Dutch Genever

How is Dutch Genever made?

Dutch Genever starts with a malt wine base called moutwijn, which is distilled from a mash of corn, wheat, and rye in traditional copper pot stills, giving it a rich, grainy character that's closer to whiskey than modern gin. Juniper berries and other botanicals are then added during redistillation, though the amount varies depending on whether you're making jonge (young) or oude (old) style genever. The final spirit is typically aged in used oak barrels, which smooths out the edges and adds subtle woody notes to this historic predecessor of gin.

How do you drink Dutch Genever?

Dutch genever is traditionally enjoyed neat and chilled, served in small tulip-shaped glasses called "borrels" where you're supposed to lean over and take that first ceremonial sip without lifting the glass—a ritual called "kopstoot" when paired with a beer chaser. While purists stick to this time-honored approach, genever also works beautifully in classic cocktails like the Holland Gin Fizz or as a substitute for gin in a Martinez, where its malty backbone adds wonderful complexity. The spirit's rich, grainy character makes it perfect for cozy autumn and winter evenings, particularly during the holiday season when its warming qualities shine alongside hearty meals and festive gatherings.

How do I choose good Dutch Genever?

Start by deciding between jonge (young) and oude (old) styles based on your intended use - jonge genever's cleaner, lighter profile works beautifully in gin-forward cocktails like a Dutch Mule or Tom Collins, while oude genever's richer, maltier character shines in spirit-forward drinks or neat sipping. Look for producers like Bols, Ketel One's genever line, or smaller craft distilleries that clearly label their malt wine percentage, as higher percentages typically indicate more complex, traditional flavors. Your cocktail choice should guide your selection: if you're making something citrus-heavy or mixed with strong flavors, jonge genever won't get lost, but if you want the genever to be the star of a simple cocktail or served on the rocks, oude genever's deeper grain notes will reward your attention.

Nutritional Information

Typical Calorie Range per Ounce: 65-75 calories

Typical Carbohydrate Range per Ounce: 0-0.5 grams

Typical Sugar Range per Ounce: 0-0.3 grams

Typically Gluten Free: No

Dutch genever is traditionally made from grains including wheat, rye, corn, and malted barley, which means most varieties contain gluten. While the distillation process removes many proteins, some gluten may remain. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, always check the specific product label and contact the distiller directly to confirm gluten-free status. Some newer craft producers may offer gluten-free versions made exclusively from corn or other non-gluten grains.

Scrolled this far? Your reward? Dutch Genever Trivia!

1. Dutch genever was once so popular that it caused the first international trade war over alcohol. In 1688, when Dutch Prince William of Orange became King of England, he banned French brandy imports and promoted genever consumption. This sparked massive smuggling operations and diplomatic tensions that lasted decades, all because the English couldn't get enough of this juniper spirit that would later inspire gin.
2. The traditional genever drinking ritual involves a completely full shot glass that you must sip without using your hands first. Called "kopstoot" (headbutt), you lean over the bar with your hands behind your back and take that initial sip by bending down to the glass. Only then can you pick it up and finish it – usually followed by a beer chaser. Dutch bars still practice this centuries-old tradition.
3. Genever distilleries use a secret ingredient that most people would never guess: rye bread. Traditional distillers often add stale rye bread to their grain bill during fermentation. The bread's enzymes help convert starches to fermentable sugars, but more importantly, it adds a subtle savory complexity that distinguishes authentic genever from its British gin descendants.
4. Young genever (jonge) contains almost no juniper despite being the juniper spirit that inspired gin. Modern Dutch law requires jonge genever to contain maximum 15% malt wine and be made primarily from neutral grain spirits with minimal botanical flavoring. This means most "young" genever tastes more like vodka than the pine-forward spirit you'd expect, making it the most misunderstood member of the juniper family.
5. Genever saved the Dutch economy during World War II through an underground barter system. When currency became worthless, genever bottles became unofficial currency in occupied Netherlands. Distillers hid their stocks in church crypts and farm cellars, and a single bottle could buy a week's worth of black market food. Some distilleries even created fake communion wine labels to smuggle genever past German checkpoints.