Netherlands
1
Cities
8
Breweries
34
Beers
Cities in Netherlands
About Netherlands's Beer Scene
The Netherlands, home to global giants like Heineken and a flourishing craft beer revolution, offers a dynamic brewing landscape that bridges mainstream appeal with artisanal innovation. Dutch brewers have transformed their beer culture over the past two decades, moving from a market dominated by pilsner to one celebrating diverse styles, with nearly 800 breweries now operating across this compact nation.
Brewing History
Dutch brewing history stretches back to medieval times when monasteries and home brewers produced ales for local consumption. The late 19th century brought consolidation and the rise of large industrial breweries, with Heineken (founded 1864) and Amstel (1870) leading the shift toward pilsner-style lagers. By the mid-20th century, Dutch brewing had become synonymous with crisp, light pilsners designed for mass appeal. The modern craft renaissance, beginning in the 1990s, reconnected the Netherlands with its diverse brewing heritage.
Signature Beer Styles
While pilsner remains the dominant style for everyday consumption, Dutch craft brewers have embraced remarkable diversity. Strong Belgian-influenced ales thrive in the southern provinces near the Belgian border. India Pale Ales, particularly hazy New England-style versions, have found enthusiastic Dutch audiences. Traditional styles like Koyt (a historic Dutch gruit ale brewed without hops) have been revived by heritage-minded brewers. Wheat beers, stouts, sours, and barrel-aged specialties round out the increasingly diverse Dutch beer landscape.
Brewing Traditions
Dutch brewing traditions reflect both industrial innovation and artisanal revival. Large breweries pioneered techniques for consistent, shelf-stable lager production that influenced brewing worldwide. Meanwhile, smaller breweries have revived forgotten styles and techniques, including the use of historical grains and herbs predating hop cultivation. The Dutch windmill tradition, once used to pump brewery water and power malt mills, has been celebrated through specialty beers. Contract brewing and gypsy brewing have allowed creative brewers to experiment without the capital requirements of full breweries.
Beer Culture
Dutch beer culture centers on the brown café (bruin café)—cozy pubs with dark wooden interiors where regulars gather over decades. These establishments, particularly in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, often stock extensive beer selections featuring Dutch and Belgian specialties. Beer terraces (terrassen) fill city squares during warmer months, providing social spaces for enjoying local brews. The Netherlands hosts numerous beer festivals, from large events like Bokbierfestival to neighborhood celebrations of local breweries. Beer appreciation has grown significantly, with Dutch beer judges and writers contributing to international conversations about brewing.