A Renowned Dutch Brewery’s Story

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam is a brewery in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Kaspar Peterson founded the brewery in 1985, and it has since become a cherished icon in the city’s flourishing craft beer scene.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam offers something for everyone, from its famous windmill taproom to its extensive menu of exquisite brews.

In this blog article, we’ll look at the history of Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam, the brewery’s unique brewing technique, and some of the standout brews that make this Dutch brewery a must-see for beer enthusiasts. Aswell as some of our own experiences when we had the pleasure of visiting it for the first time.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam’s History

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam has a rich history that dates back to the 1980s. Kaspar Peterson, the brewery’s founder, was a former musician who became interested in brewing beer after a trip to Nepal. Upon his return to Amsterdam, Peterson began brewing beer in his kitchen using a homemade brewing kit. As his beers became more popular, Peterson decided to turn his hobby into a business.

In 1985, Peterson opened Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam in a former bathhouse next to a windmill in Amsterdam’s eastern district. The brewery’s windmill taproom, which opened in 1988, quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Today, Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam is one of the most well-known breweries in the Netherlands, and its beers are available in bars and shops across the country.

 

Unique Brewing Process

One of the things that sets Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam apart from other breweries is its unique brewing process. The brewery uses a traditional, copper-clad brewing kettle that was custom-built to Peterson’s specifications. The kettle is heated using a wood-fired furnace, which gives the beer a distinctive, smoky flavor.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam also uses a special yeast strain that was developed specifically for the brewery. The yeast is added to the beer during the fermentation process, which takes place in open fermentation tanks. This allows the yeast to interact with the air and gives the beer its characteristic fruity and spicy notes.

 

Standout Beers

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam is known for its wide range of delicious beers, from classic Belgian-style brews to more experimental offerings. Here are just a few standout beers from the brewery’s lineup:

• • IJwit: A classic Belgian-style witbier, IJwit is a refreshing, citrusy beer with notes of coriander and orange peel.

• • Zatte: A strong Belgian-style tripel, Zatte is a complex beer with a fruity, spicy flavor and a slightly sweet finish.

• • Columbus: A hoppy American-style IPA, Columbus is a bold beer with a bitter, citrusy flavor and a piney aroma.

• • Struis: A rich, dark beer with a velvety texture, Struis is a blend of five different malts that give it notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel.

     

    

Visiting Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam

If you’re visiting Amsterdam, a trip to Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam is a must. The brewery’s windmill taproom is a charming and cozy spot to enjoy a pint of delicious Dutch beer. The brewery also offers tours, where visitors can learn about the brewing process and sample some of the brewery’s signature brews.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam is a true gem of the Amsterdam beer scene. With its unique brewing process, wide range of delicious beers, and iconic windmill taproom, it’s no wonder the brewery has become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.

Conclusion

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam is a true testament to the art of craft brewing. With its unique brewing process, dedication to quality, and commitment to innovation, the brewery has become one of the most beloved destinations in Amsterdam’s thriving craft beer scene. Whether you’re a fan of classic Belgian-style brews or experimental, hop-forward IPAs, Brouwerij ‘t IJ Amsterdam has something for everyone. So the next time you find yourself in Amsterdam, be sure to stop by the brewery’s windmill taproom and raise a pint to Kaspar Peterson and the team behind this beloved Dutch brewery. Proost!

Our Experience

We had the pleasure of going to visit the brewery back in 2022, not only do they have a unique bar environment as well as incredibly friendly staff (That speak excellent English)
they also let you take a tour inside their brewery, this location is no longer used since they have such a large business, instead, it is used as a show and tell from the old days.
However, their new brewing facility is quite near to the location at hand.

When you go in you can book a time to take a tour, they will lump you up with a few other people, if you need to book you can do it easily here

We were allowed to observe the process of how everything is made and how the store their famous drinks.

I would most certainly recommend you try this if you find yourself in need of an activity.

We will definitely visit again
All the best!