Citadelle (gin)

Citadelle is a brand of gin produced by Maison Ferrand in Ars near Cognac, France. Launched in 1996, it pioneered the production of French craft gins, and it is the only gin distillery worldwide that also grows its own juniper berries.¹

The gin Citadelle was created by the founders of the cognac Ferrand (Maison Ferrand). Since the distilling of cognac is seasonal, the company fought for the right to use its empty stills for other purposes, and launched the gin Citadelle, France's first craft gin, in 1996.²³

Citadelle's distillery is located in the Château de Bonbonnet in Ars, France. The distillery grows its own juniper berries, the only gin brand worldwide to do so.¹ It was the first gin to patent its progressive infusion technique with decreasing alcohol levels, adjusting maceration time and alcohol strength to 19 different botanic ingredients.⁴

Citadelle has performed very well at international spirit ratings competitions, including at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the Beverage Testing Institute, and Wine Enthusiast. Proof66 rates Citadelle amongst the Top 20 gins in the world.⁵

Citadelle Gin won the double gold medal at the San Francisco World and Spirits Competition.⁶

Reviewers have noted that it is a mid-pungency gin,⁷ with a more complex and assertive taste than London dry gin.²

Citadelle's distillery won the World Drinks awards 2025 (delivered by Paragraph Publishing) in the category "best touristic attraction worldwide".¹