Having grown up in the Western Cape – a region well known for its rich wine history – and having been brought up in an Italian family, I have an inherent fondness for the fermented grape. So, when I moved to the Netherlands a little over two years ago, it was a bit of a culture shock to find that good, affordable wine is something not easily found.
I was used to taking my own wine to a restaurant and spending many a merry hour round a table with a group of friends, indulging in good food, good wine and slightly inebriated conversation. To my dismay the ‘corkage fee’ idea is not something that has taken root in the Netherlands and one has to resort to ordering overpriced house wine that comes in tiny, half-filled tumbler glasses. This unfortunately requires many trips to the bar for refills, and many glasses to dull the lingering acridity.
As a disciple of the expression ‘when in Rome …’, and after taking a while to come to terms with wine not being the drink-of-choice in the Netherlands, I finally decided to jump on the beer barrel and am gradually learning to appreciate that, like wine, beer comes in many varieties and, to my surprise, can actually be quite delicious too.
When one thinks of Dutch beers, the names Amstel and Heineken immediately spring to mind. Heineken is one of the most well-known brewers in the world, boasting over 200 brands, and tourists flock to the historic Heineken Experience brewery to sample its offerings.
While Heineken is by far the biggest brewer in Amsterdam, there are some excellent smaller breweries that deserve a mention. If you find yourself in the Dutch capital, quenching for a lovely cold one, I can highly recommend these lesser-known gems:
Brouwerij de Prael
This has become one of my favourite watering holes in Amsterdam. It is located in the heart of the red-light district, close to central station and is tucked away in a little side alley that allows one to escape the craziness that is the Amsterdamse Wallen. Using local, hand-picked ingredients, Brouwerij de Prael brews a respectable array of organic beer, ranging from refreshing whites to a full-bodied, syrupy quadruple beer. Each glass of amber fluid is accompanied by a free, typical Dutch snack that is perfectly paired to enhance the flavour of the beer.
Interestingly, Brouwerij de Prael employs people with previous psychiatric problems, helping them reintegrate into the working world. One can do tours of the brewery between Monday and Friday, tastings are from Tuesday to Sunday and the shop is open every day of the week.
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 30, Amsterdam
Brouwerij “˜t IJ
On a warm, sunny day Brouwerij “˜t IJ is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy some brewskis. Located to the east of the city centre, and nestled close to one of Amsterdam’s last original windmills, Brouwerij “˜t IJ is a popular spot amongst locals and tourists alike. The beers on offer are 100% organic, unfiltered and unpasteurised and range from a sturdy, blond pilsner to sweet and robust dark beers. One can partake in tours and tastings, but I advise just getting comfy and grabbing a seat on the terrace, which fills up quickly.
Address: Funenkade 7, 1018 AL Amsterdam
The foodie in me couldn’t pass up an opportunity to do a little bit of experimenting in the kitchen with some beer. I came across an enticing recipe for chocolate Guinness cake and tried it with the milk stout from Brouwerij de Prael.
I think I’ll be spending some more time in the kitchen with my new favourite thirst quencher, so watch this space for more beer-infused recipes.
