De Borgen Old-Style Genever (75cl, 40%)

De Borgen Old-Style Genever is a full-bodied, malt-led genever, the Dutch forerunner of gin. It is made and bottled at Hooghoudt, a small family distillery in Groningen in the north of the Netherlands, established in 1888. Unaged malt spirit is blended with a significant portion of 17-year-old malt wine, and the spirit is distilled several times with juniper on small alembic pot stills. The older malt wine adds richness and depth, linking the powerful young malt spirit to the pungent juniper distillate. The nose is rich and grainy, with juniper and warm spice. The palate is full and balanced, with a gentle almond note, mild vanilla sweetness and dusty, earthy coriander, finishing long with a hint of ginger. It is bottled at 40% vol in a 75cl bottle.