Grey Goose Le Citron Lemon Flavored Vodka

Grey Goose is produced in the Cognac region of France, and Le Citron is its lemon-flavoured release, developed by cellar master Francois Thibault. The flavour comes from a citrus oil extract rather than syrup or sweetener: lemons, including the prized thick-skinned Menton variety from the French Riviera, are worked into a concentrated oil that carries their fragrance, then blended into the vodka base. Menton lemons are larger and less acidic than common lemons, so the character here is round and aromatic rather than tart, sitting on a soft wheat-style French base.

The nose is bright and balanced with clear lemon. The palate is clean and subtle, the citrus reading as fresh peel rather than candy, and the finish is long, fresh and gently warming. To let that natural lemon lead, build a French Lemon Collins: lengthen it with soda over plenty of ice, add a small measure of fresh lemon juice and a light touch of sugar, then garnish with a lemon wheel. The fresh juice meets the Menton-led oil and the drink stays crisp rather than sweet.