#ginalternative

Frequently held Jenevar/Genevar/Genevieve festivals are best events in Holland to expereince this hard drink made from malt and often considered as cross between whisky and gin. In spite of years of lying low  the predecessor of gin retains stark similarities with contemporary gin. The name itself is derived from Juniper which was used in the malt based concoction initially as a digestive tonic by the monks in Holland. It took shape as lifestyle alcohol and is still sold in original form till date and is a popular brand.  

This malt based drink had unusual sharp flavor prompting infusion with juniper extract and hence the name. Oude is old style and is popular as a digestive while jonge or young is hard neutral spirit popular as an aperitif and much suitable for cocktail recipes. 

Old habits die hard and in spite of tough competition from craft gin like Osel from Estonia and other popular European gin brands the drink has takers till date. the current renaissance of gin or gin bloom has rekindled the popularity of its fore father and some of the brands are Bols, Old Dutch Genevar, Deer Hammer Dutch Style Gin and Damrak Gin are popular in Holland and in Belgium.   

But Jenevar after evolving into more popular gin form has retained a small niche market share overshadowed by the next gen. Overwhelming popularity of gin has come about due to coming into vogue the Indian tonic and entry of large number of boutique distilleries.  Nevertheless the progenitor survives and well. 

Unlike gin the popularity of Genevar is limited to Holland and Belgium in Europe and you are unlikely to find it on online store or traditional departmental store round the corner.