Beer in the Netherlands
Des de Moor shows that the Dutch have more to offer than just Grolsch and Heineken
Think of a once-proud brewing nation that not so long ago had become a virtual desert for discerning beer drinkers, where a handful of huge commercial brewers dominated the market, offering little choice but gassy, characterless international brand lager. Then think of a nation that within a couple of decades rediscovered its abilities to brew and drink good beer, partly through inspiration from abroad, partly through a flourishing homebrewing movement that reared a new generation of dynamic and innovative professionals. No, I’m not talking about the United States of America, but the Netherlands.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is in the heart of Europe’s historic beer belt and for millennia shared a beer culture with neighbouring regions like England, Flanders and Germany. That began to change with the rise of industrialisation which, for a tiny nation with a limited domestic market, was inevitably linked to foreign trade, with brewing dynasties such as Heineken looking across the borders and the sea to realise their ambitions.
The impact of Heineken on Dutch brewing can’t be underestimated, especially following its rapid post-war expansion under the leadership of industry giant Freddy Heineken. The brewery’s dominance was confirmed in 1968 when it swallowed its main competitor and fellow Amsterdammer, Amstel. Clever marketing helped make these two brands synonymous in the world’s eyes with Dutch beer, and the ‘pintje’ of golden pils with its two fingers of foam ritualistic.....
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By Des de Moor
Section : International Focus
Page number : 28
