Brouwerij’t IJ

Brouwerij’t IJ

 

The Windmill at Brouwerij't IJ

Don’t worry I couldn't pronounce its name either. Brouwerij’t IJ translates quite simply as “The IJ Brewery”. This I a small brewery located just outside the centre of Amsterdam in a very unique setting; A WINDMILL. 

YERR!!!!! This got me exited as well.

I visited Amsterdam this summer with my girlfriend and never being one to shy away from the local beer culture I decided to do a bit of research into the local breweries other than Heineken. This is where I found the "IJ Brewery," which I was able to convince to my girlfriend was a must see. Not only is it in a windmill (this sold her) but it sells fresh from the barrel craft beer, which is stylish and unique.

Now that my girlfriend and I were both excited and ready to go; it was time to visit. We set off to the brewery, which is located about a 30 minutes walk from the centre of town. This walk passes by the zoo, so if you are an animal fanatic set aside some time to visit. However Unfortunately for my inner child we did not have enough time to visit the zoo.

Nevertheless we arrived at this lovely little brewery/pub, where we were pleasantly surprised by its simplistic yet inviting feel. There was a large outside terrace that seated plenty and would be great for any size group. However considering it was slightly overcast we decided to start off inside. I was also drawn in by their collection of beer bottles around the walls (inspiration for my collection).

 

Taking it all in

At the bar we decided to go for a beer sample board, which included tasters of 6 of their beers, all of which were unique in there own way. These included:

1. Zatte (Tripel)
2. Natte (Dubbel)
3. Ijwit (Wheat beer)
4. Columbus (Copper-Golden Ale)
5. IPA (Indian Pale Ale)
6. Struis (Barley Wine brew)

Menu

This was a great experience; sitting in this quite bar (as we were first to arrive; it soon filled up) eating peanuts and cheese while sipping on this fresh craft beer. The experience was made even better by the intimacy with the brewing process. I was drinking my beer while glimpsing into the brewery and seeing it being made. The best way for me to describe this would be by comparing it to fresh fish. Like fish; THE BEST IS FRESH. You always want the freshest fish and beer is no different.

The Bar

This experience at Brouwerij’t IJ was like catching a fresh fish. It came straight from the pump and went straight to my belly; It was amazing.

If you want to visit a real brewery while in Amsterdam, skip the Heineken factory and ramble on down to Brouwerij’t IJ; you will not be disappointed.

I will shortly be writing a review on their Zatte and IPA, however check out their website; it will make you want to visit them for sure: http://www.brouwerijhetij.nl/homepage/zomerblond-6/