This is an interesting take on an Old Fashioned. Most Old Fashioned are “spirit forward” – which is why some form of whiskey – Bourbon, Rye or even Brandy is used to make it. Gins, Rums or Vodkas just would not have the muscle strength to carry an Old Fashioned. On the other hand, a Genever can (the aging process gives it a distinct edge and character).

The recipe calls for maple syrup (instead of your simple syrup), standard bitters and citrus peels.

Came thru very well.

The recipe is from Bols Genever website. They call it Green Hornet. But different sources suggest different alcohol base for a Green Hornet. Pisco is a very common suggestion. Difford’s Guide suggests vodka.

Since I am experimenting with Bols Genever, I changed the name a little to Dutch Green Hornet. In the alcohol world, nothing says Genever (or beer) like “Dutch” does.

Did go with a tulip glass per their recommendation though.

The ingredients are Genever, Melin liqueur and lime.

The original Bols family had started a distillery way back in 1575. To put it in perspective, William Shakespeare was just a few years old then!! There have been a few reincarnations of the distillery ever since. The Genever making started in the mid 1600s. It is one of the oldest distilleries in the world and one of the oldest Dutch companies still in business. (Although I wish they had spelt it “Jenever” to keep up with the old local tradition)

If you recollect, genever is the forefather of today’s gin (referred to many times as London Dry – although there are many other types today). Unlike dry gin, genever used to be aged in a barrel – much like whisky or wine of those days.

Therefore, Bols – like every other genever has the very typical smoky nose to it. The base alcohol comes from malted wine and neutral grain spirit. It is then distilled – three times in fact – in standard copper stills. The botanicals – which are held as a secret – are added in the last distillation.

The nose strongly reminds you of the malty and grain roots with the juniper and citrus coming thru much later. To the palette it is sweeter, thick and smooth. The finish is smoky due to the ageing.

As with all other barrel aged drinks (like whiskey), this is best drank neat (with a splash of water or maybe an ice) or in a cocktail. But genever is not a G&T drink. Although I have to admit, I did make one (genever with tonic) and had it. Nothing to write home about.

Not a bad cocktail for a cold fall evening like today. It is smooth but has enough stiffness to take in the the coldness of the evening. Rather simple ingredients – freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, Rose’s sweetened lime juice and Gin. I have to admit that I am not sure why the recipe calls for the Rose’s juice after I had already put in fresh lime juice and simple syrup. But going my the end product, I am not complaining, mind you!!

As with every Bronx, this has gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth and orange juice. If you are getting serious with cocktails, please do not use any bottled or canned juices. I had to throw away my drink today and remake with fresh juice. (Of course, it is not always possible to have fresh juice).

This is a traditional Vesper cocktail which I made with Only Gin from Spain. This is of course, not a strictly “gin only” (ha ha) drink. It has Vodka too. And to round off the nose, you put in Lillet Blanc.

It is sort of an unique name “Only”. This gin is distilled in Spain – near Barcelona to be precise. The base is neutral grain spirit and then during the distillation process the following are infused: juniper berries, jasmine, lemon balm, hibiscus, violet, rose petals, mallow, lavender, pansies, veronica and orange blossom.

From the botanicals, you can guess – and you would be right – that this is a very flowery gin. The nose and the finish is distinctly flowery. The palette was a little flat.

The bottle is a nice red and orange one.

Tried with gin and tonic first.