Taste Amsterdam’s maritime history in a tulip‑shaped glass
Quick Take
- Founded: 1679 — oldest working distillery in Amsterdam
- Specialties: 60 + house‑made genevers, liqueurs & bitters
- Signature Ritual: Glass filled to the meniscus; bow for the first sip
- Location: Pijlsteeg 31, a two‑minute stroll from Dam Square & the Royal Palace
A 17th‑Century Time Capsule
Since 1679, Wynand Fockink has distilled genever on the same spot, surviving wars, trade booms, and prohibition scares. Inside, pitch-black beams, Delft-blue tiles, and oak casks whisper VOC trade secrets. The aroma—juniper, citrus peel, and toasted grain—proves the past is still hard at work.
How to Drink Like an Amsterdammer
- Pick your style – Oud (malty, barrel‑aged) or Jong (lighter, post‑20th‑century).
- Watch the pour – The bartender tops the tulip glass until surface tension crowns the rim.
- Bow & slurp – Lean in and sip the dome without lifting the glass; spilling is sacrilege.
- Now you may sip – Raise the glass and savour at leisure.
Pro Tip: Space is limited to two standing counters. Arrive before 16:00 for elbow room, especially on weekends.
What to Taste
| Style | Must‑Try | Flavor Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| Genever | Superior 3‑Year Aged | Malty base spirit mellowed in oak; subtle vanilla finish |
| Liqueur | Half & Half | Bittersweet orange & herb blend, first crafted here in 1850 |
| Bitters | Bitterkoekjes | Almond‑cookie aroma; sublime with dark chocolate |
| Limited | Amsterdam 750 Dry Gin | One‑off bottling for the city’s 750th birthday in 2025 |
Indecisive? Choose the three‑pour tasting flight (€17.50)—weekends only, and it includes a peek at the micro‑distillery.
Practical Info
- Hours: Daily 15:00 – 21:00
- Tours: Book small‑group distillery visits on their website; parties of eight or more should reserve early.
- Payment: Bar prefers cash; the adjacent bottle shop accepts cards.
- Reservations: None for the proeflokaal. Expect a short queue after 18:00.
Nearby Hidden Gems
- Nieuwe Kerk – Cutting‑edge art exhibitions in a 15th‑century nave (2 min).
- Begijnhof – Quiet medieval courtyard for a palate reset (7 min).
- Canal‑Side Cheese Tasting – Complement genever notes with mature Gouda.
The next chapter of Amsterdam’s story is already swelling at the rim of that overfilled glass. Proost!
