Maxxium UK launches Bols Barrel Aged genever

Maxxium UK is extending its range of Bols genevers with the launch this month of Bols Barrel Aged genever. Inspired by the traditional method of storing genever in European oak since the 1600s, this new expression of the authentic cocktail spirit of The Netherlands is based on a 19th Century recipe considered perfect for ageing in oak.

Conceived by Lucas Bols master distiller of 25 years, Piet van Leijenhorst, Bols Barrel Aged genever (42% ABV) is a high quality genever made from over 50% malt wine, giving a smooth full-bodied experience. The liquid is blended with a unique bouquet of traditional genever botanicals (hops, cloves, anise, liquorice, ginger, juniper amongst others) and then, unlike other Bols genevers, which are bottled immediately, is aged for at least 18 months in oak barrels from the French Limousin region. Bols Barrel Aged genever is blended then bottled in an updated version of the traditional genever clay jugs, which date back to the 17th Century.

Bols Barrel Aged genever is pale golden in colour and has powerful wood-infused flavours, with apricot and vanilla notes. The traditional classic serve from The Netherlands is a kopstootje, a glass of full flavoured beer alongside a tulip glass of Bols Barrel Aged genever. Made from the same base ingredients, this is the ultimate pairing. It can also be enjoyed like a fine whisky, served ice cold or at room temperature, as an aperitif, a digestive or in classic whisky cocktails.

Maxxium UK’s marketing controller for Bols, Johna Penman says: “Genever, a spirit ingrained in Dutch culture is being re-discovered by bartenders in the UK. It is an expanding category with more and more bars having genever on the back bar and in cocktails, cementing its place as one of the original cocktail ingredients through history. Bols Barrel Aged genever not only offers versatility derived from the botanicals, but also offers depth of flavour in cocktails, provided by the ageing process.”

In 2007, genever became a protected spirit of Holland, meaning it has the equivalent of a French appellation controle d’origine (AOC). It can only be made from high-quality ingredients in the traditional way and only in Holland and a few nearby areas.

Maxxium UK is part of the sales and distribution alliance between Beam Suntory and Edrington.

Lucas Bols is the world’s oldest distilled spirits brand and one of the oldest Dutch companies still active. Building on its heritage dating back to 1575, it has mastered the art of distilling, mixing and blending old recipes with new flavours for its portfolio of premium and super-premium brands. A portfolio of more than 20 brands across a range of spirits products, including liqueurs, genever, gin and vodka are sold in more than 110 countries around the world. 

30 September 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor