Van Wees Loyaal Zeer Oude Genever 70cl

How traditional do you want it! Beautiful matured Oude Genever in jug bottle with ear.

Loyaal is a combination of pure malt wine plus 8 different, distilled malt wines and a grain distillate. The malt wines are extracted twice in the fining kettles (double boiling) with juniper berries and spices such as coriander, caraway, angelica and angelica seed. The genever distillates rest in oak barrels before being blended into Loyaal. Loyal then moves to the lagering cellar at drinking strength. In oak, the flavours can 'marry' well with each other. The complex preparation method combined with cask aging, create an unprecedented flavour richness and exceptional 'nose'.

Tasting note

Nose

Rich and powerful with hints of fresh caraway, coriander and citrus.

Taste

Robust, with fine grain blossom, citrus and vanilla notes.

More information

Jenever, also known as genever, jonkie or klare, is a traditional strong drink originating in the Netherlands and Belgium. The drink is made by distilling a grain mash and using botanical herbs. The most famous herb used is, of course, juniper. Other herbs that can be used are: St John's Wort, angelica, nutmeg, cloves, aniseed, citrus peel and coriander.

History

The history of genever in the Netherlands dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The emergence of the alcoholic delicacy is linked to the emergence of distillation techniques and the use of grain as a base for spirits. Distillation of grain was originally introduced to Europe by the Arabs. In Europe, the process was refined during the Middle Ages. This led to production of brandy.

Distillation was initially used mainly for medicinal purposes, such as distilling wine and herbs to make extracts and tinctures. Many herbs and fruits were usually added. Around 1650 in Amsterdam, a grain distillate was designed with juniper as a remedy for muscle pain. People soon discovered that the drink could be used not only as a medicine, but also as a stimulant. Moreover, at the time, the import of brandy was prevented, so people switched to the local alcoholic drink: jenever.