Bols Zeer Oude Genever is a golden coloured dutch gin with a mild, slightly sweet mouthfeel and hints of malt, vanilla, caramel and citrus fruits. This is a gin that a whiskey or scotch lover would appreciate.
The Very old (Oude) distinction derives its name from the fact that this was the first genever known in Holland, the home of gin. Its robust flavour stands out, being decidedly different in taste than that of the more familiar London Dry Gins – fuller and riper, although similar botanicals are used in its manufacture only in different proportions. The chief point of difference is the spirit base used in Dutch Gin which, unlike its New World counterparts, is not a completely tasteless neutral grain spirit. Rather, 'Zeer Oude Bols' is distilled in a pot still from a mash containing rye, barley and corn which on distillation produces some congeners normally associated with whisky. Dutch Gins are also generally distilled at a lower alcoholic strength than New World types. Bols Genever Gin, consistent with its old world tradition, is bottled in a distinctive stone crock.