Citadelle : Bajan

Tasting Notes and Recommendations for Citadelle's Bajan Gin

Tasting

Nose
Fresh and vibrant, it opens with an immediate and intense burst of grapefruit, perfectly underpinned by the lively, structured aromatics of juniper berry.

Palate
Lively and well-balanced, it reveals a crisp, refreshing acidity accompanied by the gentle bitterness characteristic of grapefruit. Hibiscus adds a tropical, floral and zesty touch that enhances the fruity expression without masking the very essence of the gin. The finish is remarkably long, with citrus notes gradually giving way to the traditional spice and juniper character.

Pairings and tasting moments
With an alcohol content of 41.4%, this spirit is perfectly accessible neat, revealing growing complexity with each sip.

Mixology
Exceptionally versatile, it excels in premium cocktails. It truly shines in a carefully crafted gin and tonic, enhanced with a twist of grapefruit zest to bring out its citrus character. Bartenders also enjoy using it in Caribbean-inspired creations, where its tropical botanical notes express themselves fully while retaining a beautiful structural integrity.

Other characteristics
This Distilled Gin is bottled at 41.4% ABV and stands out for its unpeated profile.

A vibrant and aromatic French gin

Maison Ferrand and the Citadelle legacy: pioneers of craft gin
Founded by Alexandre Gabriel, its current owner and president, Maison Ferrand stands as an independent French company specialising in premium spirits. Also Cellar Master of Ferrand Cognacs, Alexandre Gabriel pioneered craft gin in France nearly thirty years ago with the creation of the Citadelle brand. Historical production takes place at Château de Bonbonnet, in Ars in the Charente region. Drawing on its cross-disciplinary expertise in both cognac and rum, the company has extended its footprint to the Caribbean by acquiring the West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD), founded in 1893 by George Stade. This unique dual geographical anchoring now makes it possible to create an authentic Gin of Barbados, embodying the philosophy of innovation and aromatic precision that defines Citadelle.

Bajan Gin: the union of Charentais craftsmanship and Caribbean exoticism
Bajan Gin represents a fascinating intersection between French distillation tradition and Caribbean inspiration. This spirit is the result of a terroir-driven approach, in which geographical influences are authentically integrated. Distilled by the sea in Barbados, it benefits from a meticulous production process using a copper pot still, an essential technique for preserving delicate aromatic compounds and ensuring the superior quality of the distillate.

The botanical selection of Bajan Gin pays vibrant tribute to the island's heritage. It features grapefruit, Barbados' emblematic fruit since its origins in the 18th century, paired with hibiscus and lemongrass. These Caribbean ingredients, rigorously sourced and quality-controlled, enrich the traditional juniper berry base, the hallmark signature of the House's style.

Presented in a distinctive 70 cl bottle without a gift box, the flacon reflects the brand's commitment to tradition while incorporating subtle visual elements evoking its vibrant tropical inspiration. Each batch undergoes rigorous sensory evaluations to ensure perfect consistency, illustrating the pursuit of "aromatic precision" that defines this exceptional French gin.