Protected craftsmanship from the Low Countries
Sometimes you see it mentioned small on a label:BGA. Not a marketing term, not a trendy label — but an official European recognition.
But what does it actually mean? And why is it important for genever — and for us as a distillery?
BGA: Protected Geographical Indication
BGA stands forProtected Geographical Indication. It is a European quality protection for products that:
have a clear geographical origin
have a reputation linked to that region
are produced there (at least partially)
For distilled beverages, this is laid down inRegulation (EU) 2019/787, the European basic regulation for spirits.
That means: the name “jenever” is legally protected within the European Union.
Why does genever have a BGA?
Genever is not a free interpretation of “something with juniper”. It is a historically grown category with a clear origin in the Low Countries.
The BGA protects:
The name jenever / genever
The geographical origin (Netherlands, Belgium and some adjacent areas)
The traditional production method
The characteristic use of grain distillate and juniper
In other words: you cannot simply call a neutral alcohol with some botanicals “jenever”. It must meet established production characteristics and be produced in the recognised area.
More than just location
With a BGA, it is not only about where something is made, but also about how.
For jenever, this means among other things:
Using grain as a base
A role for malt wine in the flavour profile
Addition of juniper
Meeting established alcohol percentages
Production within the recognised geographical area
This protects the identity of the product — and thus also the craftsmanship of the distiller.
Historical roots
The protection is not a modern invention. Jenever has been distilled in the Netherlands and Belgium since the late Middle Ages. What began as a medicinal distillate grew into a popular drink, a trade product, and ultimately the basis for gin.
The BGA officially recognises that history. It essentially says: this product belongs to this region.
What does this mean for us?
For us as a craft distillery, BGA is not an administrative obligation — it is a confirmation.
It means:
Working within a recognised tradition
Respecting established quality standards
Being transparent with our customers
Contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage
But within those frameworks, there is still room for creativity. Genever is alive. It is evolving. And we are evolving with it.
Protected, but very much alive
BGA is not a hindrance to innovation. It is a foundation.
It ensures that when you buy a bottle of genever, you can be sure that you have a product in your hands with:
Historical depth
Geographical authenticity
Artisanal basis
From grain to glass.
Rooted in the Low Countries.
Protected by Europe.
Distilled with conviction.
