Bols Genever

A bit harsh but good with tonic and lime

This is the bottle I turn to when cocktails call for genever. There are definitely better genevers out there, but this one is reliable and works great in every cocktail that I use it in. The nose features malt and hay, while the palate is heavy on the grain and pepper. There is a touch of sweetness and the juniper makes an appearance but it's definitely more in the background. The finish has decent length, with some earthy notes and a little burn. I think this is better in cocktails than neat, but either way it's solid. It kind of reminds me of a white whiskey but with a touch more character. Neat I would give this a 3/3.25, but its use and value in cocktails boosts this up to a 3.5.

Wasn’t sure what to expect from genever as a gin drinker, but was pleasantly surprised. For lack of a better description, the flavor profile is somewhere between an Old Tom style gin and sort of an un-aged whiskey. Not especially dry, though not sweet either, a bit malty with some juniper and more mild fruit and herb notes. Familiar, yet very much in its own category. I’ve read that genever was a precursor to what would later become gin and that history comes through in the overall taste. Very worth trying.

Aromas were very subtle. A little medicinal flavors were slightly better with some floral notes and pepper. A bigger, fuller mouthfeel than gin. But I think I prefer gin.