Though only truly blossoming into the form we recognise today in the mid-19th century, the origins of gin go back significantly further, not just in the United Kingdom but over in the Netherlands, too. Genevers, juniper-flavoured, malt-based wine spirits, have been distilled in the Netherlands for over 350 years. Ahead of World Gin Day on the 13th June, db takes a look at both the oldest gin and genever brands in the world.
Bols: 1664 (Netherlands)
The self-declared ‘World’s Oldest Cocktail Brand’, the Bols family began distilling in 1575, but only started producing genevers in 1664 (still two years prior to The Great Fire of London). Today, their brand line consists of vodkas, gins, genevers, advocates and liqueurs and is distributed in 110 countries.
Wynand Fockink: 1679 (Netherlands)
Operating under the Bols umbrella since 2012, Wynand Fockink still produces genevers under its own name. Its historic proeflokaal (tasting room) in central Amsterdam remains one of the city’s most atmospheric drinking spots, preserving 17th‑century distilling traditions.
Nolet: 1691 (Netherlands)
Now most renowned for producing Ketel One Vodka, the Nolet Distillery in Schiedam began by distilling genevers. A family business going back eleven generations, they operate a massive windmill on their property, helping them provide sustainable energy for the distillery. How very Dutch.
Nicholson: 1736 (United Kingdom)
Nicholson marks an emphatic shift across the British Channel and to gin on this list. The Nicholson family began distilling in Clerkenwell, London in 1736, becoming one of the great distillers of the Victorian age and pioneering the London Gin Style. Though production ceased in the late 20th century, the founding family revived the brand in 2016, restoring its historic recipes.
Greenall’s: 1761 (United Kingdom)
Up to the North West now with Greenall’s Gin, a brand distilled by G&J Distillers in Warrington, Cheshire. Greenall’s have operated at the same distillery since their inception in the mid-18th century, something of an anomaly in an industry subject to ever-changing sites and production pauses.
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Gordon’s: 1769 (United Kingdom)
The UK’s number one gin since the late 19th century, Gordon’s is a titan of the gin industry that dates back over a quarter of a millennium. In that time, British production has moved from Southwark to Clerkenwell to Laindon (Essex) and now Fife (Scotland) where it remains. In 1934 Gordon’s opened its first distillery in the US at Linden, New Jersey.
Plymouth: 1793 (United Kingdom)
Plymouth Gin, like Greenall’s, has been distilled on the same premises since its inception. The site of production was built in 1431 and is reputed to have once been a monastery of the Dominican Order, widely known as “Black Friars”. For this reason, it has traditionally been called the “Black Friars Distillery”, and this name appears embossed on the gin bottles.
Tanqueray: 1830 (United Kingdom)
Initially distilled in Bloomsbury, London, the original distillery was severely damaged during World War II. The one surviving building, known as “Old Tom”, was moved to a new distillery in Cameron Bridge, Scotland, which is still used to this day. In the 1980s, Tanqueray became the best-selling imported gin in the United States, a position it still holds today.
Beefeater: 1863 (United Kingdom)
The gin whose branding is most instantly synonymous with the London Gin Style, Beefeater was first distilled in Chelsea and is now produced in Kennington, south London, making it the only international gin brand still made in London. The brand was founded by pharmacist James Burrough who used his skills in chemistry to concoct his balanced mixture of botanicals.
Rutte: 1872 (Netherlands)
The final entry on the list marks a return to the Netherlands. Not much has changed about Rutte since Simon Rutte started distilling both genevers and gins over 150 years ago. The original distillery and shop in Dordrecht have remained relatively unchanged, as has the brand’s commitment to a small batch, fresh fruit approach.
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