First Impressions
Zuidam Rogge Genever is made from 100% rye — 50% malted, 50% unmalted — triple-distilled in copper pot stills and aged in new 200-litre American oak barrels. After ageing, juniper, liquorice and aniseed are added to part of the rye spirit and redistilled, then married with the remainder. The result is intensely rye-focused with botanical complexity.
Tasting
The nose shows rye spiciness with vanilla, toffee, cinnamon and anise — big honey and autumn spice character. On the palate, very clear rye influence with lovely spiciness — rich oak, soft toffee with liquorice, great sweet and sour interplay, and a very soft, creamy mouthfeel. The finish is warming with rye spice and oak.
The Bottom Line
Zuidam Rogge earns an 8 for a genuinely outstanding rye genever. The 93-point rating from one review is well deserved — the sweet-sour interplay and creamy mouthfeel are exceptional. At around €20 in the Netherlands (considerably more exported), it represents remarkable Dutch craft spirits.
