Bols Genever 70CL

Bols Genever, bottled at 42% ABV, is the standard expression of one of the world's oldest continuously produced spirits, dating back to the Bols distillery's founding in Amsterdam in 1575. Genever is the historical predecessor to modern gin, built on a malt wine base rather than the neutral grain spirit used in most contemporary gin production, giving it a heavier, more full-bodied character with genuine malt whisky influence alongside its juniper and botanical notes. Expect a nose combining rich, malty sweetness with classic juniper and a light citrus lift, reflecting genever's dual identity as both a proto-gin and a malt-forward spirit in its own right. The palate continues that theme, with malt sweetness providing real body and weight beneath the juniper and botanical character, finishing with gentle warmth and a lingering maltiness rather than the cleaner, drier finish typical of London Dry gin. Traditionally, genever is sipped neat or lightly chilled rather than mixed into cocktails, allowing its distinctive malt character to be appreciated on its own terms, though it also makes for an interesting, historically grounded substitute in classic gin cocktails for drinkers wanting to explore genever's role in cocktail history, including its use in the original Martinez and other proto-Martini recipes.