Jenever, also known as genever, is a traditional Dutch spirit that is considered the precursor to modern gin. It is a juniper-flavored liquor that originated in the Netherlands and Belgium, with a history dating back to the 16th century.
The name "jenever" is derived from the Dutch word for juniper, "jeneverbes," which is the key botanical used to flavor the spirit. Historically, jenever was first produced as a medicinal remedy, and it became widely popular during the 17th century, particularly in the Netherlands, where it was consumed by soldiers during the Eighty Years' War. This period also saw the spread of jenever to England, where it eventually evolved into what is now known as gin.
Jenever is typically distilled from malt wine, a mixture of malted barley, rye, and corn, giving it a malty, robust flavor that distinguishes it from the more neutral taste of modern gin.
There are two main styles of jenever: oude ("old") and jonge ("young"), which refer not to the aging process but to the method of production, with "oude" jenever being more traditional and malt-forward, while "jonge" jenever is lighter and less intense.
Jenever holds an important place in Dutch culture and is often enjoyed neat or as part of traditional rituals such as the "kopstoot" (headbutt), where a glass of jenever is accompanied by a beer chaser.