Zuidam Zeer Oude Genever (1000ml)

The Zuidam Distillery was started back in 1975 by Fred van Zuidam as a deliberately contained operation with one small copper still. It took more than a decade to forge their present reputation as the finest distillery in the Netherlands. In 1989 Zuidam expanded their warehouse to 600 square meters and one production line. Presently, both sons, Patrick and Gilbert, run the distillery under the watchful eyes of their parents. With four brand new copper stills, over 1000 oak barrels, four production lines and modern tank storage, Zuidam is now a state of the art operation, however, they have held on to one throwback from the past - Windmills. These are used to mill the grains destined for their Genevers and Malt Whisky. It not only preserves this iconic piece of Dutch heritage, but more importantly, the producers believe that the traditional slow grind causes almost no increase in the temperature of the grains and thus helps preserve the wonderful aromas.

Zuidam's Old Genever is distilled from a mash of malted barley, rye and corn. Small stills produce a very delicate and fruity new spirit. Part of this new spirit is then distilled again over a proprietory mixture of botanicals including Italian juniper berries and orris root, Moroccan coriander, whole Madagascar vanilla beans, Indian liquorice root, Sri Lankan cardamom and angelica root.

After blending, the spirit is then filled into small barrels. Zuidam use new barrels of American White Oak as well as barrels that have previously held Bourbon or Olorosso Sherry.

The Genever ages rather quickly in the warm and dry atmosphere of the distillery warehouse. Evaporation losses are high (between 4% and 5% per year).

Tasting note: The brilliant bright gold appearance is pure and clear. Paprika, white pepper and liquorice bullets feature in the opening stages with more grain and juniper evident in the second pass. A satiny mouthfeel develops with flavours of chamomile, olive bread and peppery juniper towards the finish. Ends pleasantly warming, light and long. 38% Alc./Vol.