Hasselt is Belgium's Jenever Stad and this weekend we shall be enjoying the annual Jenever Feesten sampling Hasselt Jenever in its various flavours, some fruity, some strong along with the local speciality of Speculaas, similar to gingerbread.
You can visit the National Jenever Museum in the Witte Nonnenstraat (behind the library) for free to see how Jenever is distilled. At 16.30 the fountain's water is magically transformed into Jenever and everyone can drink a free sample. The Koninklijke Hasseltse Slagersbond will also be giving tastings of Hasseltse jeneverpaté outside the museum. Last Year the Rotary Club were also selling oysters and white wine.
There will be plenty of activities throughout Hasselt including music, fairground rides, show cooking and generally people having fun.
On Saturday night you can enjoy a Jenevercruise with dinner.
At 15.00 on Sunday the waiters and waitresses of the city run round with trays of Jenever bottles and glasses. The winner earns his or her weight in Hasseltse jenever.
Have you tried all the flavours of Jenever yet? Even cactus? What about lychee?
Don't miss the house speciality of warm chocolate Jenever in Chocoladehuis Boon, Paardsdemerstraat.
For full details and the programme visit www.jeneverfeesten.be
Gezondheid!
