Gin aux Bigarades Distillerie du Petit Grain | Languedoc

Distillerie du Petit Grain 's Gin aux Bigarades gives pride of place to the bitter orange, known as "bigarade", whose bitterness usually confines it to marmalades and perfumery. This unloved fruit, the result of a natural cross between mandarin and grapefruit, is nevertheless used in many gins, thanks to its fresh, deep notes. In keeping with the aromatic logic that characterizes their distillates, Distillerie du Petit Grain combines several varieties of bitter orange: Seville bigarade, Nice bouquetier and striated bigarade. To push the aromatic complexity even further, they add wild rosemary, pine nuts and Vietnamese pepper to this gin.

On the nose, this gin reveals a vibrant bouquet of fresh citrus, where bitter orange mingles with tangy tangerine. Characterful juniper and garrigue herbs mingle with resinous buds and a delicately spicy peppery note.

On the palate, the texture is both fresh and smooth. The bitterness of the bigarade is perfectly controlled, and balanced with a hint of sweetness. Tones of juniper and cardamom blend subtly with the herbaceous notes of rosemary and the gentle spiciness of Cimes pepper. The long, lingering finish is reminiscent of Mediterranean freshness.