The passion for gin does not dry up. Even the stars are rushing into the niche, like Brad Pitt who launched his at the last Cannes Film Festival, or Emma Watson, with her Renais, made from grapes harvested in Chablis . This enthusiasm is naturally explained by the versatility of this spirit, tailor-made for mixology. It should also be noted that it remains much easier to produce than many alcohols.
However, juniper eau-de-vie is not an easy spirit. On the contrary, it requires unbridled creativity. Fortunately, an inextinguishable reservoir of botanicals and distillation techniques allow it to be flavored, even colored like “pink gin”, originally a cocktail from the mid-19th century and today refined with fruit aromas. red.
It was the Scottish Lesley Gracie, the head distiller of the Hendrick’s house, who opened the ball with her cucumber and rose gin, a classic now. The alchemist continues his work with amazing limited editions. A formidable playground, this alcohol is not free from excesses. What to think, for example, of the German Cinecane Popcorn for lovers of regressive pleasures? The shallot race has its limits.
Local artisans
It is better to venture on the side of local artisans, some of whom flirt with the world of wine. Mathieu Sabbagh, from Sab’s Spirits, works with a maceration of fresh Burgundy pinot noir marc; the color of its delicate pink gin is obtained, not by adding coloring, but after being spent in Moscatel barrels for fifteen days. “This process gives it a hint of sweetness which reinforces its natural citrus side”, explains the distiller based in Beaune.
A pioneer of French gin with Citadelle, Alexandre Gabriel from Maison Ferrand launched a daring pickle-based reference in 2022, which now joins the permanent range produced in the Cognac region. With Rouge, he launches into the dazzling niche, made with red berries and rhubarb. Paradox: contrary to the announced color, this gin remains translucent. “A militant act”, for Angélique Jullienne, its marketing and communication director who wants to prove that the addition of dyes is not essential to be in tune. A significant nuance at a time that advocates transparency.
The favorites of L’Express
Yellow Sorgin
Signed François Lurton, famous winemaker, this distilled gin made from sauvignon eau-de-vie finds its yellow color when it is spent in barrels of the famous pessac-léognan La Louvière. A very smooth gin, to be enjoyed neat. €53.
Red Citadel
To the 19 botanicals that go into the elaboration of the classic Dry of the house, are added five additional components, including red berries with explosive flavors. 38 €.
Sab’s Gin Rose
Juniper berries and 14 other aromatic plants are macerated before adding Chardonnay and Burgundy Pinot Noir eaux-de-vie. Notes of juniper, spices, lemongrass, a real tasting gin, sold under allocation. €46.
Hendrick’s Flora Adora
This fourth limited edition gives pride of place to plants from a flower garden. Notes of coriander, rose, lavender and geranium give it a very spring-like freshness. €44.90.