1797 | Spirits, Netherlands / Holland, $20 to $50

"Clear as rainwater. The bouquet doesn’t reach up and grab you as much as it seduces you with gentle waves of mild spirit and grainy richness. The palate entry offers mild spiciness and cereal sweetness. Finishes marvelously long, doughy, round, subtly citrusy and moderately sweet. Classy, complex and multilayered." 90-95 pts.

"Initial nosing passes reveal a zesty and mildly spicy aroma that’s focused on the cereal grain; the bouquet registers on the leaner, drier side of neutral grain spirits and as such is in direct opposition to other creamier, sweeter Dutch vodkas. Palate entry is moderately sweet, almost smoky; at midpalate, a flash of black licorice tempts the taste buds, then recedes, allowing the sweet, nearly smoky/pipe tobacco leaf taste to dominate." 90-95 pts.

"Clear as rainwater. The bouquet doesn’t reach up and grab you as much as it seduces you with gentle waves of mild spirit and grainy richness. The palate entry offers mild spiciness and cereal sweetness. Finishes marvelously long, doughy, round, subtly citrusy and moderately sweet. Classy, complex and multilayered." 90-95 pts.

"Bold aromas of frosted raisin scone and fruit cake follow through on a very smooth and satiny entry to a glycerous dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with excellent depth and balance. Finishes with a vivacious, sweet oatmeal, dried flower and pepper accented fade. A delicious, vibrant and bready genever that will be great on its own or in cocktails." Gold Medal.

"Faint aromas of powdered sugar, pastry dough, pudding, and dried tropical fruits follow through on a round, silky entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with subtle notes of minerals and spice. Finishes with a a long, clean, sweet creamy custard pastry, pear skin, and wet stone fade. Great clean character and elegant style that will excel in a wide variety of cocktails." Platinum medal winner.