Damrak Gin 750ML

Damrak Gin 750ML is a Dutch gin distilled five times from 17 botanicals, bottled at 41.8% ABV (83.6 proof). Awarded a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, this citrus-forward gin draws from a long-lost recipe rediscovered at the historic Lucas Bols distillery in Amsterdam.

Quick Facts: ABV: 41.8%  |  Origin: Amsterdam, Netherlands  |  Style: Contemporary Dutch Gin  |  Distillery: Lucas Bols (est. 1575)

Production & Heritage

Damrak is produced by Lucas Bols, recognized as the world's oldest distilled spirits company, founded in Amsterdam in 1575. The recipe behind this gin was reportedly lost for generations before being rediscovered in the Bols archives, then brought back into production using modern five-times distillation of a neutral spirit base. The botanical bill runs 17 deep, featuring juniper, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, lemon peel, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, lavender, honeysuckle, and star anise — a combination that leans heavily into citrus while retaining a traditional juniper backbone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Orange sherbet and spicy orange zest arrive first, followed by dried fruit, light piney juniper, and a subtle sweetness of candied pine. The nose is bright and inviting, with a lemon peel crispness underneath.

Taste: Orange zest dominates the entry, establishing a juicy citrus character that carries through mid-palate. Underlying notes of piney juniper, angelica root, dry black pepper, and cinnamon spice emerge as the gin develops. Wine Enthusiast describes it as offering "mouth-filling notes of sweet, juicy grapefruit tempered by coriander and white pepper." Licorice and coriander add further depth toward the back palate.

Finish: Medium in length with orange and warm spice carrying through cleanly. The juniper reasserts itself subtly at the tail, leaving a dry, peppery fade.

How to Drink Damrak

Damrak drinks well chilled and neat to appreciate its aromatic complexity, though a single large ice cube opens up the citrus notes nicely. Its citrus-forward, spice-backed profile makes it exceptionally versatile in cocktails:

• Gin & Tonic: The Valencia orange character blooms against a quality tonic, making this one of the most accessible G&Ts you can build at home.
• Negroni: The bold citrus and cinnamon spice stand up to Campari's bitterness and sweet vermouth without getting buried.
• Bee's Knees: Honey syrup amplifies the honeysuckle botanical, while lemon juice plays directly into the gin's existing citrus architecture.

Best For

• Home bartenders building a versatile gin collection beyond London Dry
• Gifting to someone who appreciates Dutch distilling heritage
• Introducing gin-curious drinkers to a citrus-forward, approachable style
• Hosting cocktail nights where one bottle needs to work across multiple recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Damrak Gin taste like? Damrak Gin is predominantly citrus-driven, with orange zest and juicy grapefruit leading the palate, supported by juniper, coriander, black pepper, and warm cinnamon spice. It finishes clean with lingering orange and a dry, peppery warmth.

How does Damrak Gin compare to New Amsterdam Gin? Both are accessible, citrus-forward gins at a similar price tier, but Damrak uses 17 botanicals and five-times distillation versus New Amsterdam's simpler botanical profile. Multiple consumer reviews specifically cite Damrak as a noticeable step up in aromatic complexity and overall depth.

Is Damrak Gin good for cocktails? Damrak excels in cocktails thanks to its bold citrus presence and balanced spice, which hold their own when mixed. Wine Enthusiast specifically described it as "versatile and crisp" and "cocktail-ready."

Where is Damrak Gin made? Damrak Gin is produced by the Lucas Bols distillery in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Lucas Bols, established in 1575, is widely recognized as the world's oldest distilled spirits company.

What foods pair well with Damrak Gin? Smoked salmon or cured fish plays off the citrus and juniper beautifully. Goat cheese with honey echoes the honeysuckle botanical. Thai green curry mirrors the ginger, coriander, and lemon peel notes. Orange-glazed duck amplifies the Valencia orange character. Dark chocolate with candied orange peel ties directly into the gin's dominant flavor profile.

What sizes does Damrak Gin come in? The standard bottle is 750ML, which is the most widely available format.

Is Damrak Gin worth the price? Damrak positions as a mid-range gin that punches above its weight — a 94-point score from Wine Enthusiast and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition are credentials typically associated with higher-priced expressions, making it strong value within its tier.

Why Damrak?

A Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 94-point rating from Wine Enthusiast place Damrak in genuinely elite company for a gin at its price point. The recipe itself carries historical weight — rediscovered in the archives of Lucas Bols, a distillery that has been operating since 1575. The five-times distillation and 17-botanical bill deliver a gin that is distinctly citrus-forward without abandoning the juniper roots of the category. For drinkers looking for something with more complexity and heritage than a standard contemporary gin, Damrak makes a compelling case on every front.