The Legend Slot: Alexandre Gabriel - Ginposium 2026

Interviewed by Christopher Hayman, Gin Guild Chairman

In this “Legend” session, Alexandre Gabriel, creator of Citadelle Gin in 1996, joins Christopher Hayman for an engaging conversation exploring the pioneering spirit, craftsmanship and creativity behind Citadelle, reflecting on innovation, tradition and the evolution of modern gin making.

Alexandre Gabriel’s involvement in gin is through Maison Ferrand and, in particular,  the creation of Citadelle Gin. Trained as a chemist and historian, Alexandre has long been interested in the preservation and reinterpretation of historic European spirits, including gin.

Citadelle Gin takes its inspiration from an 18th-century French gin produced in Dunkirk under royal authorisation. Under his leadership, the modern expression was developed using traditional cognac stills and a botanical-forward approach that emphasised structure, balance and aromatic clarity at a time when premium gin was still a niche category.

Distilled at the Citadelle distillery in France, the gin became one of the early contemporary examples to foreground provenance, production method and botanical selection in its storytelling. This positioned it as a serious spirit for bartenders and enthusiasts, rather than a purely mixing product.

Alexandre has since overseen the careful expansion of the Citadelle range, including a cornichon-based expression we have sampled at Ginposium, and he has always maintained a clear link to classical gin styles. His work has contributed to the broader reassessment of gin as a spirit with historical depth and production credibility, helping to shape modern perceptions of premium gin within the global spirits landscape.

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Ginposium 2026

• • 12th June 2026
  • RSA House, London

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