The Netherlands has been known for its myriad beer types and their delicious tastes for centuries. Dutch people have been breeding beer since the mid-ages. They have globally popular beer brands like Bavaria, Heineken, and Grolsch, but the delicious beers of the Netherlands are not limited just with these brands. Due to it being impossible to taste every type of beer in bars, clubs, or restaurants, the best solution is beer tasting!
The History of Beer in Amsterdam
The beer culture in Amsterdam started with the beer trade from Hamburg in 1386. Hamburg was one of the biggest beer trade cities in the world and 50,000 barrels of beer were traded. The demand for beer was excessively high and people started to brew their own beer. The beer popularity in Amsterdam decreased in 1863. This is when Heineken started to produce beer and entered the market. Gerard Heineken was a responsible person not only for the brand, but also for the city he lived in. He was a driving force behind and investor in projects that put Amsterdam back on the map at the turn of the century. After Gerard Heineken, his grandson Alfred Freddy Heineken created a successful marketing strategy. The brand became a world’s famous brand with his strategies.
Although the beer is no longer brewed in Amsterdam, the city’s headquarters and old brewery remain. As beer becomes more popular, the number of small breweries in Amsterdam is growing, and these hidden jewels can be found all over the city.
Here are breweries and tours in Amsterdam you should visit.
The Best Beer-tasting Spots and Tours in Amsterdam
1-Brouwerij ‘t IJ
Brouwerij ’t IJ is centrally located in Amsterdam. They have myriad beers, including their seasonal, one-off, and permanent range beers. 73 types of beer are shown on their website. They offer a unique experience with their guided tastings and beautiful outdoor terrace. Also, the visitors can have a quick brewery tour and taste one of the beers they choose for €6.50 per person.
2-Butcher’s Tears
Butcher’s Tears is a rustic brewery and a taproom in Amsterdam with a great canal view. Visitors can enjoy the ambiance and the live music while they drink their pale ales, pilsners, and APA’s and see all the processes of beers and the service. Beer Tasting includes receiving 5 selected beers and their historical background for €15 per person.
3-Shared Beer Bike
Shared Beer Bike is one of the most Netherlander activities. Their offering is while the customers enjoy their beers and the view of Amsterdam in the back of a bicycle, a driver takes them on a tour around the city. It requires $54.30 per adult. This experience may interest you if you have limited time to wander the city.
4-Walhalla Craft Beer
This place has an assertive slogan that “brews the gods’ favorite ales”. It is a microbrewery and taproom located in Amsterdam. Walhalla Craft Beer hosts unlimited music, a cozy ambiance, and good beer. Their beer and quality are favorite amongst Amsterdam locals.
Bonus!
For Beer and Netherland Lovers, there is a wonderful event in the Netherlands called The Dutch Beer Week. Visitors can unceasingly enjoy hundreds of beer-related activities while meeting with brewers and learning their beer-producing styles. Dutch Beer Tasting Festival lasts for 3 days, and it finishes with MEGA Collab. Two breweries combine their forces to produce a new beer and present it in MEGA Collab. The Dutch Beer Week is held every year from 14 to 20 May.
*Keep in mind that all the prices stated above are 2021 seasonal prices. Prices may change according to the time period you visit.
