What Are Juniper And Genever? Similar Words With Different Meanings In The Gin World
While ‘genever’ and ‘juniper’ might sound similar, in the realm of gin, the two have vastly different meanings. Decoding the distinguishing characteristics between them can be instrumental in understanding more about the making of gin and navigating the production processes involved in crafting this botanical spirit. Here’s a breakdown of what each of the terms connotes:
What exactly is juniper, and why is it significant in gin-production?
Very simply, juniper is a berry-like botanical, like a seed cone, which gives gin its defining flavour — a crisp, piney and resinous quality that is often associated with the spirit. In fact, without the addition of juniper, a gin cannot be called a gin. The botanical is coupled with other flavours like citrus peels, coriander seeds and angelica root which lend the spirit more complexity.
So, what is genever and why is it different from juniper?
Genever can actually be called an ancestor of gin. It was a drink produced in Dutch and Belgian regions and was made by blending malted grain spirit with a juniper distillate. The drink is traditionally maltier, slightly heavier and less botanical-forward than most modern gins. Put simply, genever can be termed as a bridge between whisky and contemporary gin.
What are the origins of genever?
The history of genever can be traced back to circa 1500s when it is first said to have originated in lowland countries like the Netherlands and Belgium. Eventually, British cadres encountered this spirit on one of their travels and brought it back to England. The spirit was distilled in its own way in British territories and soon enough became the famous London Dry gin we know today.
What are the prominent flavour notes of genever, and how are they different from modern gin?
Genever has a malty, earthy, slightly sweet flavour profile. It is often served by itself in order that its rich notes appear that much more pronounced. Alternatively, the drink is also added to several luxe, stirred cocktails.
For its part, gin is known for its crisp, light flavours and its subtle aroma. It is a drink laced with other botanical elements along with juniper, such as bright citruses or herbal infusions which lend the spirit its fresh character.
So, put simply, while genever is typically served like a spirit, by itself or on a bed of ice, gin presents itself as a botanically-infused liquor which is an excellent addition to cocktails made up of similarly fresh flavours.
Also Read: 5 Elements You Would Need To Make The Perfect Gin And Tonic
Can genever be used in gin cocktails?
Absolutely. Genever can be used to concoct several gin-based cocktails, however, the flavour notes would be markedly different. For instance, a Genever Negroni feels rounder and grainier as opposed to the sharp and tart notes of the gin version. Similarly, when added to a martinez cocktail, genever would bring out deeper, maltier flavours and slightly spiced notes.
Adding genever to what are otherwise gin cocktails can then become a fascinating exercise in crafting blends using a rather older variation of juniper spirits to lend these cocktails a bit of an aged yet tasteful twist.
Why do both words sound similar?
Both words come from the same root word, ‘juniperus,’ which in Latin refers to a juniper tree. While genever literally means juniper spirit, gin is the modern day abbreviation which has gained a lot of popularity over time. So, while the two styles are markedly different from each other, in rather subtle ways, they share similar kinds of origins.
Which spirit should an amateur stock up on at home?
Go for the juniper-led, crisp, aromatic gin if you lean towards concocting relatively modern, gin-based cocktails such as the gin and tonic or the martini cocktail or even the tom collins.
Try genever in only those drinks which would become more complex with the introduction of maltier notes. The original genever sour or even the classic improved holland gin cocktail can be among some of the drinks blended using the age-old spirit.
For those interested in cultivating a refined home bar, with a more sophisticated arrangement of different liquors, having a small bottle of genever in stock can go a long way in lending a slightly antique touch to the liquor cabinet.
Key Takeaways:
– Genever and juniper might sound the same but they mean two completely different things in the world of gin.
– Genever is a spirit that was prepared circa 1500s by blending malted grain spirit with a juniper distillate.
– Juniper is a botanical element which is integral to gin. In fact, an herb infused spirit can only be called a gin when it contains juniper-led flavours.
FAQs:
– What is the difference between genever and juniper?
While genever is the name of a spirit made using juniper distillate, juniper is the actual botanical herb used to craft modern day gin. Genever can be broadly described as the ancestor of gin.
– Which are some cocktails that can be prepared using genever?
Drinks like a genever negroni complete with slightly heavier and maltier notes or the original genever sour are some cocktails that can be prepared using this spirit.
– Why do genever and juniper sound the same?
Essentially, both words share the same Latin root, ‘juniperus,’ which refers to the juniper tree. Genever literally means juniper spirit and gin is the modern day abbreviation which has gained popularity.
All cocktails listed use 30 ml liquor measurements for single serves. Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
