JENEVER

Question 1

What is jenever (genever)?

Answer 1

A traditional Dutch and Belgian spirit made from grain alcohol, malt wine, and flavored with juniper berries and herbs. It’s the historical ancestor of modern gin.

Question 2

What is the legal alcohol minimum for jenever?

Answer 2

At least 30% ABV.

Question 3

What are the allowed base ingredients?

Answer 3

Grain alcohol, molasses, or potato starch — with or without malt wine.

Question 4

What kind of flavoring is used?

Answer 4

Juniper berry distillate and distillates of other herbs (e.g., angelica, coriander).

Question 5

How is Jenever Made?

Answer 5

1. Grain Selection
2. Batter/Mash Creation
3. Fermentation
4. Triple-stage pot distillation:
   a. Ruwnat (~12% ABV)
   b. Enkelnat (~30% ABV)
   c. Bestnat = Malt wine (~46% ABV)
5. Column Distillation
   A: Malt wine to 46–48%
   B: Grain alcohol to 96%
6. Herb Addition (juniper + others)

Question 6

What is Jonge Jenever (Young)?

Answer 6

Uses a “new” recipe (post-20th century)
Neutral flavor
Max. 15% malt wine
Min. 35% ABV

Question 7

What is Oude Jenever (Old)?

Answer 7

Based on an older, more aromatic recipe
Made from grain or molasses alcohol
Min. 15% malt wine
Min. 35% ABV
Contains more juniper and herbs

Question 8

What is the difference between Jonge and Oude jenever?

Answer 8

Jonge = more neutral, less malt wine; Oude = more aromatic, more herbal and complex.

Question 9

What is Koornwyn (Corenwyn)?

Answer 9

A high-end aged jenever made from:

Grain alcohol
Min. 38% ABV
No juniper required
At least 51% malt wine
Often aged in oak barrels for added smoothness and flavor