Citadelle Jardin d’Ete Gin
Citadelle Jardin d'Ete Gin is Maison Ferrand's summer gin — a permanent Citadelle expression since April 2021, bottled at 41.5% ABV (83 proof) in 750mL. It builds on Citadelle's 19 original botanicals with four cold-distilled additions: Charentais melon flesh, whole lemon (flesh, juice and skin), yuzu zest, and extra sweet orange peel — all grown in the summer garden of Château de Bonbonnet. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 41.5% (83 proof)
- Size: 750mL (US bottling; EU is 700mL)
- Botanicals: 19 original botanicals + melon, whole lemon, yuzu zest, orange peel (additions cold distilled)
- Distillery: Maison Ferrand, Château de Bonbonnet, Ars, France
- Inspired by: the château's summer garden, cultivated by Debbie Gabriel
- Award: voted "Best French Gin" at the World Gin Awards (per Maison Ferrand)
A Summer Garden, Distilled
Jardin d'Été — "summer garden" — started in the garden behind Château de Bonbonnet, where founder Alexandre Gabriel's wife Debbie grows the Charentais melon, lemons, and aromatics that define this gin. The base is the original Citadelle's 19-botanical recipe, but the four fresh additions are cold distilled rather than heated, preserving their just-picked character — the melon bringing the Cognac region's signature fruit into the glass. Compare it with the original Citadelle expression and the rest of the house range at Citadelle.
Tasting Notes
Maison Ferrand describes "delicate, fresh aromas" and a palate that "bursts like a firework with bright citrus notes (lemon, yuzu, and orange), rounded out by the silky sweetness of Charentais melon." The finish is long, fresh, and fruity — a gin built for sunshine rather than winter cocktails.
How to Enjoy
Serve over plenty of ice with a light tonic and a lemon twist — or go full summer with a French 75, where the yuzu and melon play against Champagne. Maison Ferrand's own serve is simple: premium tonic, generous garnish of garden citrus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jardin d'Été mean?
"Summer garden" in French — the gin is inspired by the garden at Château de Bonbonnet, where its signature fruits are grown.
How is it different from the original Citadelle gin?
The original is 44% ABV with 19 botanicals; Jardin d'Été is 41.5% ABV, adds melon, whole lemon, yuzu zest, and orange peel (cold distilled), and is designed as a brighter, summery pour.
What is Charentais melon?
The signature cantaloupe of France's Cognac region — here distilled cold to keep its silky, sweet character in the gin.
Is it a limited edition?
No — Jardin d'Été has been a permanent part of the Citadelle lineup since April 2021.
For a gin that tastes like a French summer, order Citadelle Jardin d'Ete Gin online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.