Citadelle No Mistake Old Tom Gin 50cl

Description

Citadelle No Mistake Old Tom Gin

Since 1996, Château de Bonbonnet in the southwest of France has been the home of Citadelle Gin. Citadelle is proud of its geographic location, and from this they take inspiration.

In 1836, in one of the many bars he frquented, Charles Dickens marveled at "the ingenuity employed to give sobriquets to gin, with one term more seductive than the next, to describe it in multiple ways." One of these nicknames was "No Mistake" and Citadelle felt it appropriate for their Old Tom gin.

Old Tom gin's were popular in England during the 19th century, and Citadelle wanted to keep this in mind. These were sweetened gins, and during travels in the Carribean, a brown sugar (similar to Demerera) was discovered. Moist and heavy, it was the missing ingredient Citadelle had been searching for. 

The Old Tom gin consists of blending Citadelle Réserve (used due to its floral notes), with aged sugar. This is then placed back in casks and rested (again) for several months. 

The result is a gin with a beautiful gold colour. The aroma is fresh, and powerful - juniper, the zest of orange and cardamom come forward early, before herbal and floral aromas come through (jasmine & honeysuckle), and a sweet coffee like fragrance.

In the mouth this is deliciously full, and elegant. It has a sweet profile as can be expected with the added sugar, but this blends with other flavours and is perfectly balanced. Lemon zest, anise and almond join with warm spice notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and cubeb pepper. 

The finish is long. Floral, with more woody spiced notes, and hints of licorice.

Read more about Citadelle

Perfect Serve

Whilst this works in a number of cocktails calling for Old Tom Gins (such as the Tom Collins or the Martinez), we like this best sipped. The sweet notes almost remind of a rich rum - and we find is delicious enjoyed simply and on its own (maybe with a single large ice cube).