Bols Genever The Original Spirit of Amsterdam 750ml

Before gin as we know it existed, there was Genever — and before almost anyone else, there was Bols. Founded in Amsterdam in 1575, Lucas Bols established what is widely considered the world’s oldest distilled spirits brand. Genever is the Dutch ancestor of modern gin: a malt wine base (a blend of rye, wheat, and corn distillate) softened and flavored with juniper and a proprietary bouquet of botanicals, then rested to integrate. The result is a spirit of genuine complexity — more textured and rounded than London Dry gin, with a warmth and depth that makes it uniquely versatile behind the bar.

Bols Genever is crafted to the original Amsterdam recipe, using a malt wine base that gives it a subtly grainy, malty character beneath the juniper and botanical aromatics. The nose is herbal and fragrant — juniper, angelica, and a whisper of spice. The palate is smooth and round, with malt sweetness, gentle botanicals, and a soft, lingering finish. It drinks beautifully neat or on the rocks, but truly shines in classic cocktails: the original John Collins, a Tom Collins predecessor, the Martinez, or a simple Genever & tonic. This is the spirit that taught the world to drink gin.

92 points — Wine Enthusiast | 90 points — Wine Spectator | 90 points — Wine Advocate

• Producer: Lucas Bols, Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Founded: 1575 — world’s oldest distilled spirits brand
• Style: Genever (Dutch Gin), Jonge style
• Base: Malt wine (rye, wheat, corn) with juniper and botanicals
• Origin: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Juniper, angelica, malt sweetness, herbal botanicals, soft spice, smooth lingering finish
• Serve: Neat, on the rocks, Genever & tonic, Martinez, John Collins, Negroni variation

The original spirit of Amsterdam, since 1575 — Bols Genever is where the cocktail age began.