Amsterdam is a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and its flavorful beverages. From traditional Dutch jenever to modern craft beers, Amsterdam’s tasting rooms and cafes offer a delightful journey into the world of local spirits and brews. Whether you are a connoisseur or a curious traveler, exploring the tasting rooms provides a deeper understanding of Dutch drinking culture and craftsmanship. Or visit brown cafes, these traditional Dutch pubs are a quintessential part of Amsterdam’s cultural and social landscape.
Wynand Fockink
Location: Pijlsteeg 31, near Dam Square
Established in 1679, Wynand Fockink is one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most iconic distilleries and tasting rooms. Nestled in a small alleyway near Dam Square, this historic spot is famed for its wide range of jenevers and liqueurs, still crafted using centuries-old recipes. Visitors can enjoy a traditional “kopstootje” (a shot of jenever paired with a beer) while learning about the history and production of Dutch spirits.
Proeflokaal A. van Wees
Location: Herengracht 319, Jordaan
Proeflokaal A. van Wees offers a charming and authentic experience with its extensive selection of jenevers and bitters. Situated along the picturesque Herengracht canal, this tasting room is part of the A. van Wees distillery, known for its commitment to quality and tradition. With over 17 types of jenever available, it’s a perfect spot to explore the nuances of this traditional Dutch spirit.
Proeflokaal de Ooievaar
Location: Sint Olofspoort 1
Proeflokaal de Ooievaar is a delightful destination for jenever enthusiasts looking to delve into Amsterdam’s rich distilling history. This cozy tasting room offers a variety of jenevers and liqueurs, showcasing the craftsmanship that the Ooievaar distillery has been known for since the 18th century. It’s a charming spot to sample authentic Dutch spirits in a warm, inviting setting.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ
Location: Funenkade 7, near De Gooyer Windmill
For craft beer enthusiasts, a visit to Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a must. Located beside the striking De Gooyer Windmill, this local brewery offers a cozy tasting room where visitors can sample a range of organic beers. Known for their distinctive flavors and creative brews, the beers at Brouwerij ‘t IJ provide an authentic taste of Amsterdam’s thriving craft beer scene.
House of Bols
Location: Paulus Potterstraat 14, Museumplein
House of Bols is not just a tasting room but an entire experience dedicated to the art of cocktail making and the history of the world’s oldest distilled spirits brand. Visitors can embark on an interactive tour that explores the craft of flavor and scent before heading to the Mirror Bar, where expert bartenders mix cocktails to showcase Bols’ diverse range of liqueurs and jenevers.
Arendsnest
Location: Herengracht 90, Jordaan
Arendsnest offers a unique experience with its exclusive focus on Dutch beers, featuring over 100 varieties on tap and in bottles. Located on the Herengracht, this tasting room and bar celebrate the diversity of Dutch breweries, from renowned brands to small-scale craft producers. It’s an ideal venue for beer lovers looking to discover the richness of the Netherlands’ beer offerings.
Distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep
Location: Flevopark 13, East Amsterdam
Tucked away in the serene setting of Flevopark, Distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep serves an array of artisanal jenevers and liqueurs in a charming tasting room overlooking a tranquil lake. This hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat from the city bustle and an opportunity to enjoy high-quality, locally produced spirits in a picturesque environment.
Tips for visiting tasting rooms
– Embrace the tradition: When visiting jenever tasting rooms, embrace the tradition by sipping your jenever the Dutch way: lean forward to take the first sip from the glass without lifting it from the bar.
– Learn the history: Many tasting rooms offer tours or have knowledgeable staff who can share fascinating stories about the history and production of their spirits, enriching your tasting experience.
– Pair with food: Enhance your experience by pairing your drinks with traditional Dutch snacks like cheese, herring, or bitterballen (fried crispy ragout balls), which are often available at these venues.
Amsterdam’s tasting rooms offer a rich cultural experience, inviting visitors to savor the flavors of Dutch craftsmanship and history. From traditional jenevers to contemporary craft beers, each venue provides a glimpse into the city’s spirited heritage. Whether you are a local or a visitor, exploring these tasting rooms is a delightful way to engage with Amsterdam’s vibrant drinking culture and enjoy the city’s authentic tastes.
Brown cafes (“bruine cafés”) in Amsterdam
When visiting a brown cafe, take the time to soak in the ambiance and enjoy the slower pace. Engage with the locals, savor a traditional Dutch snack, and let the cafe’s history transport you to a different time. Whether you are seeking a quiet corner to read or a lively spot for conversation, Amsterdam’s brown cafes offer an authentic taste of Dutch culture and hospitality. They are known for their cozy, warm atmosphere, characterized by dark wood interiors, dim lighting, and a sense of timelessness. The name “brown cafe” comes from the brown-stained wooden walls and ceilings, often darkened by years of tobacco smoke (though smoking indoors is no longer allowed).
- Atmosphere: Brown cafes exude a welcoming and relaxed ambiance, making them popular spots for both locals and tourists looking to unwind. The casual setting often features vintage decor, with items like old photographs, antique clocks, and bric-a-brac adding to the charm.
- Drinks and food: These cafes typically offer a wide range of beverages, including local beers, wines, and spirits such as jenever. The food menu is usually simple but satisfying, featuring traditional Dutch snacks like bitterballen, cheese platters, and hearty sandwiches.
- Social hub: Brown cafes serve as social hubs where people gather to catch up with friends, engage in lively conversations, or enjoy a quiet moment with a newspaper. They are often frequented by regulars, contributing to a friendly, community-oriented vibe.
- Historical significance: Many brown cafes have been around for decades, if not centuries, and carry a rich history. They have been the backdrop for countless stories and events, making them an integral part of Amsterdam’s social fabric.
Popular brown cafes in Amsterdam
– Café Chris: Established in 1624, Café Chris is one of the oldest brown cafes in Amsterdam. Located near the Westerkerk in the Jordaan district, it offers a traditional setting with a welcoming atmosphere.
– Café ‘t Smalle: Situated along the picturesque canal Egelantiersgracht, Café ‘t Smalle is known for its beautiful interior and outdoor terrace at the canal. It offers a charming spot to enjoy a drink while watching boats pass by.
– Café ‘t Loosje: This historic brown café is located on the Nieuwmarkt square, just on the edge of China Town. Once this building served as a waiting station for the horse-drawn tram. Café ‘t Loosje serves twelve beers on tap and twenty in bottles.
– De Dokter: This tiny brown cafe, founded in 1798, is run by the same family for generations. It’s known for its intimate setting and extensive selection of jenevers and whiskeys.
– Café de Sluyswacht: Housed in a former lockkeeper’s house dating back to 1695, located opposite the Rembrandt House, this cafe offers a historical ambiance and a delightful terrace overlooking the water.
– Café In ‘t Aepjen: One of the most storied brown cafes in Amsterdam, Café In ‘t Aepjen is located in one of the two remaining wooden buildings in the city, dating back to 1550. Situated near the Zeedijk, it is steeped in history and folklore, famously named after the monkeys that sailors would sometimes trade here. The interior and historic charm make it a must-visit spot for those seeking an authentic Dutch experience.
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