I can't pronounce the name of this bar, but Genootschap der Geneugten was freakin' awesome!
We came here because Cafe de Klos was packed and little did we know that this bar is the sister establishment to Cafe de Klos. In fact, while you wait for a table at Cafe de Klos, you can pop in here for drinks and the staff from Klos will come get you once a table opens up.
We read that this place specializes in jenever, a juniper-flavored liquor that is also known as a Dutch gin. Not having had this before, I inquired with the bartender about jenever and she couldn't have been more helpful. She told us about the different varieties they serve, including fruit-flavored ones, but also how to drink it.
My friends and I ordered a shot of jenever, which you chase with an Amstel. Thinking that we needed to stand at the bar 'til our drinks were ready, the bartender informed us that she would walk over to our table to pour the jenever. After doing so, I learned why. She fills the small drinking glass to the very top and told us to not use our hands! You literally have to just move your mouth to it, so it doesn't spill over.
I ordered a dry jenever shot, which had a more smokier taste and reminded me of whiskey. I was a fan! I also thought it was easy to drink, but the light beer of Amstel was nice to chase it with, to clean your palate. I recommend trying jenever here if you've never done so before, especially since the bartender was so helpful in telling us about it and providing instruction.
Love the vibe of this place. We seemed to be the only tourists in the place while we were here, which made our experience more special. I'm glad we visited Genootschap der Geneugten for our first jenever shot(s), which they say is a "blow to the head" in Dutch! read more