The word "jenevers" is a plural form of "jenever," a Dutch alcoholic beverage similar to gin. The spelling of "jenever" originates from the French word "genièvre," and has since then undergone changes to become the current form. The IPA phonetic transcription of "jenever" is [jəˈneː.vər], with a soft "j" sound at the beginning and a long "e" sound in the middle. The "-s" suffix in "jenevers" is pronounced as [s], making the word sound like [jəˈneːvərs].
Jenevers, also known as genevers or Dutch gin, is a category of spirits that originated in the Netherlands. The word "jenevers" itself is a plural form of "jenever" (singular). Jenever is a traditional Dutch alcoholic beverage that holds significant cultural and historical value in the country.
Jenevers are typically distilled from a mixture of malt wine, a grain-based spirit, and a combination of botanicals, including juniper berries, herbs, and spices. This unique blend of ingredients gives jenevers their distinctive flavor profile, which often features a malty and grainy character alongside notes of juniper and other botanicals.
The production process of jenevers is regulated by specific Dutch laws to maintain the traditional methods and quality. There are two main types of jenevers: oude (old) and jonge (young). Oude jenever is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year, while jonge jenever is unaged or aged for a shorter period. Oude jenevers tend to have a more pronounced malt character, whereas jonge jenevers display a lighter and more neutral taste.
Jenevers are often consumed neat or used as a base for cocktails. In Dutch culture, straight jenever is traditionally enjoyed in small tulip-shaped glasses and sipped slowly. These spirits have gained international recognition and have become popular beyond the Netherlands, with variations and adaptations emerging in other countries.
The term "jenevers" refers to a type of strong alcoholic beverage, commonly known as gin. The word "jenevers" is derived from the Dutch word "jenever", which itself is traced back to the Latin word "juniperus", meaning "juniper".
Jenever is a traditional Dutch liquor that originated in the 17th century. It was made by distilling malt wine with juniper berries and other botanicals. Due to its juniper flavor, it was given the name "jenever", which literally means "juniper" in Dutch.
Over time, the drink spread to other countries, and its name underwent changes to suit local languages. In English, "jenever" evolved into "gin", while in French, it became "genièvre".