Genever gin is an ancient and distinct style of gin, originating from the Netherlands and Belgium, with deep historical roots. Many people are familiar with modern gin, such as London Dry or Old Tom Gin, but fewer are acquainted with genever, the spirit’s precursor. This article will take you on a journey through genever’s history, production methods, flavor profiles, and how it relates to gin today.
What Is Genever Gin?
Genever, pronounced “je-ne-ver,” is a traditional Dutch and Belgian spirit that is often referred to as the predecessor to modern gin. While gin is generally made with juniper berries, genever has a unique process and flavor profile that sets it apart from its more familiar counterparts. It is distilled from malt wine (a spirit made from malted grains) and flavored primarily with juniper berries, but also with a variety of herbs and botanicals. Genever’s complexity, along with its history, makes it a fascinating spirit to explore.
The Origins of Genever
Genever has been produced since the 16th century and is believed to have originated in the Low Countries (modern-day Netherlands and Belgium). It is often credited as the spirit that eventually gave birth to modern gin, especially the London Dry style, which emerged centuries later.
The name “genever” comes from the French word for juniper, “genévrier,” which is a key botanical in its production. However, the early genever was quite different from modern gin. The first genevers were medicinal concoctions, often made with juniper berries and other botanicals to aid digestion and treat ailments. These early genevers were known for their medicinal properties and were frequently used as a type of tonic.
Over time, genever evolved into a more refined spirit, and by the 18th century, it became the drink of choice for the Dutch and Belgian upper classes. It gained international fame when it made its way to England, where it influenced the development of gin.
How Is Genever Made?
Genever production starts with the creation of a base spirit called “malt wine.” This is made by fermenting a mixture of malted barley and sometimes other grains, which gives it a malty, somewhat sweet flavor. This malt wine is then distilled to a relatively low alcohol content (around 40-50% ABV) and serves as the backbone for genever.
Unlike modern gin, which is distilled from a neutral spirit, genever maintains much more of its base flavor due to its malt wine origin. After distillation, botanicals, particularly juniper berries, are added to the spirit. Other ingredients, such as angelica root, coriander, and licorice, can be added, depending on the producer’s recipe.
There are two main types of genever: oude genever (old genever) and jonge genever (young genever).
Types of Genever: Oude vs. Jonge
Oude Genever (Old Genever): Oude genever is the traditional style and is characterized by a more prominent maltiness. It is typically aged in wooden casks, which imparts a smoother, richer flavor profile. The aging process can add complexity, with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel, in addition to the herbaceous and floral flavors from the botanicals.
Jonge Genever (Young Genever): Jonge genever, on the other hand, is a more modern style that is typically lighter in flavor. It is usually not aged and is distilled with a higher proportion of neutral grain spirit, making it smoother and more neutral in taste. Jonge genever is often preferred by those who are new to the spirit because it is less robust and has a cleaner, crisper finish.
The Role of Juniper in Genever
Just like modern gin, juniper berries play a significant role in the flavor profile of genever. However, genever uses juniper more subtly than modern gin does. While gin emphasizes the strong pine-like flavors of juniper, genever tends to balance the berry’s flavor with the maltiness of the base spirit and other herbs. This creates a smoother, more rounded profile that distinguishes genever from the sharpness often associated with gin.
Other botanicals are also key in genever production. While the exact blend of botanicals can vary from distillery to distillery, common additions include angelica root, coriander, licorice, and citrus peel. These ingredients work together to create a balanced, complex flavor that is different from that of gin.
A Historical Link to Gin
Genever played a key role in the creation of modern gin. As the spirit began to gain popularity in the Netherlands, Dutch merchants brought it to England in the late 17th century. There, genever underwent a transformation, with the juniper-forward distillates evolving into what we know today as London Dry Gin.
In fact, the term “Dutch courage” was often used during this time to describe the boldness that soldiers, sailors, and workers felt after drinking genever. The drink was associated with boosting confidence, particularly in times of war. This popularization of genever in England led to a gin craze in the early 18th century, which would eventually influence the development of gin and its iconic flavor.
Despite the rise of gin, genever has remained an essential part of Dutch and Belgian culture and has continued to be enjoyed in its original form. Today, genever is experiencing a resurgence, as bartenders and consumers seek out the history and complexity of this ancient spirit.
Genever and the Gin Renaissance
Recently, genever has enjoyed a renaissance, with a new generation of bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts discovering its distinct flavor profile. As the craft cocktail movement grows, so does the interest in spirits with historical significance, and genever fits into that trend perfectly.
While gin and genever share similar characteristics, their differences are what make genever an intriguing option for both traditionalists and experimental mixologists. Bartenders are increasingly using genever in classic cocktails, such as the Negroni and the Martini, and pairing it with a wide range of other spirits to create innovative drinks.
What Does Genever Taste Like?
Genever has a rich, malt-forward taste, which makes it quite different from the dry, piney flavor of many modern gins. The maltiness provides a smooth, slightly sweet base, with flavors reminiscent of whisky or beer, and the juniper is more delicate and subtle. Depending on the style, the spirit may also feature herbal, floral, or citrus notes.
Oude genever, with its oak aging, has a rounder, more complex profile, with added flavors like vanilla, caramel, and light smokiness. Jonge genever, being lighter and more neutral, has a crisper finish and highlights the clean flavors of juniper and other botanicals.
How to Enjoy Genever
Genever can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and how you drink it largely depends on the style of genever you’re working with.
Straight: Genever is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks. The smoothness and complexity of the spirit make it perfect for sipping, particularly if you’re drinking an aged (oude) genever.
Cocktails: Genever works well in many classic cocktails, such as the Negroni or the Martinez, and it can also be used in modern creations. Its malty, herbal flavor provides a unique twist on gin-based drinks.
In a Highball: Genever can be served in a simple highball, mixed with tonic water or ginger ale. The lighter, more neutral jonge genever is a great choice for this style of drink.
Genever with Beer: In Belgium and the Netherlands, genever is sometimes served alongside beer. This pairing is known as a “kopstootje,” meaning “little headbutt.” It’s a popular tradition that contrasts the flavors of beer and genever, often consumed in a social setting.
Where to Find Genever
While genever is still most popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, it can now be found in bars and liquor stores around the world. As demand for craft spirits grows, more distilleries are beginning to produce genever in small batches, offering unique flavors and innovations on the traditional recipes.
Conclusion
Genever gin is a fascinating and historic spirit with a complex and rich flavor profile that differs significantly from modern gin. It has its roots in medicinal practices but evolved over centuries into the sophisticated, malt-forward drink it is today. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast looking to explore its historical origins or someone new to the world of spirits, genever offers a delightful and distinctive alternative to the more familiar gin styles.
As genever continues to rise in popularity, its versatility in cocktails, along with its deep historical connection to gin, makes it a must-try for anyone interested in the world of spirits.
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