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Inspired by the Caribbean and crafted with local ingredients, Citadelle Bajan puts grapefruit in the spotlight, an emblematic citrus that first appeared on the island in the 18th century.
Grapefruit, the radiant star of Citadelle Bajan
With Bajan, Citadelle Gin embarks on a true Caribbean escapade. Distilled at Stade's West Indies Rum Distillery, a distillery situated on the edge of emerald seas and pristine white sand, this blend captures the island's natural energy and channels it into bold aromatic intensity. At the heart of this new creation lies grapefruit, a fruit intimately tied to the island's history.
Did you know?
Grapefruit is believed to have originated in Barbados in the 18th century, the natural result of a cross between sweet orange and pomelo, both introduced to the island via maritime trade routes of the era. Originally, it was even nicknamed the "forbidden fruit," this intriguing citrus, with its unique balance of freshness, bitterness, and sweetness. From Barbados to every corner of the globe, this sun-kissed citrus has become a beloved flavor around the world, evoking sunshine, escape, and discovery. In Citadelle Bajan, it delivers vibrant brightness and crisp structure, echoing this story of travel and unexpected origins!
To capture the vibrant notes and bright aroma of this citrus in our Citadelle Bajan, hundreds of grapefruits from local varieties were peeled by hand by the Ferrand team!
The fruit's fresh acidity, balanced by bright, juicy bitterness, brings this gin to life and will add structure, depth, and balance to your cocktails.
A gin inspired by rum, entirely produced in Barbados
Creating Citadelle Bajan was first and foremost a human and cultural journey. To craft "a gin inspired by rum," as Alexandre Gabriel puts it, a true dialogue took shape between the French teams at Citadelle and those in Barbados, blending traditions, expertise, and a shared love for spirits.
Through countless shared tastings, our Barbados teams and Alexandre Gabriel refined the recipe side by side, marrying French gin expertise with Barbadian craftsmanship.
Following this process, Citadelle Bajan, whose name means "Barbadian" in local island parlance, was entirely produced at Stade's West Indies Rum Distillery, using the Old Gregg still renowned for its precision. Even the base distillate was custom-made from the distillery's own molasses, a clear tribute to the island's rum heritage.
A celebration of Barbados, Citadelle Bajan incorporates, in addition to grapefruit, other ingredients typical of the island. Hibiscus, that quintessential tropical flower, brings both cultural depth and a bold flavor signature. A local favorite for its vivid color and role in refreshing drinks, it delivers floral aromas and a hint of red-berry tartness.
Bay leaves and lemongrass, used for generations in local cooking and traditional remedies, are harvested just steps from the distillery. They bring an herbaceous, aromatic freshness, perfectly balanced by the signature base of Citadelle Gin: juniper.
A limited edition to enjoy in a signature cocktail
Even before its official launch, Citadelle Bajan made its first appearance at Whisky Live Paris. Those who stopped by the Citadelle stand got an exclusive first taste, savoring its fresh grapefruit notes and tropical character straight from Barbados.
Citadelle Bajan was launched in limited quantities in Barbados and is expected to reach Europe and the United Kingdom in the coming months. This gin will also be available at Maison Ferrand locations: at the Citadelle Gin distillery, on our floating cellar Barge 166 in Paris, and at Stade's West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados.
We recommend enjoying Citadelle Bajan in a Gin & Tonic, well chilled, with a slice of grapefruit, or in a Bajan Paloma, for which we share the ideal recipes here. Close your eyes, feel the warm breeze… Barbados is in your glass.
Cheers!
Gin & Tonic
Ingredients
- Citadelle Bajan: 1.5 oz
- Premium tonic
- Grapefruit peel
Preparation
Pour the gin and tonic into a highball glass filled with ice. Stir gently. Place the grapefruit slice as a garnish in the glass.
Bajan Paloma
Ingredients
- Citadelle Bajan: 1.5 oz
- Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice: 2.5 oz
- Freshly squeezed lime juice: 0.5 oz
- Sugar syrup : 0.5 oz
- Premium soda water
- Grapefruit wedge
Preparation
Pre-chill a Collins or highball glass. Put all the ingredients except the soda water in a shaker. Shake and strain into an ice-filled glass. Top off with the soda water. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge. Your cocktail is ready!
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