When we think of gin, the crisp, juniper-forward London Dry style often comes to mind. But did you know that gin has a rich and malty ancestor called genever? Often referred to as the “grandfather of gin,” genever (sometimes spelled jenever) is a unique spirit with centuries of history, a distinctive flavor profile, and an important place in cocktail culture. Let’s dive into the story of genever, what makes it special, and why it’s worth exploring for any spirit enthusiast.
What Is Genever?
Genever is a malt-based distilled spirit flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals. While it shares some similarities with modern gin, genever’s malty, grain-forward flavor sets it apart. The spirit originated in the Netherlands and Belgium in the 16th century and is still primarily produced in these regions today.
There are two main styles of genever:
- Oude (Old) Genever: This traditional style is richer and maltier, with a flavor reminiscent of whiskey or beer. It’s made with a higher percentage of malt wine (a base spirit made from fermented grains).
- Jonge (Young) Genever: Introduced in the 19th century, jonge genever has a lighter, cleaner flavor. It contains less malt wine and more neutral grain spirit, making it closer in style to modern gin.
Unlike gin, where juniper is the dominant flavor, genever offers a balance of malty sweetness and herbal botanicals, creating a spirit that’s both complex and versatile.
A Brief History of Genever
The story of genever begins in the 1500s, when Dutch distillers began making a medicinal tonic by infusing alcohol with juniper berries. This early version of genever was intended to treat ailments, but it quickly gained popularity as a recreational drink. By the 17th century, genever was widely consumed in the Netherlands and had become a cornerstone of Dutch culture.
The spirit’s influence spread to England during the Eighty Years’ War, when English soldiers discovered genever and brought it back home, dubbing it “Dutch Courage.” This eventually led to the creation of gin, which evolved into a distinct spirit with a different production process and flavor profile.
While gin gained global fame, genever remained a beloved staple in the Netherlands and Belgium, where it is often enjoyed neat, chilled, or in traditional cocktails. Today, genever is protected by Geographical Indication (GI) status, meaning it can only be produced in specific regions of the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of France and Germany.
How Is Genever Made?
The production of genever is a fascinating process that combines elements of both whiskey and gin production. Here’s how it’s made:
- Malt Wine Base: Genever starts with malt wine, a distilled mash of grains such as barley, rye, and corn. This malt wine gives genever its characteristic malty flavor and aroma.
- Infusion of Botanicals: Like gin, genever is flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals. These may include coriander, angelica root, licorice, and citrus peel, though the botanical mix is typically less dominant than in gin.
- Blending: The malt wine is blended with neutral grain spirit (in the case of jonge genever) or left more concentrated (as in oude genever). This step determines the spirit’s final flavor profile.
- Distillation and Bottling: The spirit is distilled to refine its flavors and may be aged in barrels for added complexity, especially in the case of oude genever.
The result is a versatile spirit with a unique combination of malty depth, herbal botanicals, and a smooth finish.
The Flavor Profile of Genever
Genever’s flavor is truly one of a kind, combining elements of gin, whiskey, and even beer. Here’s what you can expect:
- Malty and Grainy: The malt wine base gives genever a warm, bread-like flavor with hints of caramel and cereal grains.
- Herbal and Juniper: While juniper is present, it plays a supporting role, adding a subtle herbal and piney note.
- Smooth and Balanced: Genever is typically less sharp than London Dry Gin, offering a rounded, approachable flavor.
How to Enjoy Genever
Genever can be enjoyed in several ways, depending on your taste and the occasion. Here are some popular methods:
- Neat or Chilled: In the Netherlands, it’s traditional to serve genever in a tulip-shaped glass, filled to the brim. Sip it neat or enjoy it slightly chilled to appreciate its rich, malty flavor.
- With Beer: Genever is often paired with a glass of beer in a ritual called a kopstootje (“little headbutt”). Take a sip of genever, then follow it with a sip of beer for a unique drinking experience.
- In Cocktails: Genever’s complex flavor makes it an excellent base for cocktails. Use it in place of gin or whiskey for a creative twist.
Classic Cocktails to Try with Genever
Genever has a rich history in cocktail culture and is the original base spirit for many classic drinks. Here are a few to try:
The Original Collins
- 2 oz (6 cl) genever
- 3/4 oz (2.25 cl) fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz (2.25 cl) simple syrup
- Top with soda water
- Serve over ice in a tall glass, garnished with a lemon slice.
Holland House
- 1 1/2 oz (4.5 cl) genever
- 1/2 oz (1.5 cl) dry vermouth
- 1/2 oz (1.5 cl) maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 oz (0.75 cl) fresh lemon juice
- Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
The Martinez
- 1 1/2 oz (4.5 cl) genever
- 1 1/2 oz (4.5 cl) sweet vermouth
- 1/4 oz (0.75 cl) maraschino liqueur
- Dash of orange bitters
- Stir with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Improved Genever Cocktail
- 2 oz (6 cl) genever
- 1/4 oz (0.75 cl) maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 oz (0.75 cl) simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Stir with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Why Try Genever?
Genever offers a unique drinking experience that combines rich tradition with bold flavor. Here’s why it’s worth exploring:
Historical Significance: Genever is the precursor to modern gin, giving you a taste of history in every sip.
Versatility: Its malty, complex flavor works well in both classic and contemporary cocktails, as well as neat.
Authenticity: With its protected GI status, genever provides a true sense of place, connecting you to its Dutch and Belgian roots.
Genever—A Spirit Worth Rediscovering
Genever is a one-of-a-kind spirit with a story that spans centuries. Its unique combination of maltiness, herbal notes, and smoothness makes it a must-try for anyone who loves exploring new flavors. Whether you enjoy it neat, paired with a beer, or mixed into a classic cocktail, genever brings a depth of flavor and tradition that’s hard to find in other spirits.
So next time you’re in the mood to try something different, reach for a bottle of genever and savor the rich history and flavor of this remarkable spirit. Cheers!