11 Best Breweries in Amsterdam (Including Beers to Try)
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Written by Kyle Kroeger
Breweries are popping up all over Amsterdam, and the competition is fierce. So which ones should you visit? Check out our list of the best breweries in Amsterdam, and get ready to sample some of the finest beer in the city.
Amsterdam is an underrated beer city. The city features wonderful cafes, pubs, nightlife, and more. These are the best beers and breweries in Amsterdam that you need to try during your trip.
Holland is home to some excellent beers. Who needs Belgium to the south and Germany to the east when you have some of the finest pales lagers in Holland?
The Netherlands exports the largest proportion of beer of any country in the world – approximately 50% of production, according to The Brewers of Europe. So, most of the beer you’ll find is likely beer you’ve seen elsewhere in the world.
You can get a beer at cafes, breweries, terraces, etc. I’ve been to plenty of fantastic places with beer, like my hometown’s best breweries in Minneapolis and the top breweries in Munich.
Nothing compares to having a Heineken or a Brewerij ‘t Ij along a canal. Sorry, London pubs and Munich beer halls. Something about the crispness and culture of Amsterdam’s beer scene makes it all come together for me.
So, I’m drinking a Heineken right now, picturing I’m back in Amsterdam, enjoying canals, architecture, and history all in one sitting.
Best Breweries in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Let’s get into the best breweries in Amsterdam to try, from independent craft breweries to large-scale breweries that produce high-quality beer distributed worldwide.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ
Brouwerij ‘t IJ is located inside a windmill in Amsterdam and has been brewing beer since 1985. The brewery offers a variety of different craft beers, all of which are brewed on-site.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ beer is phenomenal and comes in many variations, from IPAs to crisp lagers. The combination of craft beer and beer excellence is extraordinary, so beer lovers will be in heaven here.
You can sample the beer directly on-site in two locations, including the De Gooyer Windmill and the Blauwe Theehuis. I suggest that you visit the actual brewery at the De Gooyer Windmill.
You’ll see a traditional Dutch windmill (where it’s located), and you can come away with a great souvenir. The brewery has an awesome logo and designed shirts and sweaters as a parting gift from your trip.
If you’re in Amsterdam during the summer, visit the Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Tea House) in Vondelpark. Vondelpark is one, if not the best park in Amsterdam by far. It’s a buzzing, fun outdoor patio in the middle of the park operated by Brouwerij ‘t IJ. You can get all the beers you’d find in the taproom. Plus, you’ll be in store for some great people-watching.
Make sure you have at least two of their craft beers during your trip. Brouwerij ‘t IJ offers the best beers in Amsterdam, in my opinion. Stopping here is a must-have in your Amsterdam itinerary.
See Related: Cafe Brecht Amsterdam Review
Oedipus Brewery
Oedipus Brewing is located in North Amsterdam and was founded in 2010. The brewery is known for being one of the best craft beer bars. The tap room also offers various events, such as beer tasting and tours.
Oedipus is a Greek tragedy that I’m sure we all know about – yeah, you know, the whole marrying thing. It’s actually fun to go to the Oedipus Brewery, given the hand-written journals channeling some humourous thoughts while drinking excellent craft beer.
You can find Oedipus beyond the tasting room at plenty of brown cafes and pubs around Amsterdam. I’m a huge fan of their colorful logo and approach to hand-crafted ales.
Brouwerij Troost
Brouwerij Troost’s original tap room was started at the De Pijp location in the middle of Amsterdam, and they brew a wide range of beers. Known for their dark beers, such as the ‘Gouden Carolus Tripel’, you can find their craft beer in several local bars.
They also have a large food selection and are known for their great ambiance. Brouwerij Troost has three fantastic sites around Amsterdam, and we would recommend them to beer fans.
The original brewery was erected in de Pijp within a former monastery. Here, they experiment and create new or special edition beers. The other is in Westergras, a brewery, beer pub, and shop. They make their beer there and even have their lemonade. They also produce larger quantities of beer for special events or catering purposes.
Lastly, their Keller bar site serves German-style beers and good food in a cozy basement setting. As you can see, Brouwerij Troost offers something for everyone – so make sure to add it to your list of places to visit in Amsterdam if you love to drink craft beer.
Two Chefs Brewing
Two Chefs Brewing is a small microbrewery based in Amsterdam, and its specialty beers are some of the most experimental and hard to find in the city. The brewing team likes to play around with different flavors and ingredients, so you’ll never know exactly what you’ll get when you order one of their beers.
However, if you’re looking for a taste of their craft beer on tap, you’ll likely find it on the menu at Flamingo, a craft beer restaurant in de Pijp. You can visit one of their several craft beer bars in Oud-West, Zuid, or just north of Westerpark.
This great spot’s best beer is Green Bullet, a hoppy IPA, and Funky Frog, a sour beer with a hint of grapefruit. If you love interesting beers, add this spot to your list when visiting Amsterdam.
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Walhalla Craft Beer
Walhalla is a good craft beer bar that might be tough to find while you are there. It’s worth it and is one of our favorite hidden gems of Amsterdam out there.
Walhalla is a good differentiation from the typical pale lagers offered by the beer giants of Bavaria, Grolsch, Amstel, and Heineken. Walhalla is a small, local craft brewery with a taproom
Try the Loki Golden IPA, which has plenty of flavors and hops. The taproom is located on the city’s north end in an industrial space across the river in a neighborhood called Ijplen.
If you want to get into a more local area, visiting their taproom would be a good decision. If you like craft breweries, you can plan your beer tour in Amsterdam to taste all the best local beers.
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Heineken
The king that you already know. There’s a reason why Heineken has an entire museum for their beer. While the current brewery isn’t tourable, the Heineken Experience is a decent way to understand this beer’s impact on the world. It’s evident that Heineken is one of the things that Amsterdam is famous for, but to me, it’s more than just a well-known beer.
It’s a legacy, a story, and a culture. It’s probably a bit touristy, but I love to order the extra cold Heinekens at Dutch cafes. It costs a little bit extra, but it just ends up tasting a bit differently.
I’ll always say that Heineken tastes just that much better in Amsterdam. If you want to go to the museum, buy your Heineken Experience tickets in advance to save money and avoid lines. You can watch our short video on YouTube of our experience at the old Heineken Brewery. Personally, the best way to enjoy Heineken is along a canal.
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Brouwerij de Prael
De Prael is a hard-to-find taproom located near the Red Light District. It’s a unique brewpub offering some great microbrew options you’ll likely not get anywhere else. The brewery is known for its social responsibility, as it employs ex-convicts and people with mental disabilities.
The beers are Dutch-style and can be enjoyed in the on-site bar or restaurant. If you are a true micro/craft brew drinker, this is a great option to try some beer you might want to take with you.
See Related: Fun Amsterdam Attractions to Consider
De Bekeerde Suster
De Bekeerde Suster is a cool craft brewery in the heart of Amsterdam Centrum (city center). The brewery stands on an old monastery that housed sisters of the church. The building dates back to 1450.
Yeah, it has plenty of history. A relevant one, too. Believe it or not, the sister brewed beer in this building and sold it to Amsterdammers. This is no longer the current practice, but the brewery opened in honor of their memory.
You’ll find some tasty Dutch and Belgian beers here without going far out of your way. You’ll hear a pretty awesome story along the way, too.
Butcher’s Tears
Butcher’s Tears is an independent small brewery and tap room in Amsterdam-Zuid. The tasting room at the restaurant offers everything from pale ales to ciders (and even sake!).
It has a great craft beer selection that will surely please beer lovers. On the weekends they have good music from local musicians. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it an ideal place for locals and tourists. They also have a great selection of food.
They offer unique craft beer flights (a set of small glasses), so you can try different types simultaneously or even sample one type over time. Butcher’s Tears is the perfect place to relax after a long sightseeing day or enjoy a night out with friends. There’s also a chance for you to visit this brewhouse and explore the brewing process of their excellent craft beer.
See Related: Best Cafés in Amsterdam
Amstel
Amstel is the acclaimed beer that shares its name with the iconic Amstel River running through Amsterdam. Rooted in Amsterdam’s brewing history, Amstel offers a harmonious blend of malted barley, creating a distinct flavor that locals and tourists love. This beer reflects the city’s rich heritage and love for quality brews, making it an integral part of Amsterdam’s beer culture.
Amstel typically gets overshadowed by its bigger brother, Heineken. But Amstel has just as much class and just as much character. It’s a crisp, clean beer that won’t overload you with flavor, but you can easily enjoy one on a hot summer day.
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Brouwerij de 7 Deugden
Located in the Sloten neighborhood, Brouwerij de 7 Deugden is one of the newer breweries. It offers six different types of beer: Blonde, Tripel, Bruin, Porter, IPA, and Kriek.
This brewery is a great place to visit when you’re looking for a unique or a more traditional brew. Their Tripel is one of their most popular beers because it’s made with three kinds of malt as well as hops from both Germany and Belgium.
If you love trying new things while traveling—or just drinking good beer—then this brewery is definitely worth checking out, and it’s conveniently located near Schipol International Airport. The brewery also serves food such as fries and sandwiches, so be sure not to leave hungry.
Best Beer in Amsterdam to Try
Let’s get into the official list of the best beer options to drink while you are in Amsterdam, which is not necessarily headquartered in the city.
Hertog Jan
This brewery is located in Breda, about an hour outside Amsterdam. The brewery was founded in 1996 and offers a variety of different beers, including a range of seasonal beers. The brewery also has its restaurant, serving traditional Dutch cuisine.
Jopen
This brewery is located in Haarlem, about a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam. The brewery was founded in 1992 and offers a variety of different beers, including some that are brewed with local ingredients. The brewery also has its bar, which is located in an old church.
Bavaria Beer
Think this is a beer from Bavaria? Think again. Bavaria is a pilsener from Lieshout, Netherlands. Bavaria beer is another pale lager. The specialty of Amsterdam! Bavaria beer is much cheaper than all the other options. It’s good if you want to save a few bucks and get more.
It’s not my favorite of the bunch, but when in Amsterdam? Why not have one?
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Grolsch Beer
Grolsch is a more affordable, similar version of the kings of Amsterdam: Amstel and Heineken. Grolsch is known for its flip-top or swing-top bottles. The beer is a nice crisp lager that is easy to drink no matter the time of day.
See Related: Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam
De Koningshoeven Brewery – La Trappe
De Koningshoeven Brewery is a Trappist brewery. Trappist monks brew Trappist beer. Fourteen monasteries, six in Belgium, two in the Netherlands, and one each in Austria, Italy, England, France, Spain, and the United States, currently produce Trappist beer as recognized by the International Trappist Association.
De Koningshoeven is one of the Netherlands-based Trappist ales. You can get the beer as a single, dubbel, tripel, and quadrupel. This is in order of strength.
De Koningshoeven means the King’s farmhouses in Dutch. If you are not a huge Belgian, Trappist beer drinker, you should opt for a single or a dubbel.
Anything above that is likely too strong for you. There will be no shortage of flavor, with some hints of sweetness along the way. Have more than 3 of the dubbels or higher, and you’ll probably be in for a morning headache…
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Conclusion
Amsterdam has some amazing beer, beer tours, breweries, and history. Soak it in and enjoy a few beers along the way. You don’t have to stick with pale lagers during your trip to Amsterdam. You have plenty of other fantastic beer options and taprooms at your disposal.
FAQs
What beer is famous in Amsterdam?
Heineken and Amstel are two of the most famous beers in Amsterdam. They are both pale lagers, and Heineken is a Dutch brand.
What is the best brewery in Amsterdam?
The best craft brewery in Amsterdam is Brouwerij ‘t IJ, which offers the widest selection and highest quality craft beer in the city. There are several other great craft breweries and microbreweries in Amsterdam, including Oedipus Brewing, Brouwerij Troost, and De Prael.
How many craft breweries are there in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is known for brewing and has some of the most famous beer brands in the world, but the country has now welcomed over 900 breweries due to its recent growth.
What are the best beers in Amsterdam?
The best beer in Amsterdam to try is Heineken, Amstel, Brouwerij ‘t IJ IPA, and Funky Falcon, a pale ale offered by Two Chefs.