First Impressions
Van Wees Amsterdamsche Oude Genever comes from the last authentic distillery in Amsterdam, established in 1782 as 'de Ooievaar' (the Stork). This is 'Dubbel Gebeide' — double the amount of juniper — with a high proportion of malt wine, aged 1-3 years in oak and presented in a traditional tall clay bottle. Living Dutch spirits history.
Tasting
The nose reveals nuts, olive oil and fresh hay with sandalwood, brioche and pear skin. On the palate, dry and spicy with tannic wood — cinnamon and clove with nutty oak, faint white grape fruitiness from the malt wine. The finish is dry clove-spiced oak with peppery olive oil.
The Bottom Line
Van Wees Amsterdamsche earns an 8 for living Amsterdam spirits heritage from 1782. The double juniper and oak ageing create a genever with genuine complexity, and the clay bottle preserves a centuries-old Dutch tradition. The last authentic distillery in Amsterdam — every sip connects to nearly 250 years of continuous Dutch spirits craftsmanship.
