Booze Traveler Season 3 Episode 21 Extra Shots: Netherlands: Liquid Courage

In Booze Traveler season 3 episode 21, titled "Extra Shots: Netherlands: Liquid Courage", host Jack Maxwell sets out to discover the unique and diverse drinking culture of the Netherlands.

The episode begins in Amsterdam, where Jack visits a centuries-old jenever distillery to learn about the origins of this traditional Dutch spirit. He discovers that jenever was the precursor to gin and is still popular in the Netherlands today. Jack tries several different varieties of jenever, including a fruit-flavored version, and learns about the role of the jenever “tasting house” in Dutch culture.

Next, Jack travels to Rotterdam, where he meets with a group of young beer brewers who are pushing the boundaries of traditional Dutch brewing. He tries some experimental beers, including a sour beer and a smoky beer, and learns about the creativity and innovation that is driving the Dutch craft beer scene.

In the town of Groningen, Jack indulges in some traditional Dutch bar snacks – bitterballen, or deep-fried meatballs – and visits a local liquor store to try some Dutch liqueurs. He samples several varieties, including one made with juniper berries and another made with Dutch honey, and learns about the importance of using local ingredients in these drinks.

The episode also explores the Dutch tradition of distilling gin, or genever. Jack visits a gin distillery in Schiedam and learns about the history of this spirit, which was originally used for medicinal purposes. He tries several different gins, including a barrel-aged version, and learns about the importance of the juniper berry in gin production.

Finally, Jack heads to the Dutch island of Texel to sample some local beers and learn about the unique whiskey being produced there. He visits a craft brewery and meets with a whiskey distiller who is using unusual ingredients, like seaweed, to create a distinctively Dutch whiskey.

Throughout the episode, Jack emphasizes the importance of drinking responsibly and highlights the social and cultural significance of drinking in Dutch society. He also showcases the unique and innovative approaches that Dutch producers are taking when it comes to creating new and exciting drinks.