In 1775, King Louis XVI granted Carpeau and Stival the right to open the first French gin distillery in the old Citadel of Dunkirk. Alexandre Gabriel created the current recipe of Citadelle Gin two centuries later. This gin was created to celebrate Citadelle's 25th anniversary. There are 9 pot stills used in the distillation of this gin. These are around 50 years old and 25hl in size. The gin is made from French wheat which is distilled 3 times beforehand. A total of 19 botanicals are placed in alcohol for 5-7 days. This is called "progressive infusion." Maturation takes place for one month in very small heavily toasted juniper barrels. Botanicals: juniper, coriander, iris, cubeb pepper, almonds, cassia, fennel, licorice, star anise, savory, lemon peel, nutmeg, orange peel, angelica, cardamom, cumin, violet, cinnamon, grains of paradise. Tasting notes:Colour: Clear. Nose: Fresh, intense, juniper berries, notes of orange peel, herbs, mint, wood, flowers, currant buds. Taste: Silky, oily, spicy, bittersweet, smoky, notes of juniper, pepper, coconut, ginger, nutmeg, angelica, cinnamon, aniseed, liquorice roots, celery. Finish: Long lasting, fresh, spicy, bitter almonds, orange peel.