How does Genever differ from traditional gin?
Genever is the older Dutch spirit that gin grew from. It is built on malt wine, a low-strength grain distillate, blended with neutral spirit, so it tastes maltier and often slightly sweeter than gin. Gin starts from neutral spirit and relies on juniper and other botanicals. Genever is also a protected geographical indication.
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In this article
What is the difference between genever and gin?
Both rely on juniper, but they differ in base, style and how you drink them. Bols, the Dutch genever producer, explains the differences as follows.
| Point | Genever | Gin |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Older spirit, from the Netherlands | Defined mainly by juniper as the dominant botanical |
| Base | Malt wine (malted barley, rye, corn) blended with lighter grain spirit | Usually neutral grain spirit with botanicals |
| Taste | Malty, lightly herbal, often slightly sweet, juniper in the background | London dry is drier and sharper, with juniper and citrus up front |
| Legal status | Protected geographical indication; produced only in specific regions of the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany | No equivalent location restriction |
| Typical serve | Neat in a small tulip glass, or on ice | Mixed, as in a gin and tonic |
What are jonge and oude genever?
Jonge (young) genever has less malt wine, up to about 15%, and is lighter. Oude (old) genever has up to 50% malt wine and is richer. The words describe the recipe, not the age of the liquid.
How to choose
- For a first taste, try a jonge genever neat or in a cocktail in place of a light gin.
- If you like whisky-like richness, try an oude style.
- For a crisp gin and tonic, stick with London dry.
Using genever in cocktails
The malt base rounds out drinks compared with neutral-spirit gin. A jonge genever is the closest substitute for a light gin in a recipe.
Drink responsibly and only if you are of legal age.
People also ask
Is genever the same as gin?
No. Genever is the older Dutch spirit with a malt wine base. Gin usually starts from neutral spirit.
What is malt wine?
A low-strength distillate made from malted barley, rye and corn, which gives genever its malty character.
How do you drink genever?
Traditionally neat in a small tulip glass at room temperature, or on ice, especially lighter styles.
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