The subtle alchemy of botanicals and wheat spirit

It is the botanicals that make the gin, they are the very essence of this eau de vie. But the nature of the neutral spirit in which the botanicals aromas are extracted before the distillation stage directly conditions the character of the distillate. The neutral spirit chosen therefore has also a decisive role in shaping the final character of the gin.

The first secret of Cicada Dry Gin from Provence : wheat spirit

The expression “Dry Gin” does not mean “dry gin”, quite the contrary: Cicada is a mellow gin with many nuances that can be enjoyed as pure as in a cocktail. “Dry Gin” simply means that the brandy used to extract the aromas of the botanicals is of very high purity, having been distilled at more than 96%.

In order that all the nuances and subtle balance of Cicada Dry Gin can be expressed in the best conditions, during the first stage of its production, which is the maceration of the botanicals, we use wheat spirit that we have chosen for its purity and for the neutrality of its character.

For this reason, the most famous gins are the traditional expressions that meet the definition of “Distilled Dry Gin” and are produced from neutral grain spirit. It is after having collected the aromas of the botanicals during the first stage of the gin making process that Manon, our specialized alembic still, will come into play. It will fuse and sublimate the aromatic components collected during the maceration process.

The secret and delicate alchemy of botanicals

The dozen botanicals that make up our recipe – developed after numerous trials, namely the eight main ones illustrated here plus four others that form part of Cicada Gin from Provence’s secrets – will macerate for a day in a refined wheat spirit which, being neutral in character, will not impart any aromatic notes that might alter the delicate harmony of the botanicals.

As in a symphonic orchestra where all the instruments must play together to create the harmony sought, we believe that to achieve the symbiosis essential to bring the botanicals this same harmony, it is important that they are put to macerate all together during the key stage of maceration. Time is the magical and indispensable ingredient that alone will allow the good fusion of their aromas. The tests we have carried out have confirmed that this is the way to obtain the complexity and aromatic balance we are so attached to for Cicada.

Juniper

Juniper berries (Juniperus communis) are a major component of gin that gives it its distinctive character. The essential oils they contain leave a light, sweet bitterness on the palate that is accompanied by a subtly spicy finish.

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Menton Lemon

The Menton Lemon (Citrus limonum), which has been cultivated since the 15th century, is protected by a PGI. Highly fragrant, it is distinguished by its unique aromatic sweetness, developing a mild, tangy flavour that enhances the gin’s complexity and balance.

Coriander

Coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum) are the second key ingredient in the aromatic profile of gin. They give it complex, sweet and spicy citrus aromas that harmoniously reinforce those of juniper berries.

Iris roots

The iris (iridis) is a bulbous plant whose name comes from the Greek Iridos, meaning the messenger of the gods, personification of the rainbow. Its crushed roots have a fragrant character that adds a subtle note of violet to the gin.

Olives

Olives (olea) are a symbol of Mediterranean and Provençal traditions through the richness of their history and through their use. The fruity and sweet aromas they bring contribute to the unique aromatic profile of Cicada Gin.

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula Officinalis) is a perennial plant of Mediterranean origin containing essential oils with a powerful fragrance. The best lavenders are harvested on the plateaux of Haute-Provence at the time of their flowering during the month of July.

Jasmine

Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) takes its name from the Persian “Yasmin” which means “Gift of God”. Its flowers, which must be picked just before dawn, release bewitching aromas of great elegance that contribute to the complexity of Cicada gin.

Bigarade

The bigarade (Citrus Auriantum) is a variety of bitter Provençal orange with a thick skin rich in essential oils, it brings to gin fresh aromas marked by the sweet bitterness of citrus fruits.

Distillation : Manon’s Secrets

The distillation of the botanical maceration obtained represents a stage that is just as decisive for the quality of the gin as the elaboration of the latter. Many parameters must be harmonized to produce a distillate in which all the aromas of the plants are found in a sublimated form. This is what will give the gin its aromatic signature with its specific character.

Our still dedicated exclusively to the distillation of gin was specially crafted to our specifications by the world-renowned still-maker Arnold Holstein. With its four adjustable rectification plates and its purification stage, it is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment that plays a crucial role in giving Cicada Gin its distinctive character.

Tradition dictates that all gin stills have a first name, we have affectionately named our own Manon. With Manon, Jean Donnay our master distiller represents another key asset for the distillation of Cicada with more than twenty five years of experience in the distillation of gin and whisky.