05 Nov Sonnema celebrates 160th anniversary with special Berenburg
Berenburg is undoubtedly the drink of the Northern Netherlands and Sonnema was the first variety to market it in 1860.
Of course they could not let such an anniversary pass by quietly.
Because grand celebrations are very difficult at the moment, a special edition was brought to market, in a particularly beautiful bottle.
Together with a group of enthusiasts a special recipe was developed, with which this Sonnema 1860 was made. For 160 years, Sonnema’s Berenburg has been made, inspired by Fedde Sonnema.
This innkeeper wanted to change the standard recipe of Beerenburg (note the double E) that people knew.
In fact, it was Hendrik Beerenburg who was already selling ready-made spice packets from Amsterdam around 1645.
With this, a number of distilleries in Amsterdam made their own herbal drinks (Beerenburg).
Nevertheless, Beerenburg became especially popular in the northern provinces.
In his inn, Fedde Sonnema also sold this herbal drink, but he decided in 1860 to develop a bitter based on his own recipe.
With this new recipe, based on pure gin, he now uses the name Berenburg, one E less. Now, 160 years later, this“160 jier edysje” is released, with a modified recipe.
Among others, juniper berry, bay leaf, gentian root, bitter and sweet orange, galanga root, bay leaf, mint leaf, rosemary and basil have been used.
The alcohol content has also been increased to 35% (normally 30%) and the whole thing comes packaged in a particularly fine edition of their famous bottle.
By the way, the original recipe of Henrik Beerenburg is still made by Weduwe Jouwstra.
They are the only ones allowed to carry the Beerenburg name on their bottle. Check here where in your neighborhood you can buy Sonnema 1860!
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