HJ Notaris Bartender’s Choice Genever
HJ Notaris Bartender's Choice Genever is the flagship of the Notaris bartender series: an unaged malt-spirit genever at 47% ABV in a 750mL bottle, created on request of and in cooperation with some of the world's best bartenders. Malt spirit, juniper genever, cornwyn, and a high-proof Notaris HP malt spirit combine into a smooth yet raw-edged pour — raisins, malt sweetness, apple and pear fruit, and rye spice. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 47% (94 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: unaged malt-spirit genever — "made for purists by purists"
- Origin: Schiedam, Netherlands — Herman Jansen Distillery (est. 1777); Notaris carries the municipal Seal of Schiedam
- Award: Silver 88 pts, WOB 2018
Made for Purists by Purists
Where the Rome Edition is the aged sibling, the flagship Bartender's Choice is the unaged original: Herman Jansen built it with input from top bartenders worldwide as a working genever for people who take the category seriously. The build layers malt spirit (malted barley, corn, rye) with juniper genever, cornwyn, and the Notaris HP malt spirit at 51% ABV, brought to a full-flavored 47%. Silver, 88 points, WOB 2018.
Tasting Notes
Official importer (Preiss) notes: botanicals in the background; raisins and delicate malty sweetness; very fruity — apple and pear-like, almost green and ethereal, with menthol; good harmony and length; grainy and malty — rye, dried pears, slightly yeasty. Good in cocktails or with a smoky tonic.
How to Enjoy
Neat for the full malt-and-rye experience, or in cocktails where a genever with backbone is called for — it holds its own in a negroni or an improved Holland-style old fashioned. A smoky tonic pairing is the importer's own suggestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HJ Notaris Bartender's Choice aged?
No — the flagship is an unaged malt-spirit genever. The aged expression is the separate Rome Edition.
What does Bartender's Choice taste like?
Malty and fruity — raisins, apple, pear, rye spice, and a grainy, slightly yeasty edge at 47% ABV.
Who makes HJ Notaris?
Herman Jansen Distillery in Schiedam, Netherlands — seventh generation, founded 1777.
What cocktails work with genever?
Anything built on malt character: old fashioneds, negronis, and Collins-style drinks all suit it.
For more from this Schiedam distillery, browse HJ Notaris, and for the category see our gin and genever shelves. HJ Notaris Bartender's Choice Genever is in stock and ready to order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.