Jenever

Jenever, also known as genever or Dutch gin, is a traditional juniper-flavored spirit from the Netherlands and Belgium. It was a predecessor to modern gin.

Jenever is made from a malt wine base distilled from malted barley, wheat, and rye. This gives it a fuller body and malt flavor compared to grain-based gin. The distillate is then re-distilled with botanicals including juniper berries, aniseed and other spices.

There are two main styles of jenever:

• Oude (old) jenever - An ancestral style, with at least 15% malt wine content. It is often aged and has a distinctive malt profile.
• Jonge (young) jenever - A newer style from the 20th century, with less than 15% malt wine content. It has a cleaner, lighter taste.

Jenever was very popular in the Netherlands and spread through their colonial empire. When William of Orange became King of England it grew fashionable there, later influencing London dry gin. Jenever maintains a protected designation and can only be made in certain regions.

Jenever is often served cold and neat in a tulip shaped glass. It is less juniper-forward than gin, with maltiness balancing the botanicals. When enjoyed responsibly, it offers a taste of Dutch spirits heritage.