House of Bols, the Cocktail & Genever Experience, Amsterdam

Genever, also known as Jenever, holds a significant place as the traditional liquor of the Netherlands, and it played a pivotal role in the evolution of gin. Some connoisseurs liken its flavor to that of white whiskey. Genever is a fantastic choice for mixing in cocktails, with many classic British gin cocktail recipes originally specifying it as the base spirit. The traditional style, known as Oude (old), boasts a malty botanical profile, while the newer Jonge (young) genever offers a cleaner taste reminiscent of vodka. A bottle of genever from Amsterdam can make a delightful gift for aficionados of cocktails and spirits.

Amsterdam is home to numerous genever distilleries, each guarding its own secret recipes. Bols, the world's oldest distilled liquor brand, has been rooted in Amsterdam since 1585. Visitors have the opportunity to embark on a tour of the House of Bols - Cocktail & Genever Experience, where they can gain insights into the spirit's history, savor a cocktail at the Mirror Bar, and peruse a selection of gifts at the shop. This establishment holds the unique distinction of being the sole place on Earth where you can acquire all flavors of Bols liqueurs, although various brands of genever can also be found in stores throughout Amsterdam. Price range: €10-25.