Hooghoudt Jenever
As with all things in our modern life, fashion and trends play a very important part of people's purchasing decisions.
In the world of drinks, gin is the current favourite when it comes to spirits. Gone of the days of "ice and a slice"
The once humble and refreshing drink has been transformed in one of the most elaborate and convoluted spectacles you find a any bar or café.
With that in mind, a well known but a very old fashion Dutch distilled spirit called Jenever (The Granddaddy of Gin) has begun to show itself in a more contemporary way.
For those of you who are not familiar with Jenever.
The roots of Jenever go back to at least 400 years ago. It has been known in the English speaking world since since 1570.
First by English sailors and soldiers fighting in the Low Counties in the 1600s. The troops were given Jenever to clam their nerves prior to going into action. This was called “Dutch Courage”. The name Jenever was shortened it to gin.
This popluar spirit was imported from The Netherlands and in the early to mid 1700s produced in England as a cheaper alternative to the once popular Brandy. The famous English artist and social commentator William Hogarth depicted the not so positive effects of cheap gin, in his seminal work “ Gin Lane”
The Gin produced in The Netherlands and England at this period were almost identical. It was only after the next two hundreds years did the English variety, take on the characteristics of the product we know now. A dry spirit with a very aromatic aroma which as we all know lends itself to a perfect accompaniment to tonic water and lemon.
So now we come to modern day Jenever still produced in The Netherlands but now with eye to a more contemporary palates but at the same time offering that very distinctive range of tastes that can only come from a fine Jenever.
Hooghoudt is one of the foremost exponent of this. Founded in 1888 in the Dutch province of Groningen. They have been the standard bearer of this most Dutch of drinks. But in recent years the products they produce have been give a make over for the 21st century.
One such varieties is the Hooghoudt Premium Jenever Triple 3 made with carbon filtered grain alcohol, malt-bearing wine, softened water and a special triple fired method. Distilled with the following herbs juniper, iris root and star anise. A hint of elderflower, cardamom and heather honey to make a sweeter tasting drink. That makes a perfect mixer for cocktails.
Outside The Netherlands their products are branded in the name of “De Borgen” and you can find Three different variations on sale.
''Holland Gin" is one that springs to mind, it is a product that is the closes to a modern day Gin, but offering the drinker and more complex melange of flavours including anise, citrus, liquorice and of course juniper berries.
Then we have De Borgen ''Before Gin'' which is a blend of 17 year aged Jenever and un-aged malt spirit along with juniper berries. It offers a very rich taste with some really warm tones. I think its a great substitute for whiskey based cocktails and mixed drinks. It makes a fine drink neat served in a tumbler.
And the last one is De Borgen “Cornwyn” as with “Before Gin”, Cornwyn is made with malt spirits and juniper berries and Dutch botanicals of various herbs. But in the case of Cornwyn it is finished in sherry wine casks, this not only gives the product and more darker colour. But imports a full bodied taste with hints of caramel and other sweet flavours.
All these varieties must be seen as a most singular drinking experience on their own and not simply as a replacement for more familiar distilled liquors. And they make a fine addition to any bar or cocktail bar of note.
In the world of drinks, gin is the current favourite when it comes to spirits. Gone of the days of "ice and a slice"
The once humble and refreshing drink has been transformed in one of the most elaborate and convoluted spectacles you find a any bar or café.
With that in mind, a well known but a very old fashion Dutch distilled spirit called Jenever (The Granddaddy of Gin) has begun to show itself in a more contemporary way.
For those of you who are not familiar with Jenever.
The roots of Jenever go back to at least 400 years ago. It has been known in the English speaking world since since 1570.
First by English sailors and soldiers fighting in the Low Counties in the 1600s. The troops were given Jenever to clam their nerves prior to going into action. This was called “Dutch Courage”. The name Jenever was shortened it to gin.
This popluar spirit was imported from The Netherlands and in the early to mid 1700s produced in England as a cheaper alternative to the once popular Brandy. The famous English artist and social commentator William Hogarth depicted the not so positive effects of cheap gin, in his seminal work “ Gin Lane”
The Gin produced in The Netherlands and England at this period were almost identical. It was only after the next two hundreds years did the English variety, take on the characteristics of the product we know now. A dry spirit with a very aromatic aroma which as we all know lends itself to a perfect accompaniment to tonic water and lemon.
So now we come to modern day Jenever still produced in The Netherlands but now with eye to a more contemporary palates but at the same time offering that very distinctive range of tastes that can only come from a fine Jenever.
Hooghoudt is one of the foremost exponent of this. Founded in 1888 in the Dutch province of Groningen. They have been the standard bearer of this most Dutch of drinks. But in recent years the products they produce have been give a make over for the 21st century.
One such varieties is the Hooghoudt Premium Jenever Triple 3 made with carbon filtered grain alcohol, malt-bearing wine, softened water and a special triple fired method. Distilled with the following herbs juniper, iris root and star anise. A hint of elderflower, cardamom and heather honey to make a sweeter tasting drink. That makes a perfect mixer for cocktails.
Outside The Netherlands their products are branded in the name of “De Borgen” and you can find Three different variations on sale.
''Holland Gin" is one that springs to mind, it is a product that is the closes to a modern day Gin, but offering the drinker and more complex melange of flavours including anise, citrus, liquorice and of course juniper berries.
Then we have De Borgen ''Before Gin'' which is a blend of 17 year aged Jenever and un-aged malt spirit along with juniper berries. It offers a very rich taste with some really warm tones. I think its a great substitute for whiskey based cocktails and mixed drinks. It makes a fine drink neat served in a tumbler.
And the last one is De Borgen “Cornwyn” as with “Before Gin”, Cornwyn is made with malt spirits and juniper berries and Dutch botanicals of various herbs. But in the case of Cornwyn it is finished in sherry wine casks, this not only gives the product and more darker colour. But imports a full bodied taste with hints of caramel and other sweet flavours.
All these varieties must be seen as a most singular drinking experience on their own and not simply as a replacement for more familiar distilled liquors. And they make a fine addition to any bar or cocktail bar of note.