the flagship Citadelle — estate-grown juniper, violet root, coriander, cardamom, cassia, fennel, and the rest, added one at a time by patented progressive infusion and distilled over naked flame — then adds fresh melon flesh, whole lemon rather than just the peel, yuzu zest, and an extra measure of orange peel, bottled at 41.5% ABV. Bevvy found honeydew and cantaloupe with fresh lemon on the nose beside a spicy kick of fennel, aniseed, and black licorice, then a light, slightly creamy palate: a burst of lemony freshness tied to juniper, cardamom, and fennel, juicy fruity melon at the center, and a dry lick of juniper on a long finish of dried orange peel — like biting cantaloupe rolled in a spice blend. The Gin Is In found green juniper front and center with lemon zest and mandarin. Beautifully balanced, bright, and unmistakably summer: a G&T with a melon ball or a Collins with fresh lemon. Bevvy’s verdict: hard to argue with at the price.
Buy Citadelle Jardin D’ete Flavored Gin online with fast shipping right to your door.
