When it comes to spirits, Belgium has a rich and diverse offering. One of the most famous and unique spirits from Belgium is jenever. Jenever is often considered the predecessor to gin, and it has a fascinating history and a distinct flavor profile.
Jenever is made by distilling grains such as corn, malted barley, or rye. Unlike gin, which can be made using a variety of raw materials, jenever's primary ingredient is grain. This gives it a different character and mouthfeel compared to gin.
The production process of jenever involves distilling the grains to create a neutral spirit, which is then flavored with juniper berries and a blend of other herbs and spices. This combination of botanicals gives jenever its signature taste and aroma. The juniper berries provide a piney and resinous note, while the other botanicals add complexity and depth to the spirit.
One of the fascinating aspects of jenever is its classification system, which is based on the percentage of malt wine used in the production process. Malt wine is a distillate made from malted grains and is responsible for the unique character of jenever. There are three types of jenever: jonge (young), oude (old), and corenwyn.
Jonge jenever is the most common type and is made with a minimum of 15% malt wine. It has a lighter and more neutral flavor compared to the other types. Oude jenever, on the other hand, must contain a minimum of 15% malt wine and is aged in oak barrels, giving it a richer and more complex taste. corenwyn is the most traditional and premium type of jenever, made with a minimum of 51% malt wine. It is aged for a longer period, resulting in a spirit with deep flavors and a smooth finish.
In addition to jenever, Belgium is also known for its wide range of other spirits. Here are a few notable examples:
1. Belgian Whiskey: While Scotland and Ireland may be more famous for their whiskies, Belgium has its own growing whiskey industry. Belgian whiskey is often made using locally sourced ingredients and traditional production methods, resulting in a unique and flavorful spirit.
2. Eau de Vie: Translated as “water of life,” eau de vie is a type of fruit brandy that is popular in Belgium. It is made by fermenting and distilling various fruits such as apples, pears, cherries, and plums. Each fruit imparts its own distinct flavor to the eau de vie, making it a diverse and enjoyable spirit.
3. Fruit Lambic: Belgium is renowned for its lambic beers, but it also produces fruit lambics, which are fermented with the addition of fruits such as cherries (kriek) or raspberries (framboise). These fruity lambics have a unique tartness and complexity, making them a popular choice among beer and spirit enthusiasts alike.
4. Belgian Gin: While gin originated in the Netherlands, Belgium has embraced this spirit and has its own thriving gin scene. Belgian gins often feature locally sourced botanicals, giving them a distinct flavor profile. They range from classic London dry styles to more experimental and innovative creations.
Belgium's spirits scene is diverse and vibrant, offering a range of unique and flavorful options. Whether you're a fan of jenever, whiskey, eau de vie, fruit lambics, or gin, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, next time you're exploring the world of spirits, don't forget to raise a glass to Belgium's contributions to the craft.