Liquor tasting in Amsterdam has become a popular Amsterdam attraction. I became interested in this unusual Amsterdam attraction when a friend returned from a trip to Holland obsessed with Dutch green banana liquor! Since the trip to Amsterdam, he asks everyone who travels to bring him back a bottle, and every dinner at his house somehow involves this green banana liquor! Liquor tasting in Amsterdam is budget-friendly and a good excuse to drink!
Dutch Liquor Tasting in Amsterdam
Amsterdam and Holland in general have a historic connection with the production of liquor and Geneveres dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries when the Dutch dominated the spice trade. They used fruits from near and far together with exotic spices to concoct these sweet thick alcoholic drinks. Liquor tasting in Amsterdam is rather more recent activity.
Proeflokaal (Tasting Rooms) in Holland
Today you can find many “tasting rooms” or “proeflokaal” offering liquor tasting in Amsterdam, either free tastings or at a price. Wynand Fockink is the most reputable, their history goes back to 1679. Their distillery still functions and produces the largest range of drinks of this kind in the country. It is possible to take a tour of the facility which is furnished in 17th-century style with original antiques and a traditional atmosphere. The tasting room here is elegantly done out to put you in the mood and you can try a range of their products as part of your tour.
The Wynand Fockink Tasting Room is open from 2pm-9pm daily. The bar/tasting room is small so they don’t allow groups of more than 7 people at a time. However, they do have an English tour and liquor tasting on Saturdays at 12:30pm which lasts 45 minutes. For this tour and liquor tasting in Amsterdam, you don’t need to “subscribe” just turn up on time. You can also just turn up during open hours and buy a drink for about 3€. For a great pub to drink even more in Amsterdam try the Windmill.
While in Amsterdam you might want a weird and wonderful place to stay so check out the Harbour Crane.
Liquor Tasting in Amsterdam Practical Details:
How: contact@wynand-fockink.nl or check the English website of Wynand Fockink tasting rooms.
Where: Wynand Fockink is located at Pijlsteeg 31- 43, Amsterdam.
When: If you are not part of a group tour join the tour and liquor tasting on Saturdays at 12:30pm. Cost about 3Euro, no need to book.
For a list of other tasting rooms in Amsterdam follow this link, and there are even some free liquor tastings in Amsterdam. For a professional tour of these sites and more check out this list of Amsterdam tours.
