I know this is a bit specific-- any connoisseurs out there? I plan to buy a bottle or two when I’m in Belgium/Netherlands this summer but I’m not sure what to get. I’ve tried a few-- I think I liked the older jenever more than the young stuff. . . I assume it’s quite a bit more expensive, though? So any recommendations for something typical (or something extraordinary)? If you were to buy a gift for someone what would you get?
I’ve also tried a few eaux-de-vie/brandies made from various things but I especially liked the. . . cristusdoorn? I’m probably spelling that wrong, but I liked that a lot. (I might also pick up a bottle of something flavored-- I had a sour apple jenever in a witbier and that was brilliant (I know I’m probably a philistine. . .) so my tastes vary.
Thanks for the advice.
Sounds like a job for Clog Boy! 
Jenever is very Dutch - don’t buy it in Begium. The best brands are Dutch, and likely cheaper here.
First off, don’t drop good jenever in good beer. It’s an insult to both beverages.
OK, having said that, I’m not a big expert on the subject. Jenever is widely considered an “old man’s” drink, the Citroenjenever (Lemon Gin) being the quintessential one for the oldtimes. But, a decent jenever will do nicely, especially when delivered as a Kopstootje.
A Kopstootje (“little head-butt”) is a pilsner and jenever combo. Two glasses - you either sip interchangably, or down the jenever and then drink the beer. Don’t have more than 4 or 5 of those combos, or you’ll never make it home. 
Brands. Bokma has about 80% of the jenever market, especially in bars. They have old and young jenever. Not bad, not good - the Heineken of jenevers.
Myself, I’m fond of Ketel 1 (“Kettle 1”). It’s a young jenever, I don’t care much for the olds.
Here’s a list of a lot of availabe brands. In Dutch, but I’m sure you can read most of it just fine.
Hope this helps a bit!
Huh-- interesting. For some reason I knew Ketel 1 was Dutch but didn’t know they made Jenever (they make a vodka that I like very much-- it’s rated very highly here in the states).
(I must admit that I did have that beer-apple jenever in Antwerp. . . perhaps you’re right). Thanks for the tips!
As you liked the older Jenever (Ouwe) better than the younger one (Jonge), be sure to give Korenwijn a try. This is extra old Jenever, very smooth.