« Citadelle Guardians Competition Rules »

Article 1 – Organizer

The Citadelle Guardians competition is organised by COGNAC FERRAND, a simplified single-shareholder joint-stock company (SASU), registered with the Paris Trade and Companies Register under number 452 392 350 R.C.S. Paris, with its registered office located at 4 rue de Saint Petersbourg, 75008 Paris (hereinafter referred to as the “Organiser”).

The local organisation of the competition in the Spanish market is managed by MIGUEL TORRES (SA) registered under number A08933251 with its registered office located at Carrer Miquel Torres i Carbó, 6, 08720 Vilafranca del Penedès, and in the Portuguese market by VIRIATHUS DRINKS (LDA) registered under number 514 214 600, with its registered office located at Avenida General Humberto Delgado 141, Sintra, Portugal, acting as local partners appointed by the Organiser (hereinafter referred to as the “Local Partners”).

The Local Partners are responsible, on behalf of the Organiser, for receiving applications, verifying eligibility criteria, and communicating with participants in their respective markets. They act as data processors within the meaning of the GDPR (EU Regulation 2016/679) for the processing of personal data related to this competition.

The final of the competition will take place in France, at the Citadelle distillery, Château de Bonbonnet, 1 Chemin de Bonbonnet, 16130 Ars, under the sole responsibility of the Organiser.

Article 2 – Conditions of Participation

This competition is open to any adult individual residing in Spain or Portugal who is a professional in the bar and/or mixology sector and is able to travel for the final held at the Citadelle Distillery in Cognac from September 27 to September 29, 2026.

The following are excluded from participating:

• Any person not complying with these rules
• Any person not respecting the code of conduct and values of the Citadelle Gin brand
• Any person demonstrating inappropriate, discriminatory, dangerous, or unethical professional behavior
• Jury members and any person directly involved in the organization of the competition
• Employees of the Organizing Company and their families

The organization reserves the right to exclude a participant at any time for non-compliance with the rules, without justification or compensation.

Article 3 – Announcement and Principles

The competition is announced on:

The website: https://citadellegin.com/
The Citadelle brand Instagram page

The competition consists of two distinct phases:

Phase 1: Pre-selection (May 11 to June 30, inclusive): To validate their entry, each candidate must submit an original cocktail recipe of their own creation according to the terms in Article 4. Entries recorded after June 30 at 11:59 PM will not be considered.

Phase 2: Selection and Final (July 1 to July 14): At the end of the first phase, a jury composed of mixology professionals will select the twelve (12) best candidates based on criteria of aesthetics, originality, and respect for the theme. The finalists thus designated will be invited to an in-person final event, which will be held over a period of three days, from May 31 to June 2 inclusive. The physical presence of the finalists for the entire duration of this event is a sine qua non condition for the awarding of the prizes.

Article 4 – Terms of Participation

1. PRE-SELECTION PHASE (MAY 13 – JUNE 30, 2026)

Step 1: Create an original cocktail recipe based on Citadelle Gin

• Must contain at least one Citadelle Gin product (maximum 60ml) and at least three additional ingredients
• No limit on homemade ingredients (syrups, infusions, cordials, bitters, etc.)
• If any other spirits from the Rum, Cognac, or Triple Sec categories are used, Maison Ferrand expressions must be prioritized
• Free choice of ice, service style, and glassware
• Must be an original creation
• Prohibited ingredients: Tobacco, CBD, THC, Activated Charcoal, illegal or dangerous substances, or any ingredient unfit for consumption
• Name: Must not include copyrighted content or trademarks (except Citadelle Gin). Defamatory, discriminatory, political, religious, or vulgar language is prohibited

Step 2: Publish a post with photo and video on Instagram

The photo and video of the cocktail must be published on the participant’s Instagram account and must, as mandatory:

• Tag the profile @citadellegin and @chiara_maisonferrand
• Include the hashtag #CitadelleGuardians
• The participant’s Instagram account must be public at the time of publication and until the announcement of the finalists

The photo or video must clearly show:

• The final appearance of the cocktail
• The chosen glass
• The potential garnish
• The service ritual, if it is part of the experience
• The preparation steps may be shown but are not mandatory

The publication must include:

• A clear photo and/or video of the cocktail
• The name of the cocktail
• The complete list of ingredients and their quantities
• A short description (inspiration, story, creative approach)
• A video of presentation of the two (2) participants is not mandatory but will be a plus

Any publication not respecting these conditions cannot be taken into account.

The production quality (video equipment, professional camera, advanced editing, etc.) does not constitute a selection criterion.

Step 3: Fill out the participation form accessible on the Citadelle Guardians platform (https://citadellegin.com/citadelle-guardians/)

Anyone wishing to participate in the competition must provide the organizing company with the following information: title, last name, first name, age, postal code, valid email address, and whether they wish to receive electronic communications from the organizing company.

Participation forms that are not fully completed will not be taken into account. Cocktails and Instagram publications not meeting the criteria set out above will not be considered compliant. Once these actions are completed, the participant becomes eligible to participate.

Participation will only be considered complete if:

• The Instagram publication is compliant
• The form is duly completed
• The information provided is accurate and complete

The organization reserves the right to contact a participant to request clarifications or to invalidate a non-compliant participation. At the end of this pre-selection phase, the recipes will be evaluated by a jury according to a pre-established scoring grid taking into account notably:

• Creativity: originality of the recipe, creative stance, uniqueness of the concept, and ability to offer a personal and memorable interpretation
• Presentation: visual aspect of the cocktail
• Storytelling quality: clarity and relevance of the story or creative intention
• Respect for the theme: the recipe must reflect a creative vision while highlighting the French terroir, artisanal know-how, and the DNA of Citadelle Gin, by telling a coherent and unique story
• Flavor consistency: balance of flavors, harmony of ingredients, relevance of associations, and enhancement of Citadelle Gin

2. FINAL PHASE (SEPTEMBER 27-29, 2026)

The final will take place at the Citadelle Gin distillery, at the Château de Bonbonnet in Ars, France.

The twelve (12) finalists selected at the end of the pre-selection phase will be announced on the Instagram account @citadellegin_france between July 7 and July 14 and will receive an email confirming the terms of participation in the final. Any finalist who does not come forward before July 21 will be considered to have waived their participation. The organizing company will then select a new finalist.

Article 5 – Designation of Finalists

Following the information shared on the Instagram post and forms filled by the contestants, we will look for six (6) pairs of finalists, regarding:

• Storytelling
• Respect of the theme
• Team Spirit
• Creativity
• Flavour consistency

Article 6 – Final instructions

6.1. Ingredients

Citadelle gin: must be used as a base of the cocktail one of the product of Citadelle gin range: Citadelle Original, Citadelle Jardin d’été, Citadelle Rouge or Citadelle Cornichon. Products could be infused but not re-distilled.

Additional ingredients: if any other spirits from the Rum, Cognac, or Triple Sec categories are used, Maison Ferrand expressions must be prioritized.

The organizer will only provide the basic ingredients specified in the candidates’ recipes. Specialty products or homemade preparations must be supplied by the candidate. All homemade components must be clearly documented, including the full recipe, and presented during registration.
All ingredients must be measured using a jigger or similar measuring tool. The exact volume of all liquid ingredients must be specified in ml or cl. Phrases like “half a lemon” are not acceptable. “Dashes” or “drops” are strictly limited to bitters and sauces.
Milk punches, fat washes (individual milk or fat-washed ingredients only) and foams are permitted. Pre-batching the cocktail is not allowed.

Allergen usage: to ensure safety and transparency, all allergens (e.g., dairy, nuts, gluten, soy, eggs) must be clearly identified in the submitted recipe. Participants are responsible for declaring all allergenic components to the organizer, who will inform the judges before the competition.

Ice: the organizer will provide ice cubes, crushed ice, and clear ice.

6.2. Timing

• Fifteen (15) minutes in the preparation room before going on stage in a separate room
• Twelve (12) minutes on stage (two (2) minutes for setup + ten (10) minutes for drink creation)
• Three (3) minutes for jury questions & cleanup.

6.3. Service

Contestants must prepare 4 cocktails for each recipe: one for each judge and one for photography.

6.4. Garnish & decoration

• Must be edible, though skewers, picks, or standard accessories are permitted. Flowers and petals must be food-grade
• Use of fruits, herbs, spices, and peels is encouraged. Bite-sized pairings served with the drink are also allowed. Aromatic or citrus sprays are considered decoration (not ingredients) if specified
• Organizer will provide basic fruits and herbs (lemon, lime, orange, strawberry, mint, basil, coffee beans). Contestant must provide any specific or specialty fruits, plants, or spices

6.5. Equipment & glassware

• Contestants must provide their own gear (shakers, jiggers, bamboo whisks…), glassware, and specific ingredients
• Drinks may be presented in any type of glassware or other hygienic and safe container. No brand names or logos should be visible, except for the manufacturer’s discreet trademark
• The organizer will only provide basic equipment

Article 7 – Jury

The jury consists of industry professionals, including one representative from Maison Ferrand and three experts from the Spanish and Portuguese markets. The judges pledge to maintain total impartiality and professional ethics throughout the competition, ensuring a fair and transparent evaluation for every contestant.

Article 8 – Scoring scale

The heart of this competition lies in the meeting of two worlds. Your mission is to craft a signature cocktail that harmonizes the French terroir of Citadelle Gin with the unique identity of your own local heritage.

Beyond the glass, we are looking for more than just a drink; we want to celebrate team spirit and the power of the community. This challenge is a tribute to local roots and community collaboration—where the expertise of each partner feeds off the other to tell a story of authenticity, shared passion, and the perfect balance between two distinct cultures.

Judges will be paying attention to:

• Flavour consistency: Ensuring every drink delivers the same high-quality taste
• Knowledge & Passion: A distinguished palate and deep expertise
• Storytelling & theme: The ability to tell a story to the audience
• Team Spirit: Feeding off each other’s strengths to create a perfect balance. Blending two personalities into one perfect harmony. A seamless connection between partners, blending different personalities into a unified and fluid service
• Creativity: A creative approach to high-quality, marketable beverages
• Technical Excellence: Mastery of drink-making and service skills

The grading system is based on a total of 100 points, evaluated across the following categories:

• Sensory Evaluation (50 pts)
  o   Flavour consistency, balance, aroma and taste: 40 pts
  o   Cocktail presentation, appearance, colour & garnish: 10 pts
• Storytelling & theme respect: 20 pts
• Team chemistry & cohesion: 15 pts
• Creativity: 10 pts
• Technique: 5 pts

In addition to the cocktail evaluation, a mystery challenge will be revealed on-site, offering the opportunity to earn bonus points. More details will be shared on the day of the final.

Article 9 – Designation of Winners

Two (2) winners will be designated by the jury at the end of the final (September 27-29, 2026).

They will be the contestant with the highest score. In the event of a tie between two contestants, the highest score in the tasting category will be taken into account, followed by storytelling and theme respect.

Article 10 – Prizes

The competition includes the following prize: A trip to Barbados with a value of €3,000 entirely organized by the Citadelle brand. Transportation, accommodation, and activities will be covered by the competition organizers.

Article 11 – Exchange of prizes by the winners

These prizes may under no circumstances be exchanged for their cash value or for any other prize. The organizing company shall not be held responsible for the use or non-use, or even the trading, of the prizes by the winners.

Article 12 – Identification of finalists and winners, and disqualification of entry

Participants authorize the verification of their identity and all information appearing on the entry form. Participants whose questionnaire is not fully completed and/or contains incomplete, or false contact details will not be considered and will result in the disqualification of the entry.

The participation will only be considered complete if:

• Instagram publication is compliant
• The form is duly completed.

Article 13 – Replacement of prizes by the organizer

The organizing company reserves the right to replace the prizes won with a prize of equivalent nature and value, notably in the event of force majeure.

Article 14 – Modification of the competition dates and expansion of the number of prizes.

The organizing company shall not incur any liability in the event of force majeure or events beyond its control if it were forced to cancel this competition. It further reserves the right to extend or limit the period of participation, to postpone it, or to modify its conditions, and its liability cannot be engaged as a result.

Addenda and modifications to these rules may potentially be published during the competition. They will be considered as annexes to these rules. Any change will be subject to prior information by any appropriate means after filing the amendment with the office of the Bailiff holding these rules.

Article 15 – Use of the winners’ identity

The organizing company shall request the winners’ authorization to use, for advertising purposes, their first name, last name, name of their establishment, city of residence, and photograph, as well as their voice, without restriction or reserve, and without this conferring any remuneration, right, or advantage other than the awarding of their prize.

Article 16 – Consultation of the rules

The rules are accessible on the website https://citadellegin.com/

Article 17 – Reimbursement of participation costs

Participants shall remain responsible for all costs incurred to participate, notably the costs related to the creation of the cocktail and internet connection costs.

Article 18 – Interpretation of the rules and jurisdiction

Any potential dispute regarding the interpretation of these rules shall be decided by the organizing company. no written or verbal inquiry concerning the mechanism of the game or its interpretation will be answered.

Any dispute that cannot be settled amicably shall be submitted to the courts of Nanterre, except for contrary public policy provisions.

Article 19 – European Regulation on the protection of personal data

Personal information concerning the participants will be collected and processed electronically. In accordance with the European General Data Protection Regulation, each participant has a right of access, consultation, rectification, modification, or deletion of information concerning them by sending an email to the email address marketing.digital@maisonferrand.com.

Unless they have expressly objected, the personal information collected on the participants will be used by the organizing company for any operation related to the game and to inform them of new products and offers proposed by the organizing company, which may be of interest to them.

To object to this use of the collected personal information, each participant must send an email to the email address marketing.digital@maisonferrand.com.

Article 20 – Limitation of liability

The organizing company may freely modify, extend, postpone, shorten, or cancel the game without having to justify any reason. No compensation may be claimed as a result.

If participation is done via the internet, each participant accepts the characteristics and limits of the Internet regarding technical performance, response times to consult, query, or transfer information, the lack of protection of certain data against potential misappropriation, and the risks of contamination by potential viruses circulating on the network. The organizing company is not responsible for the functioning of the browser used by the participants, nor for problems with data transmission over the network, whether it concerns faulty transmission or absence of transmission.

Article 21 – Limits of creation

The creations of the participants will be excluded if they contain elements deemed defamatory and/or disparaging by the organizing company and notably:

• Element contrary to public decency
• Element deemed pornographic
• Element unrelated to the theme of the Contest
• Element that may infringe upon the rights of third parties
• Element non-compliant with the provisions of the Public Health Code on the advertising of alcoholic beverages

The decisions of the organizing company are final and binding.

Participants undertake to submit only original content, created by themselves, within the framework of this Game. As such, photographs, videos, or any other content generated in whole or in part using artificial intelligence (AI), including but not limited to tools for generating images, videos, or automated visual content, are strictly prohibited.

The Organizer reserves the right to verify the authenticity of the submitted content. Any participation containing content generated or modified by an artificial intelligence may be disqualified, without notice, at the sole discretion of the Organizer.

In case of doubt regarding the origin of a content, the Organizer may request the participant to provide any supporting evidence attesting to the original creation (source files, metadata, etc.). In the absence of a satisfactory response within the time limit, the participation will be considered non- compliant and may be cancelled.

Article 22 – Intellectual Property Rights

Each participant accepts that the organizing company may freely reproduce, translate in whole or in part, and represent in all places and for the entire legal duration of copyright protection, on all media and by all means (terrestrial broadcasting, cable, satellite, computer networks, etc.) the recipe, the photo, or the video created within the framework of the game (collectively referred to as the «Creation»).

By accepting these rules, each participant assigns to the Organizing Company, on an exclusive, royalty-free, and irrevocable basis, all intellectual property rights attached to their Creation. This assignment is granted for the entire world, for the full duration of legal protection under both French and foreign legislation, and current or future international conventions, including any extensions that may be granted to this duration.

This assignment covers all economic rights, including but not limited to:

• The right of reproduction, in whole or in part: specifically, the right to reproduce or have reproduced, without limitation as to quantity, by any means, in any form, and on any medium now known or hereafter discovered, including paper, magnetic, digital, opto-digital, CD-ROM, DVD, DVD-ROM, film, video, or any computer or electronic medium (Internet, Intranet, etc.), regardless of the degree of digitalization, known or unknown to date, current or future, in all definitions, formats, and languages.
• The right of representation, in whole or in part: specifically, the right to communicate to the public for commercial or non-commercial purposes, the right to distribute, and the right to broadcast or have broadcast by any method or process whatsoever, known or unknown to date, current or future, and notably via all distribution, transmission, and/or telecommunication networks, such as the Internet, regardless of the consultation terminal, by any means of television broadcasting, terrestrial, or satellite, on all media and in all formats, directly or through any third party or organization, in all places accessible to the public and in all private settings, in all versions.
• The right of adaptation and arrangement, in whole or in part: specifically, the right to transform, modify, arrange, adapt, evolve, improve, and correct, and the right to authorize a third party to do so, for any exploitation regardless of the process, techniques, or media used, known or unknown to date, and for any purpose. Consequently, the Organizing Company may freely make any modification, addition, or deletion it deems useful.
• The right of translation, in whole or in part: specifically, the right to translate or have translated, in whole or in part, into any language (including computer languages), on any medium as specified above in the paragraph relating to the right of reproduction.

The Organizing Company shall respect the moral rights of the authors and notably, as far as possible, the right to attribution (droit au nom).

Each participant guarantees the Organizing Company against any disturbances, claims, or evictions whatsoever, ensuring the peaceful and exclusive exercise of the property rights assigned under these rules.

Each participant declares that they have introduced no reproduction or reminiscence likely to violate the rights of third parties, that they have not previously assigned or mortgaged said rights, and undertakes to provide the Organizing Company with all necessary powers and documents, and more generally, to do whatever is required to ensure the peaceful and exclusive exercise of these property rights.