Bols Genever Amsterdam Genever 750ml

Bols Genever represents a liquid link to gin's ancestral origins, crafted by the world's oldest distilled spirits brand dating back to 1575. This authentic genever isn't just a precursor to modern gin - it's an entirely different spirit that offers insight into centuries of Dutch distilling tradition and the roots of cocktail culture.

The production process follows traditional methods that predate modern gin by centuries. The base is a triple-distilled malt wine (moutwijn) made from rye, corn, and wheat, which provides genever's distinctive malty, whisky-like character. This malt wine is then redistilled with juniper and other botanicals, creating a spirit that's simultaneously familiar and exotic to modern gin drinkers. The result has more in common with whisky than contemporary gin, yet the juniper connection is unmistakable.

Tasting Bols Genever is like stepping back in time. The nose presents malty, bread-like aromas alongside subtle juniper - think fresh-baked rye bread in a pine forest. On the palate, the malt wine base provides remarkable depth and complexity. Unlike gin's clean, botanical-forward profile, genever offers richness and body reminiscent of unaged whisky, with juniper playing a supporting rather than leading role. The finish is warming and complex, with grain, herbs, and gentle spice.

For cocktail historians and adventurous drinkers, Bols Genever opens doors to forgotten classics. Many pre-Prohibition cocktails were designed for genever, not gin, and using the proper spirit reveals why these drinks became classics. In an original Martinez or Improved Holland Gin Cocktail, genever's complexity shines. For those seeking to understand spirits history and expand their palate beyond conventional categories, Bols Genever offers an authentic taste of drinking history.