Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka

Product of: France

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Two distinct processes are required to produce the citrus oil extract used in Grey Goose Le Citron. The first is based on the maceration of Menton lemons and the second is based on the extraction of essential oils from lemons grown in Argentina and Brazil.

The Menton lemons are harvested from February to May in the town of Menton on the Côte d'Azur where the micro climate produces exceptionally aromatic lemons. The region celebrates its lemon harvest during its annual lemon festival: 'la Fête du Citron'. This kicks off at the end of February and sees the town filled with fantastical fruit statues and a citrus carnival attracting more than 200,000 people (www.fete-du-citron.com).

The Menton lemons are washed by hand, cut into eight pieces and then macerated for two weeks. The resulting juice has a flavour that is unique to Menton - very floral with a subtle bitterness.

The essential oils are extracted from the lemons harvested in Argentina and Brazil by gently rolling the entire lemon on a metal plate which pierces the fruit, removes the peel and cuts it open. The fruit is then sprayed with cold water to remove the delicate essential oils while still at their freshest.

The essential oils are distilled twice using a vacuum distillation process - at pressures as much as 1,000 times lower than natural atmospheric pressure. This reduces the boiling point so less heat is required thus ensuring the fruits - fresh, natural flavours are retained in the essential oil extract.

The results of the two processes, maceration and oil extraction, are combined to create the specified flavour profile. Initial blending with Grey Goose takes place at the flavour house. Due to the volatility of the lemon oils, a specific filtration process is required to ensure stability. The essential oil is then sent to Grey Goose's facility in Cognac for final blending.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 07/12/2015

Appearance:

Crystal clear.

Aroma:

Superbly clean, zesty lemon and lemon meringue pie with subtle eucalyptus.

Taste:

Clean, fresh and zippy. Zesty lemon with a slight bitter note, as one might expect from fresh lemons.

Aftertaste:

Clean, fresh lemon with slightly bitter zesty lemony bite.

Overall:

Pungent aroma and assertive palate with full-on zesty lemon.