Citadelle founder and master blender Alexandre Gabriel adds a savory and saline twist to his classic French gin.
Vive le Cornichon is a gherkin-infused gin created in partnership with France’s last remaining commercial cornichon producer, Maison Marc, and is part of the Citadelle Les Excentriques Collection. Perfect for a sophisticated twist on a dirty martini (recipe below), this limited, annual bottling is a national release in its second year with an MSRP of $40 for 700ml.
What’s In The Bottle?
To make Vive le Cornichon, Alexandre Gabriel infuses gherkins into Citadelle Gin’s base, composed of neutral grain spirits and these additional botanicals: juniper berries, lemon peel, cardamom, cubeb, coriander, nutmeg, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon, cassia, licorice, angelica, iris, almonds, fennel, cumin, star anise, savory and violet. The gin is bottled at 87.6 Proof (43.8% ABV).
How Does It Taste?
Company tasting notes: An aroma rich with a nutty sweetness and marzipan, complemented by gentle, fragrant notes of cedar wood, coriander seed, and just a hint of jasmine meet ripe peaches, liquid caramel, and zesty orange peel. The palate features creamy vanilla, ripe stone fruit, and orange oil infused with toasted almonds, Swiss milk chocolate, delicate oak notes, and a lingering sweet spice. The finish is rich and sweet with a silky nuttiness and persisting fragrance.
Le Cornichon Martini
2 oz Citadelle Gin Vive le Cornichon
½ oz Dry Vermouth
1 bar spoon de jus de cornichon (pickle juice)
Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice for about 20 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cornichon.
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