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Bols Genever Barrel-Aged
Bols

Bols Genever Barrel-Aged

3.79 Decent

18 reviews18 ratings

Gin Genever Netherlands No age statement 42% ABV

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About this bottle

Master Distiller Piet Van Leijenhorst developed this genever for Bols, which debuted in September 2011. Made with a blend of long-fermented rye, corn, and wheat, the malt wine content exceeds 50%. Botanicals such as hops, cloves, anise, licorice, and ginger are included alongside juniper. It rests for at least 18 months in French Limousin oak barrels and is presented in one-liter clay bottles at 42% ABV.

Reviews

Showing the most detailed of 5 parsed reviews.

Kiara Coughlin 3.3

Strangely, I prefer this less than the standard Bols genever. It's likely because I anticipated more depth and felt somewhat let down. A few cocktails require the aged genever, but not many, and with the $10+ price increase, I'm uncertain if it justifies the cost. On the nose, I detect bread and malt. The palate is dominated by oak and cherry, with rye bread becoming prominent. The juniper is hardly noticeable. The finish is slightly smoother than the original, but still not particularly memorable. If it were priced a bit lower or had more utility in cocktails, I might give it the same rating as the regular version. This might appeal to individuals who enjoy whiskey and are hesitant about genever. It possesses a flavor profile more aligned with whiskey enthusiasts than the regular version. I still don't find it exceptional for the price, but if cost is not a concern, I'd suggest this for the whiskey drinker and the regular Gols genever for everyone else.

Toby Shafer 4.0

This is my initial experience with genever, and I acquired it at a very low price! It presents a pale yellow color. The spirit feels lighter compared to the Scotch whiskies I am accustomed to. The aroma immediately offers the characteristic gin-like juniper. However, a subsequent taste reveals sweet honey and a mild ginger warmth. The conclusion leaves a pleasing oak and vanilla presence. When contrasted with the gins I've sampled, this is the finest I've encountered!

Margo Bullock 3.5

I find it quite appealing. I thought it was a pleasant, easy-to-drink spirit, especially suitable for cooler weather. It has notes of licorice, juniper, orange zest, black pepper, followed by mild oakiness, hints of caramel, hay, and sweet malt. I would purchase a bottle for those occasions when my usual choices don't quite satisfy.

Emilie Hale 4.0

This is the only Genever I've ever tried. It smells and tastes sweet. The aroma has a very slight oakiness, a little citrus, quite a bit of juniper, and some licorice. The taste has juniper, orange, and oakiness.

Nicole Mims 3.5

Remarkably distinct! Offers juniper, vanilla, and subtle layers of aged wood.

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