The Netherlands punches above its weight in the drinks world. Think crisp, easy-drinking lagers, a serious craft beer scene, and the original gin’s maltier cousin: genever. Add classic liqueurs, and you’ve got a quietly versatile lineup.
What makes it special
- Genever (jenever): The Dutch forebear to gin, built on malt wine with juniper and botanicals. Two main styles:
- Beer heritage: Global lagers you know, plus bockbier in the fall and a thriving craft scene with IPAs, witbier, and barrel-aged stouts.
- Liqueurs: From custardy Advocaat to bright orange bitters and Curaçao-style bottlings.
Styles you’ll see
- Genever & Korenwijn: Sippable neat or great in classics like the Holland House and Improved Gin Cocktail.
- Dutch Lagers: Clean, crisp, food-friendly.
- Bockbier (Bok): Malty, toffee and cocoa notes—seasonal favorite.
- Craft: New-wave IPAs, farmhouse ales, imperial stouts, sours.
- Liqueurs: Creamy, citrusy, or spice-led; built for desserts and cocktails.
Flavor snapshot
Genever brings grain-bread warmth, juniper, light spice, and sometimes vanilla from wood. Lagers are snappy and refreshing; bocks tilt caramel and cocoa. Liqueurs range from silky custard to orange peel and baking spice.
How to enjoy it
- Kopstootje: A shot of genever with a beer chaser—simple and very Dutch.
- Cocktails: Swap genever for gin in a Martini or Collins for extra depth.
- After-dinner: Advocaat or orange liqueur with coffee or over ice.
Pairing playbook
Genever with cured meats and aged Gouda; lagers with fries, bitterballen, and seafood; bock with roasted veggies, sausages, and chocolate desserts.
Buying tips
Want malt and character? Choose oude genever or korenwijn. Prefer lighter mixes? Go jonge. For beer, grab Dutch bock in autumn and explore local craft for stouts and farmhouse releases.
Serving notes
- Genever: Chill lightly or serve at cool room temp.
- Lagers/Wit: 40–45°F.
- Bock/Strong ales: 50–55°F.
- Liqueurs: Chilled or over ice.
Bottom line
The Netherlands offers clean, refreshing beers, a unique malt-forward spirit in genever, and classic liqueurs for dessert or cocktails. Easy to drink, easy to pair, and full of character.
FAQs
1) Is oude genever “old” by age?
Not necessarily. “Oude” refers to traditional style—more malt wine and flavor—rather than guaranteed age.
2) How is genever different from gin?
Genever starts with a grainy, whiskey-like base (malt wine) and adds botanicals. Gin is usually a neutral spirit with a brighter juniper punch.
3) What Dutch beer should I try first?
Start with a classic Dutch lager for purity, then grab a seasonal bock in fall. If you like bigger flavors, look for Dutch imperial stouts or farmhouse ales from craft producers.
