Understanding Gin & Genever

Gin is a juniper-flavoured spirit produced from a neutral base redistilled or compounded with botanicals. It spans centuries-old traditions and cutting-edge craft distilleries — from Dutch genever, the category's ancestor, to Australian botanical innovation. For bars in the Netherlands, knowing both ends of that story is a genuine advantage.

Modern Australian Gin: Four Pillars

Four Pillars pioneered a gin style the world now recognises as distinctly Australian: classic gin structure combined with native botanicals — Tasmanian pepperberry, lemon myrtle — and the signature steam-distillation of whole fresh citrus. No other gin category produces this fresh, bright, spice-forward profile. Taste it in the benchmark Rare Dry Gin, or in its cult sibling, the Bloody Shiraz Gin. (The full origin story: How Australia Changed Gin.)

London Dry

All flavour from natural botanicals redistilled with the base spirit; no post-distillation additions; at least 70% ABV during distillation. Typically juniper-forward, dry and clean — the benchmark for cocktail application.

Genever

The Dutch predecessor of gin, built on moutwijn (malt wine) — a triple-distilled grain spirit responsible for its malty, complex flavour. PGI-protected: only producible in the Netherlands, Belgium and designated parts of France and Germany. Excellent in the Martinez, the Negroni and classic pre-Prohibition cocktails.