Best Amsterdam Beer: Where To Buy And Drink

Amsterdam is known for its vibrant beer culture, with a diverse range of options available throughout the city. From well-known brands like Heineken and Amstel to craft beers and microbreweries, there's something for every beer enthusiast. The city's brown cafes, or traditional Dutch drinking holes, offer a unique ambiance to savour your favourite brew, and with 95% of the beer consumed in the Netherlands being pale lager, you're sure to find a refreshing drink to suit your taste. In this paragraph, we will explore the best places to buy beer in Amsterdam, from the iconic breweries to the hidden gems, so you can navigate the city like a local and enjoy a taste of Dutch beer culture.

Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is a historic brewery and corporate visitor centre for Heineken, an internationally distributed Dutch pilsner. The industrial facility was built as the first Heineken brewery in 1867 and served as the company's primary brewing facility until 1988.

In 1991, the brewery opened to the public through a visitor centre, known as the "Heineken Treat and Information Centre". Although the Heineken Experience began in 1991, there were tours of the original brewery while it was still fully operational. It is now one of Amsterdam's most popular tourist attractions.

The Heineken Experience comprises four levels of historical artefacts, product exploration and sampling, and interactive exhibits which employ the latest high-tech multimedia technologies. The tour is mostly self-guided, with guides at certain key points. You can learn about the history, gain insight into the brewing process, and customise your own Heineken bottle or glass at the souvenir shop. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy two Heinekens, and even get the chance to pour your own draught.

There are several ticket options available, including the Heineken Tour + Rooftop, Heineken Tour + 1-hour canal cruise, and Heineken Tour + Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Brouwerij 't IJ

If you're looking to buy beer in Amsterdam, one place to consider is Brouwerij 't IJ, a small brewery located in a former bath house named Funen, next to the De Gooyer windmill—the tallest wooden mill in the Netherlands. The brewery was opened by former musician Kaspar Peterson in October 1985, in response to consumers' dissatisfaction with beers brewed by larger companies.

• Columbus (9% ABV): an amber beer with a strong hop presence.
• IJwit (6.5% ABV): a white beer.
• Natte (6.5% ABV): a brown-red dubbel.
• Struis (9% ABV): a sweet and dark beer.
• Zatte (8% ABV): a yellow-gold tripel.

The three seasonal beers are:

• IJbock (6.5% ABV): a dark bock beer.
• Paasij (7% ABV): an amber-coloured spring bock.
• IJndejaars (varying ABV): a beer that changes each year, but typically has an ABV of 9%.

The brewery's logo features an ostrich with an egg and a distant windmill, reflecting the brewery's name, which comes from the nearby IJ waterbody.

De Prael Brewery

The brewery is in the centre of Amsterdam. Walk down the Oudezijds Voorburgwal to the start of the canal and just around the corner in a little alleyway, you will find the brewery and tasting room. De Prael has now expanded and has a second branch in the Amsterdam Houthavens.

De Prael brews its beer using centuries-old traditional methods. Most of the ingredients are organic or even home-grown. The interior is furnished with plush sofas and chesterfields in the style of early-fifties Dutch living rooms. All of their beers are named after famous Dutch folk singers.

The tasting room features posters and various references to Dutch artists, and Dutch music (smartlappen) is played. There is also a piano and an accordion for customers who want to perform something themselves. The bar sometimes features a performance from their band, DAMP, or hosts an afternoon jazz session on Sundays.

De Prael offers a range of beers, including an IPA (Niek & Simon) and a blond beer (Willeke). They also serve food, including typical Dutch snacks and appetisers such as bitterballen and ossenworst (a raw sausage similar to steak tartar). The menu is simple, offering dishes such as steak, fish, skewered chicken with satay sauce, and vegetarian options like couscous and salad.

Tours of the brewery are available every day except Monday, but be sure to book in advance. There is also a shop on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal that sells De Prael's own beer, as well as gift sets, cards, beer literature, and food supplements.

Oedipus Brewing Taproom

If you're looking to buy beer in Amsterdam, one place to consider is the Oedipus Brewing Taproom. Located at Schaafstraat 21, the Oedipus Craft Space is a vibrant hub where you can sample a variety of craft beers. The taproom is open from Wednesday to Sunday, with varying opening times. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, it welcomes guests from 4 pm to 11 pm, while Fridays have extended hours until 1 am. Over the weekend, the taproom opens its doors earlier at 2 pm on Saturdays and 2 pm on Sundays, with the same closing time as Fridays.

The Oedipus Brewing Taproom offers a diverse range of beers, from their seasonal releases to special collaborations. One such collaboration is their IPA Genever Any Upside Down, crafted alongside the renowned Amsterdam distillery, Wynand Fockink. This unique spirit is distilled from Oedipus' Gaia beer, resulting in a delicate freshness and aromatic twist of grapefruit, hops, and pine needle flavours.

In addition to their creative libations, the Oedipus Brewing Taproom also provides a culinary experience. The kitchen, which operates within the same hours as the taproom, offers a variety of dishes to pair with your beer of choice. However, it's important to note that the kitchen closes at 9:30 pm from Wednesday to Saturday and at 9 pm on Sundays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Whether you're a beer enthusiast or simply looking for a unique Amsterdam experience, the Oedipus Brewing Taproom is worth a visit. With its creative brews, dynamic events, and cosy atmosphere, it embodies the spirit of craft beer culture. Don't forget to check their website for the latest updates on opening times and upcoming events before you plan your visit.

Walhalla Brewery and Taproom

Located in the vibrant North of Amsterdam, Walhalla opened the doors to its new brewery and taproom in 2018 after a successful crowdfunding campaign. The taproom is open from Thursday to Sunday, offering a constantly changing selection of beers on draft, alongside a beautiful bottle collection and locally sourced snacks. The beer fridge also allows visitors to take their favourites home to share with friends. Walhalla's beers are crafted on-site in the adjoining brewery, with styles ranging from IPAs and sours to ales and stouts.

The taproom has a relaxed atmosphere, with friendly staff and live music on Sundays. Visitors can enjoy a game of board games or chat with friends while savouring their drinks. Walhalla is also known for its cosy interior, with a long table inviting guests to stay and socialise. The brewery is easily accessible, located just around the corner from another well-known Amsterdam craft brewery, Oedipus Brewing.

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