Zuidam Dutch Courage Dry Gin

See Fareham Wine Cellar’s Gin Selection Here

Zuidam are one of the top producers of Gin, Genever and liqueurs in the Netherlands. They are also the only Genever producer that mill all their grains in the traditional method in windmills. Milling by windmill means that there is amost no increase in the temperature of the grain during milling which thus helps preserve the wonderful aromas of the Gin.

Zuidam Dry Gin is their take on a Gin rather than a Genever and they have been steadily changing the packaging. When I first came across their dry gin it was presented in a very modern looking bottle which, quite frankly, looked like a a whole host of other modern gins – this is the bottle on the left below. Then, some time last year the Zuidam Dry Gin arrived in much more traditional packaging in a bottle like the Zuidam Genever. I think this was a definite improvement – it harked back to the roots of Gin from Genever, looked more traditional and definitely stood out amongst other gins on the shelf. This is the bottle on the right below.

And finally, this month, I had a surprise when the newest Zuidam Dry Gin arrived!

I have to say I like this. We all know the term Dutch Courage, it is derived from English soldiers fighting in the Thirty Years War in the 17th century who would swore by the warming properties of Gin on the body in cold weather. Apparently them named the drink Dutch Courage. So, not only does the label have historical Dutch connections but a quirky name on the bottle also helps to give a good selling point.

Zuidam Gin Botanicals

Packaging aside, Zuidam Dry Gin is a great small batch Gin. The botanicals used are Italian juniper berries & iris root, Morroccan coriander, angelica root, Spanish oranges & lemons, vanilla from Madagascar, Indian liquorce root and cardamom pods from Ceylon. The gin is aged for 3 months prior to bottling. It is a very clean, fresh gin with citrus and earthy juniper and hints of spice and vanilla. A great Gin for a Martini!!

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