Visit Citadelle Gin Distillery

Tucked away in the idyllic French countryside, the Citadelle Gin Distillery invites visitors to discover the art of crafting exceptional gin. This 1.5-hour guided tour provides an exclusive glimpse into the distillation process, from the cathedral-like facility to the meticulous methods behind their renowned gins. Theres some good a tasting of four distinct varieties, uncovering the depth of flavors that make Citadelle a standout in the world of artisanal spirits. Whether you’re a gin connoisseur or simply curious, this experience promises to captivate your senses and leave you intrigued to learn more.

Key Points

• Tour the distillery at Château de Bonbonnet and learn about the 25-year history and award-winning production process of France’s first artisanal gin, Citadelle.
• Enjoy a guided 1.5-hour tour, including a tasting of four different Citadelle gins, for a starting price of $16.31 per person.
• Explore the cathedral-like distillery, discover the Charente stills used, and gain insight into the maceration and aging processes.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and has a flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide, leisurely pace, and excellent tasting experience in the beautiful surroundings of the distillery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

Visitors can embark on a 1.5-hour guided tour of the Citadelle Gin Distillery located at Château de Bonbonnet.

The tour costs from $16.31 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. A reserve now, pay later option is available.

The tour costs from $16.31 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. A reserve now, pay later option is available.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible to all.

The tour provides an exclusive look at France’s first artisanal gin, including a discovery of the cathedral-like distillery and an overview of the maceration and aging processes.

Guests can taste four different gins during the experience.

Experience Highlights

The tour provides an exclusive look at France’s first artisanal gin, the Citadelle, including a discovery of the cathedral-like distillery and an overview of the maceration and aging processes.

Guests learn about the Charente stills used in production and sample four different gins – the Original, Jardin d’été, Rouge, and Cornichon.

This tasting experience allows visitors to appreciate the nuanced flavors and complexity of the Citadelle gin.

The tour highlights the Citadelle team’s 25 years of expertise and the brand’s recognition in prestigious spirits competitions, solidifying its reputation as the best French gin.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the Société Protectrice des Animaux de Cognac S.P.A., the starting location.

Guests will recognize the meeting point by the chateau, and the guide will be wearing a sailor top.

The main activities include spirits and wine tasting, a walking tour, and self-guided exploration.

The 1.5-hour experience provides an exclusive tour of the first artisanal gin in France, a cathedral distillery with Charente stills, and a chance to learn about the maceration technique and aging process.

The tour culminates in a tasting of four different gins: Original, Jardin d’été, Rouge, and Cornichon.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to the reviews, visitors have overwhelmingly positive experiences at the Citadelle Gin Distillery tour.

The tour guide receives a 5/5 rating, and the value for money is an excellent 4.9/5. Reviewers highlight the guide’s knowledgeability, the leisurely pace, and the lack of pressure to move on.

The tour guide receives a stellar 5/5 rating, and the value for money is an excellent 4.9/5. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledgeability and the leisurely, pressure-free pace.

The tasting experience is praised as excellent, and the beautiful surroundings are mentioned.

Positive feedback includes:

• Knowledgeable guide

• Leisurely pace, no pressure to move on

• Excellent tasting experience

• Beautiful surroundings

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Distillery Background

The Citadelle team boasts over 25 years of experience in gin production. This expertise has earned the distillery recognition in prestigious spirits competitions, with Citadelle voted the best French gin.

The distillery’s focus on controlling every aspect of production, from the juniper fields to the citrus plants, ensures the quality of their gins. This meticulous approach allows Citadelle to create unique and award-winning expressions that showcase their mastery of the craft.

Visitors can look forward to an immersive experience that delves into the distillery’s rich history and innovative techniques behind their acclaimed gins.

Gin Production Process

At the heart of Citadelle’s gin production lies a meticulous process that showcases the distillery’s expertise. The team carefully selects and macerates a blend of botanicals, including juniper berries, citrus fruits, and a secret combination of spices.

The maceration is followed by a slow, temperature-controlled distillation in traditional Charente stills, which preserves the delicate flavors. The resulting gin is then aged in oak barrels, allowing it to develop its unique character.

The entire process is closely monitored to ensure consistency and quality in each bottle of Citadelle gin.

The key aspects of Citadelle’s gin production process include:

• Careful selection and maceration of botanicals

• Slow, temperature-controlled distillation in traditional stills

• Aging in oak barrels to develop the gin’s character

• Strict quality control measures throughout the process

Tasting Notes

One will discover a diverse range of gin flavors at the Citadelle Distillery tasting. The original gin offers a classic juniper-forward profile.

The Jardin d’été showcases bright citrus notes. The Rouge varietal features a red color and subtle sweetness.

Finally, the Cornichon gin boasts a pickle-inspired flavor. Each expression is carefully crafted using the distillery’s maceration and aging techniques.

Tasters will appreciate the opportunity to sample this award-winning French gin portfolio. The guided tasting allows visitors to explore Citadelle’s commitment to quality and innovation in the spirits industry.

Visiting Information

How can visitors plan their trip to the Citadelle Gin Distillery?

The distillery offers a 1.5-hour tour for $16.31 per person. Guests can reserve now and pay later, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is wheelchair accessible.

A 1.5-hour tour of the Citadelle Gin Distillery is available for $16.31 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and wheelchair accessibility.

Key highlights include:

• Exclusive tour of the first artisanal gin in France

• Discovery of a cathedral distillery with Charente stills

• Learning about the maceration technique and aging process

• Tasting of 4 different gins: Original, Jardin d’été, Rouge, and Cornichon

The tour starts at the Société Protectrice des Animaux de Cognac S.P.A., and the meeting point is recognizable by the chateau; the guide wears a sailor top.

Ask Away

Can I Purchase Gin at the Distillery?

Yes, visitors can purchase gin at the Citadelle Gin Distillery. The distillery offers a tasting experience where guests can sample various gins and then purchase their favorites to take home.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code for the Citadelle Gin Distillery tour. Visitors can wear casual, comfortable clothing. The focus is on the guided experience and tasting, so there’s no need to dress up.

Are There Any Food Options Available On-Site?

There are no on-site food options available during the tour. The focus is solely on the gin tasting experience. Visitors are advised to have a meal before or after the tour as there are no dining facilities at the distillery.

Do They Offer Merchandise or Souvenirs for Purchase?

The distillery offers a range of gin-themed merchandise and souvenirs for purchase, including bottles, glasses, and accessories. Visitors can browse and buy these items as a memento of their tour experience.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos during the tour. The distillery encourages guests to capture the beautiful surroundings and the unique distilling process. Just be mindful not to disrupt the tour or distract from the guide’s explanations.

Final Words

The Citadelle Gin Distillery offers a captivating glimpse into the art of gin-making. From the stunning cathedral-like facility to the exclusive tasting of their renowned gins, this tour provides a true taste of French craftsmanship and expertise. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, the Citadelle Gin Distillery is a must-visit destination that will leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: