What is Genever?

That mysterious bottle behind the bar….

Bartenders new to the industry and novice drinkers alike are often surprised to find that spirits categories go beyond the selection of vodka, gin, rum, agave, & whiskey. Genever is so closely linked to the history of gin that it is often mistaken for a type of gin when in fact, it is quite different, In reality, it is closer linked to a whiskey in terms of its’ creation. For more on the history of genever, check out this article from Punch. Let’s dig in further.

WHAT IS GENEVER?

By The Dutch defines Genever like this:

“a blend of two or more distillates: first, a whiskey-like triple distillate made of corn, wheat, and rye (so-called malt wine). Second, a juniper-infused distillate. A possible third part can consist of malt wine re-distilled together with different botanicals. Essentially, you can think of genever as the lovechild of a marriage between whiskey and gin.”

And yes, Genever is protected by law. Just like Champagne, Genever has it’s own AOC (Appellation d’origine contrôlée) as of 2008.

WHO MAKES IT?

Genever is a protected product, so just like tequila or cognac, there are only certain places that are allowed to produce it. Holland is what first comes to mind for many, and yes it is included on that list. Historically, Genever was also referred to as “Hollands Gin” or “Dutch Gin”. Belgium and bits of France and Germany are also allowed to create this spirit.

WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?

Genever has a malty flavor, reminiscent of blended whiskies, with a touch of botanical flavor. Juniper is always used (see above) with other botanicals optional. Hence, the comparison to gin which also utizlises the flavors of juniper and other herbs, roots, fruits, flowers, and spices.

HOW DO I USE IT IN COCKTAILS?

Many a classic cocktail originally called for Genever. Try a classic John Collins (our recipe here) subbing in Genever for the spirit base, a riff on the Bee’s Knees (honey, lemon + genever), a Red Light Negroni (genever, sweet vermouth + campari), or a Barbadian Gin Punch Swizzle (genever, lime, coconut water, demerara, + angostura bitters)