+++ Advertisement: This post was created in cooperation with RUTTE Gin. Thank you! +++

Things are getting mixed up properly…

Rutte Gin – Gin tasting A few days ago, I participated in an extensive gin tasting in Munich, more precisely at the Herzog Bar on Lenbachplatz. There are so many gins out there, almost too many when it comes to finding your own favorite. However, the gin and genever from the Dutch Rutte distillery, in their three new varieties, really impressed me. All of them were included in the tasting. Therefore, I'd like to give you a summary of Rutte, the tasting, and of course, the gin.

Rutte's new product range

The distillery's new offerings are three juniper-based specialties: Rutte Dry Gin, Rutte Old Simon Genever, and Rutte Celery Gin. Each of the three new varieties offers a unique taste experience, promising exciting flavor profiles combined with quality. However, all three gins share one thing in common: they serve as ideal inspiration for new drink creations, whetting the appetite for high-quality cocktails in a wide variety of mixed drinks. Furthermore, each gin is intended to reflect the rich history of the Rutte distillery and transport the palate to new worlds. The tasting was the perfect opportunity to do just that.

The three new gin varieties

Details about the Rutte Distillery

But before we delve into the details, here are a few facts about the Rutte Distillery. Rutte was founded in 1872 by Simon Rutte near Rotterdam. Today, the distillery is not only the smallest distillery in the Netherlands, but also renowned for its excellent, top-quality juniper-based spirits. But what makes Rutte so special? As mentioned, there are many gins. At Rutte, however, whether gin or genever, exceptional emphasis is placed on traditional craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients. The centuries-old, original recipes, once developed by founder Simon Rutte, are passed down from generation to generation and are still used today. Furthermore, all Rutte premium spirits are made exclusively with natural ingredients. The use of exotic botanicals, fresh herbs, and fruits creates a distinctive flavor across the entire Rutte range. Moreover, Rutte distills and refines its spirits by hand. A quick fact: Gin and genever differ most significantly in their base ingredients. While gin is based on a relatively neutral grain spirit, genever requires a blend of malt wine – which imparts its characteristic grainy aroma – and neutral grain alcohol. This is what creates the distinct difference in taste. Both distillates, however, share juniper berries as an ingredient.

Dutch Lemonade

My personal favorites

Personally, I was particularly impressed at the tasting – both neat and incorporated into creative cocktails at the Herzogbar – by the "Rutte Celery Gin" and the "Rutte Old Simon Genever." The Rutte Old Simon Genever consists of 12 ingredients (juniper, roasted walnuts and hazelnuts, angelica root and seeds, coriander, orris root, dried nutmeg peel, celery, carob (a cocoa-coffee-like pod from the carob tree), licorice, and fresh berries). To maintain the same high standards of quality and sophistication, the Old Simon Genever is further refined with freshly picked berries from the Dutch coast, premium carob pods from Cyprus, and succulent nuts processed in-house. The 35%ige Genever offers a flavor profile with a balanced blend of nut, citrus, and fresh berries, complemented by a touch of sweetness. It's perfect for those who prefer a more intense flavor profile.

My second favorite, the 43%ige Rutte Celery Gin, stands out significantly in terms of flavor: very juniper-forward, with a lemony-herbal note, it's considerably lighter than the Old Simon Genever. The subtle celery flavor and the refined cardamom accents, along with the juniper, angelica, coriander, sweet orange, and classic dry gin, contribute to its refreshing character. All of these ingredients require a great deal of expertise, finesse, and creativity during distillation to achieve a perfect result. A completely new taste experience for me.

One of the five food pairing creations

The tasting in detail

At the tasting, my fellow journalists and I enjoyed a drink-food pairing featuring exquisite Rutte drinks combined with perfectly matched appetizers. I sampled all three new varieties, but was most impressed by the mixed drink featuring the Old Simon Genever and the Celery Gin. The first course was a "Dutch Lemonade"—Rutte Old Simon Genever with lemonade and lime zest, served with guinea fowl on a pineapple-mango chutney. A very refreshing combination, followed by a "Celery Snapper"—Rutte Celery Gin, tomato, chili, and celery. A drink with a subtle spiciness and a pleasant gin note, served with lightly smoked mackerel, creamed cucumber, and horseradish. Delicious, and a new combination for me. Third on the menu – again mixed with genever – was a "Mr. Simon" with mandarin orange and agave, accompanied by beef tartare with egg vinaigrette. My favorite in terms of food pairing was the fourth drink – once again enriched with celery gin, vermouth, and orange zest – and served with warm salmon, avocado, and curry. The final dessert, and fifth course, was a yogurt crème brûlée with strawberry-basil sorbet, served with a "Basil Smash" made with classic Rutte Dry Gin, lemon juice, sugar, and basil.

Dessert and final drink

Key facts and personal conclusion about Rutte Gin

All in all, a truly successful tasting with fantastic flavor experiences and new discoveries for me. Rutte Gin impressed me with its diversity and its "courage to try new things." Especially since I had the honor of tasting the entire new range, including delicious food and creative drinks. This allowed me to explore the rich possibilities of working with gin even further that evening. As mentioned, Rutte Gins are fantastic both neat and as a base for great cocktails. So, if you're looking for something new, this is the answer.

Venue: Duke's bar
Tested: Rutte Gin and Genever – Rutte Dry Gin, Rutte Old Simon Genever, Rutte Celery Gin
Website

Battling against the spread of fraudulent medications