Zuidam Oude Genever Oloroso Sherry 12 Years 2008 100 cl. 38%

A very special Oude Genever that does not taste at all like a juniper distillate ala gin. Because this noble spirit is so much more than just a simple nuisance. The extensive maturation of 12 years in premium Oloroso sherry casks shows size, softness, incredible depth and warm well-being.

Distilled: May 23, 2008

Bottled: May 19, 2021

Nose: a really good Oloroso cask is what I mostly get. Figs and hazelnuts, with hints of dark chocolate and red berries. Then orange peel and strawberry candy mixed with tobacco leaves. Brown bread underneath, as well as light earthy notes.

Mouth: surprisingly sweet, now comes very close to a Brandy de Jerez. Cherry syrup and latte with caramel topping. Hazelnut cream, later also walnut cake. Then lots of sultanas, candied oranges and hints of crème brûlée. Drops of Bénédictine at the end.

Finish: medium length, with more sherry goodness. Sultanas, chocolate covered nuts and sweet herbs. Never woody.

Zuidam Distillers was started in 1975 by Fred van Zuidam. At the time, the distillery only had one small pot still and approximately 300 square meters to work on. After 10 years of hard work, Zuidam had cultivated a reputation as Holland’s finest distillery, but things only really took off when Fred got his wife, Helene, to design the bottles. Today, Zuidam is still one of Holland’s most respected distilleries, with more than a thousand casks in stock and 4 new copper pot stills shining in their 3600 square meter distillery. However, the goal is still the same: to make products of the highest possible quality with craftsmanship at the fore. The portfolio includes, among other things, gin, single malt whisky, genever, liqueurs and rum.