Cointreau creates distillates for bartenders
Orange liqueur brand Cointreau has diversified its offering with a new collection of citrus distillates created for ‘bartenders looking to elevate their craft’.
Cointreau’s limited edition Citrus Series debuts with a ‘tribute’ to the Corsican pomelo. It is described as a testament to the French brand’s 'mastery of citrus', as well as an embodiment of Corsican heritage. The Corsican pomelo's Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) certification guarantees its geographic origins. For farmers, this means preserving and valorising centuries-old farming traditions, fostering sustainable practices, and safeguarding local economies. In addition, PGI ensures authenticity, transparency, traceability, and quality over quantity. The Corsican pomelo stands out for its bright yellow skin and occasional reddish-orange blush, as well as for its seedless nature. Its flavours are profoundly influenced by Corsica's unique Mediterranean terroir, offering a ‘perfect’ balance of sweetness and tanginess. The single estate collaboration with one orchard is said to ensure the authentic expression of a single terroir in every sip. The orchard chosen for this distillate is owned by third-generation fruit farmer Jean-Dominique Valentini and is located in the plains of Aléria, on the eastern coast of Corsica. Valentini explained: "We enjoy a unique privilege. We're situated at the last latitude for citrus production in the northern hemisphere. Between the mountain and the sea, our location is truly exceptional, with ideal sunlight, mild winters, dry summers, and consistent rainfall throughout the year." The fruit was hand-picked at peak ripeness to capture its maximum aromatic essence, before being peeled in Corsica and then transported by boat to Angers, France, where it was distilled by master distiller Carole Quinton. Quinton commented: "I was seeking something unique and exceptional in terms of flavours and aromas and, thanks to the dedication of Jean-Dominique Valentini and his magnificent terroir, I found it." To achieve the ‘most aromatic’ result, the peels are placed in copper stills with neutral grain alcohol and water at a pre-defined ABV. They are then redistilled, allowing the alcoholic vapours and volatile aromatic compounds from the peels to pass through the still and be collected from the condenser as a pale liquid distillate. The distillate more closely resembles white spirits such as gin or vodka, rather than a liqueur. The Corsican Pomelo distillate, bottled at 40% ABV, is said to boast a lively, fresh bouquet with hints of citrus and spice, making it ‘the perfect ingredient’ for adding a citrus twist to cocktails. Its nose is tempered with sweetness while its taste is bright and juicy. Cointreau’s executive director Clémence Gallet said: "We are delighted with the complexity of flavours we have found in these pomelos as well as in our capacity to reveal that uniqueness through our legacy of distillation. We believe that the Citrus Series truly embodies Cointreau's values based on craft, transmission of know-how and preservation of terroir." The brand also noted that the limited nature of the Citrus Series reflects the rarity, quality and desirability of the product line. The Corsican pomelo distillate is vegan and made without artificial flavours and colourings. Echoing the eco-consciousness of the pomelo farmers, the clear 700ml bottles are made of 60% recycled glass and are 100% recyclable. The bottles are standard format, with a discreet label and no additional packaging. Only 3,000 bottles of the single estate Corsican Pomelo distillate have been produced, which will be available in only select locations and at select events around the world.
