The Best Beer in the Netherlands
It's a tough job but somebody had to do it!
I’ve been all over the world, traveled full-time for almost four years now, and tasted a few hundred beers. Yet I’ve only written about beer just once.
Seems crazy, right???
For someone who always talks about beer and has posted hundreds of photos of it on social media, it doesn’t make any sense not to share these edifying experiences.
So I’m gonna start writing about the beer.
My Dutch Beer Experience
We spent six weeks in Europe last year, visiting four countries, including the Netherlands, and there were a lot of beers to choose from! But since we were staying in the town of Puth near Maastricht, most of my beer-drinking pursuits happened in that region, so my review is based on what was mostly available there.
During this time, I consumed way too much biertje, but thankfully, I’m an overachiever who didn’t want to be rude to the Dutch people, so I suffered for the greater good while supporting the local economy.
Now, when most people in America are asked about the best beer from Holland, they’ll probably mention the brands Heineken, Amstel, Grolsch, or Bavaria.
Perhaps it’s because these brands are better at marketing, but the truth is, they aren’t anywhere close to the best, and I didn’t see many Nederlanders drinking them, probably because these beers smell too skunky or taste like hoppy water. I certainly am not a fan of them, but I will say they are better there than in America.
As for my overall opinion, there were several Dutch beer brands that I loved, but Belgians still rule the roost when it comes to brewing.
My Top Four Beers from the Netherlands
1. La Trappe
Made by Monks but tastes like heaven. La Trappe has a rich history of brewing this sweet nectar of the gods. And my praise for their work is high! La Trappe Blond, La Trappe Tripel, and La Trappe Bock have been fantastic, but I hope to try the others in the future. They are definitely full of flavor and my favorite.
2. ALFA
The second best beer was Alfa Idel Pils, an incredibly distinctive and complex lager from Alfa Brewery — which is interesting because lagers aren’t my favorite, yet there’s something about this beer that makes me love it! The Alfa Idel Pils is light, tasty, and refreshing, with only 5% alcohol. I also enjoyed their Spring Bok and Super Strong.
3. Brand Bier
Perhaps people from the northern side of the Netherlands think Brand Bierbrouweri is what I believe about Heineken, but for a larger brewery, they make some great stuff, including their IPA and Powerful Blond.
4. Gebrouwen door Vrouwen
I discovered Tricky Trippel during our excursion to Scheveningen, a beach town my mother loved visiting as a child, near Den Haag. This light-colored beer is 7.8% and has a caramel flavor with a hint of banana. This brewery was started by two sisters from Amsterdam and is owned by beer-loving gals.
I will add that there are plenty of great microbreweries and other beers made in the Netherlands. If you visit the beer store along the Noorkade in Veghel, you will discover plenty of options, as well as visiting the local Jumbo. I didn’t have time or money to conquer them all.
It’s also worth stating that the beer was so much cheaper in Europe than in America. What costs $14 USD for a four-pack at home would cost about $4 USD in the Netherlands.
Not from the Netherlands.
The brands mentioned above are brewed in the Netherlands, so they take precedence, but the amount of kick ass beers in this region is astounding!
Gulden Draak
The Golden Dragon from Belgium was also enjoyed during my stay. I love the taste of Gulden Draak 9000 Quadruple, a deep-amber beer at 10.5% ABV. It’s a full-bodied flavor without being too heavy to drink a couple of glasses.
Brew Dog
Hazy Jane is a New England IPA that includes notes of pineapple, mango, stone fruit, and a hint of mandarin in the mix—brewed with oats and wheat and unfiltered for a smooth, juicy finish. It’s perfect for a lovely day outside. BrewDog is a Scottish brewery with a storied history and a love for punks. So they get a rebel yell and a nod for their efforts.
Rodenbach Fruitage
I’ve enjoyed this extremely refreshing red-brown ale numerous times. It’s usually served over ice with a slice of lime and a leaf of mint, making it easy to drink several without even thinking about it. The Swinkels Family Brewery, a larger producer of Dutch beer brands, brews Rodenbach Fruitage, and they do it well!
Chouffe Brewery
This Belgian beer is one of my favorites in Europe and the United States, but it is certainly cheaper to buy over there (approximately $4.50 for a liter at Jumbo). La Chouffe is their standard blond beer, filled with unique flavors and great for any occasion. I’ve also enjoyed Cherry Chouffe, a vibrant variety with notes of strawberry, almond, spices, and sweet Port. MC Chouffe is also unique and worthy.
What about you?
I’ve just scratched the surface when it comes to great beer from Europe and the Netherlands, but perhaps you have some recommendations. Please share some of your favorites so I know what to try on my next trip overseas.
Dank je wel! 🍻