Bols Genever Gin 750ML

Bols Genever Gin 750ML is a traditional Dutch genever from Amsterdam's Lucas Bols Distillery, bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Winner of Best Dutch Genever at the 2018 World Best Gin Competition and a Gold Medal from the International Review of Spirits, this expression represents genever at its most authentic — a malt-driven spirit with centuries of heritage behind it.

Quick Facts: ABV: 42%  |  Origin: Amsterdam, Netherlands  |  Style: Traditional Genever  |  Distillery: Lucas Bols (est. 1575)

Production & Heritage

Lucas Bols, founded in 1575, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest distillery brands in the world. Bols Genever is built on a foundation of over 50% maltwine — a pot-distilled spirit made from malted barley, rye, and corn — blended with neutral grain spirit. This maltwine base is what fundamentally separates genever from London Dry gin, contributing a richer, more grain-forward character. The botanicals are distilled separately in copper pot stills to isolate their purest flavors, and the resulting distillates are blended with the maltwine and aged in oak casks. The triple-distillation process and careful blending of these components produce a spirit that bridges the gap between gin and whisky in both body and complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bold impressions of frosted raisin scone and fruitcake, layered with subtle dried flowers. A light yeast quality and hints of spiced fruit loaf emerge as the spirit breathes.

Taste: The entry is remarkably smooth and satiny, moving into a glycerous, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body. Malt sweetness dominates the mid-palate with excellent depth, while juniper remains restrained and supportive rather than leading. A grainy quality runs through the core, accompanied by light fruitiness and nuances of sweet oatmeal.

Finish: The fade is vivacious, with lingering notes of dried flower, fennel, and a touch of black pepper. It holds on with moderate length and a pleasant, slightly sweet grain echo.

How to Drink Bols Genever

Neat or slightly chilled is the traditional Dutch serve, and the maltwine backbone rewards this approach with full grain complexity. A single large ice cube opens up the fruit and floral notes without diluting the body too quickly. For cocktails, Bols Genever shines in three classics: the Holland House, where its malt richness pairs naturally with dry vermouth and lemon; the Improved Holland Gin Cocktail, a pre-Prohibition recipe that leverages genever's weight with maraschino and bitters; and the Collins (in its original Dutch form), where the grain sweetness provides more dimension than a London Dry base.

Best For

• Exploring the historical roots of gin for spirits enthusiasts curious about genever
• Building a pre-Prohibition cocktail collection with authentic ingredients
• Gifting a gin lover something outside the London Dry category
• Pairing with a Dutch or Northern European-inspired dinner spread

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bols Genever taste like? Bols Genever leads with malt sweetness and rich dried fruit — think raisin scone and fruitcake — balanced by a grainy body, subtle juniper, and a peppery, fennel-tinged finish. It drinks closer to an unaged malt spirit than a typical dry gin.

How does Bols Genever compare to London Dry gin? London Dry gins rely on juniper-forward botanicals over a neutral grain base, while Bols Genever is built on over 50% maltwine distilled from barley, rye, and corn, giving it a sweeter, fuller body with restrained juniper. The oak aging in Bols Genever also adds a dimension of warmth and complexity absent from most London Dry expressions.

Is Bols Genever good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the smooth, satiny texture and medium-full body were designed for neat consumption, which is the traditional way genever has been enjoyed in the Netherlands for centuries. A small tulip glass at room temperature or slightly chilled is ideal.

Where is Bols Genever made? Bols Genever is produced by Lucas Bols in Amsterdam, Netherlands, a distillery that has operated since 1575. Amsterdam has been the historic center of genever production for over four hundred years.

What foods pair well with Bols Genever? Aged Gouda highlights the malt sweetness with its own caramelized depth. Smoked herring or mackerel complements the grainy backbone. Rye bread with pâté mirrors the spirit's cereal notes. Almond or dried-fruit pastries echo the raisin and fruitcake aromatics. A charcuterie board with cured meats and mustard plays well against the pepper in the finish.

What sizes does Bols Genever come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Bols Genever worth the price? Bols Genever positions as a mid-premium spirit, and given the complex production involving maltwine distillation, separate botanical distillation in copper pot stills, and oak aging, it delivers strong value within the genever category. Its multiple awards, including Best Dutch Genever at the World Best Gin Competition, reinforce its standing at this price tier.

Why Bols Genever?

Few spirits can claim an unbroken production heritage stretching back to 1575, and Bols Genever carries that lineage with substance rather than mere branding. The over-50% maltwine foundation gives it a body and grain character that most modern gins simply cannot replicate, placing it in a category that predates and inspired London Dry gin itself. Its recognition at the World Best Gin Competition and Gold Medal from the International Review of Spirits confirm that the liquid matches the legacy. For anyone seeking the original expression of what gin was before it crossed the English Channel, Bols Genever is the benchmark.