Oldest Gin Brand – The Story Behind the First Gin

If you love gin, you’ve probably wondered which brand was first on the market. The answer isn’t a flashy modern label; it’s a name that dates back to the 16th century. That makes it the oldest gin brand still around today, and its story is full of curious twists that explain why gin tastes the way it does now.

How the First Gin Came to Be

Gin started as a medicine in the Dutch city of Leiden. Doctors mixed juniper berries with grain spirit to help with stomach pains. This early spirit was called “jenever,” the Dutch word for gin. In 1575 a family called the Bols opened a small distillery in Amsterdam and began producing jenever for local doctors. Over the centuries, the recipe spread to England, where soldiers returning from the Low Countries started drinking it for a quick warm-up.

When the English began adding extra botanicals and sweetening the drink, the name shifted to “gin.” But the spirit in the Bols bottles stayed true to the original juniper‑forward flavor. Because the Bols distillery never stopped making its version of jenever, it became the oldest gin brand that you can still buy in a bottle today.

What Makes the Oldest Gin Brand Special Today

The secret behind the longevity of this brand isn’t just history; it’s a solid recipe. The base spirit is made from a mash of corn, rye, and barley, which is then distilled with a generous amount of juniper berries. The botanicals are added in a copper pot, allowing the flavors to blend gently. The result is a clean, crisp gin that still smells like a forest walk.

Modern gin lovers appreciate the brand because it offers a taste that’s both familiar and distinct. While many newer gins chase bold citrus or exotic spice, the oldest gin brand sticks to the classic juniper profile. This makes it perfect for a simple gin‑and‑tonic or a traditional martini.

Another reason the brand stays relevant is its commitment to quality. Every batch is tested for purity, and the distillery still uses some of the same copper stills that were installed centuries ago. The continuity of equipment means the spirit retains a character that can’t be replicated by newer, fully automated plants.

If you’re curious about trying the oldest gin brand, look for bottles labeled with the original Dutch name “Genever” or the historic distillery’s name. You’ll often find it in specialty liquor stores or online retailers that focus on heritage spirits.

So next time you reach for a gin cocktail, consider reaching back to the oldest gin brand. It’s a sip of history that still feels fresh, and it reminds us that great drinks don’t need to reinvent themselves to stay exciting.