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Beer is deeply ingrained in Dutch culture, with a history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, the Netherlands is one of the world's top beer exporters, home to iconic brands like Heineken and Amstel.

A Historical Overview

Beer brewing in the Netherlands began in the Middle Ages, initially within monasteries where it was a staple drink, albeit with lower alcohol content than today. By the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age, beer production had become a thriving commercial industry, with cities like Amersfoort, Delft, and Haarlem emerging as key brewing centers.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, beer faced competition from tea, coffee, and jenever (Dutch gin). However, beer regained its popularity in the 20th century, especially after World War II, despite the decline in the number of breweries. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a revival in local and specialty beers, with over 600 breweries operating by 2019.

How the Dutch Enjoy Their Beer

Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the Netherlands, enjoyed at home, in cafes, or during social gatherings like borrels. It's typically served cold, with a foam layer about two fingers thick, and comes in various glass sizes:

• Kleintje: Small glass

• Fluitje: 19-25 cl

• Vaasje: 23-33 cl

Pils (pale lager) is the most popular beer style, with brands like Heineken and Grolsch leading the market. Witbier (white beer) is another favorite, especially during the summer.

Exploring Dutch Breweries

Amsterdam alone is home to around 50 breweries, many of which offer tastings and tours. Notable examples include:

• Brouwerij ’t IJ: Famous for its craft beers and iconic windmill location.

• De Prael: A social enterprise brewery supporting workers facing employment challenges.

• Brouwerij Troost: The largest independent brewery in Amsterdam, also offering brewing spaces for beginners.

Beyond Amsterdam, there are standout breweries like Jopen in Haarlem, which revives historical beer recipes, and Hertog Jan in Limburg, known for its premium beers.

Major Dutch Beer Brands

• Heineken: A global giant with over 125 breweries worldwide, known for its distinctive pilsner.

• Amstel: A historic brand, now owned by Heineken, originally from Amsterdam.

• Grolsch: Famous for its flip-top bottles and high-quality lagers.

• Bavaria: The largest independent, family owned brewery in the Netherlands, with a strong export presence.

The Netherlands is also home to two Trappist breweries—La Trappe and Zundert—which produce authentic Trappist beers, highly valued for their quality and tradition.

Whether you're sampling a local craft beer in Amsterdam or enjoying a Heineken at a borrel, beer is a significant part of Dutch life and culture that every expat should explore.

If you'd like to find out more about the big Dutch breweries, click on the name for the link to their page.

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