Jenever, also known as Dutch gin, is a traditional alcoholic beverage from the Netherlands and Belgium. The spelling of jenever is often a source of confusion because it does not follow the regular English spelling rules. The word is pronounced /jəˈniːvər/, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of jenever reflects the Dutch origin of the word, where the letter ‘j’ is pronounced as /j/ (like the ‘y’ in ‘yellow’), and the double ‘e’ is pronounced as /eː/ (like the ‘ay’ in ‘day’).
Jenever is a traditional Dutch spirit that can be classified as a type of gin. Derived from the Dutch word "jeneva," meaning juniper, jenever is a grain-based liquor that is flavored with a combination of juniper berries and other botanicals. It is known for its distinct juniper flavor profile, which is somewhat similar to gin but with a more pronounced maltiness.
Jenever is typically crafted by distilling a fermented mash of grains such as rye, wheat, or barley. This distilled spirit is then blended with pure malt wine, which gives jenever its unique character. The use of malt wine sets jenever apart from gin, as it adds a distinctive malty and slightly sweet taste to the spirit.
There are two main types of jenever: oude (old) and jonge (young). Oude jenever is the traditional style and is aged in oak barrels, resulting in a smoother and more complex flavor. Jonge jenever, on the other hand, is less aged and has a cleaner and lighter taste. Both types can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or used as a base spirit in cocktails.
Jenever holds great cultural significance in the Netherlands and is often referred to as the national spirit. It has a long and storied history, dating back to the 17th century. Today, jenever continues to be cherished and enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike, serving as a link to the rich heritage of Dutch distilling traditions.
The word "jenever" originates from Dutch and has its etymological roots in the Latin word "Juniperus", meaning "juniper". Juniper berries are one of the key ingredients used in the production of jenever, a traditional Dutch spirit similar to gin. The Dutch adaptation of the word "Juniperus" is "jeneverbes", which directly refers to the juniper plant. Over time, the name was shortened to "jenever", becoming the commonly used term for this alcoholic beverage in Dutch-speaking regions.