Around the World in Beers: The Netherlands

The Netherlands is often overshadowed when it comes to beer, being bordered by Belgium and Germany, but in recent years it’s seen a craft beer boom. From historic giants like Heineken and Grolsch, to the more up-and-coming independent microbreweries, there’s no shortage of good beer in the Netherlands. Here are all of the brews I tried during my time there!

Heineken

Amsterdam

When visiting Amsterdam, even if you’re a craft beer snob like me who usually turns their nose up at anything mass-produced, the Heineken Experience is worth a visit. It takes you through the history of the brewery, which is the largest beer producer in the Netherlands, and walks you through the brewing process with a lot of interactive elements. And of course at the conclusion of the tour you get to enjoy a few Heinekens in their taproom.

Brouwerij de Prael

Amsterdam

In the heart of Amsterdam just steps away from the Red Light District is the original location of Brouwerij de Prael, a microbrewery started in 2001 which has since expanded to several locations throughout the Netherlands. Serving traditional Dutch bites, the brewery is a good spot to grab something to eat with a refreshing beer, and their menu tells you which beers pair best with which foods. I followed their recommendation and paired their 5.7% Johnny kölsch with the warm snack platter of bitterballen, fried cheese, and frikandelletjes.

De Kromme Haring

Utrecht

Sometimes you get a bartender who just gets you. That was the bartender at Het Elfde Gebod in Amsterdam. In addition to his solid recommendation that I visit Ghent during my time in Belgium, his recommendation of Inktvis by De Kromme Haring was perfect for me. Not only did I admire the can artwork, this roasty and hoppy 6% black IPA was one of my favorites that I tried during my time in the Netherlands.

Brasserie d’Achouffe

Achouffe, Belgium

Also at Het Elfde Gebod, I tried the Chouffe Bok 6666 by Brasserie d’Achouffe. Ok, so this is technically a Belgian brewery, but this specific beer is brewed in limited batches predominantly for the Dutch “bock” season in the fall. The Chouffe Bok 6666 is 6.66% and malty and smooth.

Hertog Jan Brouwerij

Arcen

Hertog Jan is a brewery with roots dating back to 1915 in Arcen, located along the border with Germany. Their pilsener has over the years become one of the most popular pilseners of the Netherlands. I tried the refreshing 5.1% golden beer with my dinner at Spanjer en van Twist in Amsterdam.

Brouwerij t’IJ

Amsterdam

One of Amsterdam’s most iconic breweries, complete with a windmill, Brouwerij t’IJ was a priority stop for me. Located a short tram ride outside of central Amsterdam, it was easy to get to for the evening. I had their 6% Red IPA which was bitter and citrusy, and their smooth and spicy 6.5% IJwit white beer.

Gulpener Bierbrouwerij

Gulpen

A must-stop bar in Amsterdam is In’t Aepjen, decorated in monkeys as an homage to its history. It’s one of Amsterdam’s oldest bars, dating back to 1519, when it was a lodging spot and watering hole often frequented by sailors returning from faraway lands who would pay their tabs by trading the animals they had acquired during their travels – often monkeys! At In’t Aepjen, I tried their specialty brew Aepjen Bier by Gulpener Bierbrouwerij, a dry, fruity and bitter 7.5% red ale.

Two Chefs

Amsterdam

Two Chefs Brewery is an example of the more recent craft beer boom in the Netherlands, founded in 2012. They have two locations where you can try their beers in Amsterdam. I went to the one in Oud-West and had a few beers in the contemporary neon-lit restaurant. I enjoyed Funky Falcon, the hoppy 5.2% pale ale with lemongrass and citrus notes, and Kinky Koos, a 5.4% saison brewed with basil and ginger giving it a sweet and spicy finish.

Grolsch

Enschede

Another big name in Dutch beer, I enjoyed a Grolsch IPA with my dinner at Dudok in Den Haag. This brewery dates back to 1615 and I’ve seen their flagship pilsner in the United States, but enjoyed trying one of their specialty brews.

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If you’re planning a brew trail through this part of the world, don’t overlook the Netherlands! Proost!