50 Best Dutch Beers to Drink in 2026

THE DUTCH BEER BOARD · UPDATED 2026

Dutch beer is much bigger than green bottles and red stars. The Netherlands built global lager empires, protected serious monastery brewing, embraced autumn bock, revived medieval city recipes, and then created a modern craft scene that happily moves from botanical witbier to imperial stout.

This Top 50 balances historical importance, brewing quality, Dutch identity, modern influence, availability, and sheer usefulness as an introduction. It begins with the beers that shaped the national reputation, then heads through Limburg, Brabant, Amsterdam, Haarlem, Utrecht, The Hague, Breda, Alkmaar, and Bodegraven.

50 Best Dutch Beers to Drink in 2026

Expect crisp pilsner, Trappist strong ale, malty bokbier, wheat beer, resurrected gruit, classic IPA, modern haze, barley wine, and stout dark enough to look like it leaked from a machine shop.

Hertog Jan Grand Prestige
#1 in this roundup
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Hertog Jan Grand Prestige

Brewed by Hertog Jan Brouwerij

StyleDutch Barley Wine
ABV10.0%
Dutch movethe cellar-worthy crown jewel of a major Dutch lager
Brewed inArcen

fig, caramel, dark bread, plum, warming alcohol, and restrained bitterness

BAR NOTES

Hertog Jan Grand Prestige belongs on the Dutch board because it is the cellar-worthy crown jewel of a major Dutch lager brewery and a gateway into the country's strong dark ales. From Arcen, the beer brings fig, caramel, dark bread, plum, warming alcohol, and restrained bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Hertog Jan Grand Prestige beside aged Gouda, beef stew, roast duck, or dark chocolate. Serve it around 10–12°C in a snifter, and compare a fresh bottle with one aged for several years to watch the fruit and sherry notes deepen.

La Trappe Quadrupel
#2 in this roundup
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La Trappe Quadrupel

Brewed by Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven

StyleTrappist Quadrupel
ABV10.0%
Dutch movethe beer that helped turn quadrupel from a monastery label
Brewed inBerkel-Enschot

dates, raisins, caramel, banana, spice, vanilla, and a long warming finish

BAR NOTES

La Trappe Quadrupel belongs on the Dutch board because it is the beer that helped turn quadrupel from a monastery label into an internationally recognized strong-ale style. From Berkel-Enschot, the beer brings dates, raisins, caramel, banana, spice, vanilla, and a long warming finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put La Trappe Quadrupel beside braised beef, blue cheese, aged Gouda, or bread pudding. A wide Trappist chalice and cellar temperature reveal far more than an ice-cold pour; bottle conditioning also makes careful long-term aging worthwhile.

Heineken Original
#3 in this roundup
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Heineken Original

Brewed by Heineken

StyleDutch Pale Lager
ABV5.0%
Dutch movethe Netherlands' defining global beer export and an
Brewed inZoeterwoude

pale grain, light bread, grass, mild fruit, and a clean bitter snap

BAR NOTES

Heineken Original belongs on the Dutch board because it is the Netherlands' defining global beer export and an unavoidable reference point for the country's industrial lager history. From Zoeterwoude, the beer brings pale grain, light bread, grass, mild fruit, and a clean bitter snap. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Heineken Original beside fried seafood, burgers, salty snacks, or grilled chicken. Drink it fresh and properly cold from clean glassware; green bottles can develop lightstruck aromas, so cans and well-protected stock are safer buys.

Grolsch Premium Pilsner
#4 in this roundup
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Grolsch Premium Pilsner

Brewed by Grolsch

StyleDutch Pilsner
ABV5.0%
Dutch movea sturdier Dutch pilsner whose famous swing-top bottle
Brewed inEnschede

cracker, cereal grain, grass, lemon, herbal hops, and brisk carbonation

BAR NOTES

Grolsch Premium Pilsner belongs on the Dutch board because it is a sturdier Dutch pilsner whose famous swing-top bottle became nearly as recognizable as its firm herbal finish. From Enschede, the beer brings cracker, cereal grain, grass, lemon, herbal hops, and brisk carbonation. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Grolsch Premium Pilsner beside sausages, fried cheese, roast chicken, or fish and chips. Serve at 4–6°C in a narrow pilsner glass, and use a fresh bottle so the crisp hop edge remains sharper than the malt sweetness.

Texels Skuumkoppe
#5 in this roundup
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Texels Skuumkoppe

Brewed by Texelse Bierbrouwerij

StyleDark Wheat Beer
ABV6.0%
Dutch movean island-brewed dark wheat beer that became one of the
Brewed inOudeschild, Texel

banana, caramel, toasted wheat, clove, dried fruit, and a creamy body

BAR NOTES

Texels Skuumkoppe belongs on the Dutch board because it is an island-brewed dark wheat beer that became one of the Netherlands' most distinctive modern regional specialties. From Oudeschild, Texel, the beer brings banana, caramel, toasted wheat, clove, dried fruit, and a creamy body. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Texels Skuumkoppe beside roast chicken, pork, nutty cheese, or mushroom dishes. Gently roll the bottle before opening if you want the yeast fully mixed, then pour into a wheat-beer glass at about 6–8°C.

Brouwerij 't IJ IJwit
#6 in this roundup
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Brouwerij 't IJ IJwit

Brewed by Brouwerij 't IJ

StyleDutch Witbier
ABV6.5%
Dutch movethe signature refresher from Amsterdam's windmill brewery
Brewed inAmsterdam

lemon, coriander, wheat, orange peel, banana, and lively carbonation

BAR NOTES

Brouwerij 't IJ IJwit belongs on the Dutch board because it is the signature refresher from Amsterdam's windmill brewery and a benchmark for the city's first modern craft generation. From Amsterdam, the beer brings lemon, coriander, wheat, orange peel, banana, and lively carbonation. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Brouwerij 't IJ IJwit beside mussels, goat cheese, grilled fish, or fresh salads. A tall wheat glass gives the foam and citrus aroma room; serve cool rather than icy and include the yeast if you enjoy a fuller texture.

Jopen Mooie Nel IPA
#7 in this roundup
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Jopen Mooie Nel IPA

Brewed by Jopen

StyleNorth Sea IPA
ABV6.5%
Dutch movethe Haarlem brewery's flagship modern IPA and one of the
Brewed inHaarlem

grapefruit, pine, tropical fruit, caramel malt, and a dry bitter finish

BAR NOTES

Jopen Mooie Nel IPA belongs on the Dutch board because it is the Haarlem brewery's flagship modern IPA and one of the clearest early links between Dutch brewing history and American hops. From Haarlem, the beer brings grapefruit, pine, tropical fruit, caramel malt, and a dry bitter finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Jopen Mooie Nel IPA beside burgers, spicy chicken, sharp cheddar, or fish tacos. Buy it as fresh as possible, keep it cold, and use a tulip or IPA glass so the citrus and resin stay ahead of oxidation.

Oedipus Mannenliefde
#8 in this roundup
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Oedipus Mannenliefde

Brewed by Oedipus Brewing

StyleSpiced Saison
ABV6.0%
Dutch moveOedipus's first commercial beer and an internationally
Brewed inAmsterdam

lemongrass, citrus, pepper, herbs, soft grain, and a dry sparkling finish

BAR NOTES

Oedipus Mannenliefde belongs on the Dutch board because it is Oedipus's first commercial beer and an internationally decorated saison that made inclusivity part of its identity. From Amsterdam, the beer brings lemongrass, citrus, pepper, herbs, soft grain, and a dry sparkling finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Oedipus Mannenliefde beside Thai food, grilled chicken, goat cheese, or seafood. Serve around 6–8°C in a tulip and let the high carbonation carry its lemongrass and Szechuan-pepper aroma above the glass.

De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis
#9 in this roundup
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De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis

Brewed by Brouwerij De Molen

StyleImperial Stout
ABV9.0%
Dutch movean internationally respected imperial stout that helped
Brewed inBodegraven

espresso, cacao, black currant, roasted malt, licorice, and warming depth

BAR NOTES

De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis belongs on the Dutch board because it is an internationally respected imperial stout that helped establish the Netherlands as serious territory for dark craft beer. From Bodegraven, the beer brings espresso, cacao, black currant, roasted malt, licorice, and warming depth. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis beside smoked beef, blue cheese, brownies, or rich stew. Give this stout ten minutes outside the refrigerator and use a smaller snifter; warmth unlocks the coffee, fruit, and chocolate buried by cold service.

Amstel Lager
#10 in this roundup
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Amstel Lager

Brewed by Amstel

StyleDutch Pale Lager
ABV5.0%
Dutch movea historic Amsterdam-born lager whose international reach
Brewed inAmsterdam

pale malt, cereal grain, light fruit, grassy hops, and gentle bitterness

BAR NOTES

Amstel Lager belongs on the Dutch board because it is a historic Amsterdam-born lager whose international reach makes it an essential part of the Dutch beer story. From Amsterdam, the beer brings pale malt, cereal grain, light fruit, grassy hops, and gentle bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Amstel Lager beside pizza, grilled chicken, fried fish, or pub snacks. Serve cold in a simple lager glass and prioritize fresh stock; its restrained profile leaves stale grain or light damage nowhere to hide.

La Trappe Tripel
#11 in this roundup
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La Trappe Tripel

Brewed by Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven

StyleTrappist Tripel
ABV8.0%
Dutch movea classic Dutch Trappist tripel balancing considerable
Brewed inBerkel-Enschot

pear, peach, pepper, clove, honeyed malt, and herbal hops

BAR NOTES

La Trappe Tripel belongs on the Dutch board because it is a classic Dutch Trappist tripel balancing considerable strength with fruit, spice, carbonation, and a surprisingly dry finish. From Berkel-Enschot, the beer brings pear, peach, pepper, clove, honeyed malt, and herbal hops. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put La Trappe Tripel beside roast chicken, salmon, triple-cream cheese, or pork. Use a chalice at 8–12°C and pour slowly; the final yeast-rich centimeter can be added for more bread and spice or left behind for clarity.

La Trappe Dubbel
#12 in this roundup
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La Trappe Dubbel

Brewed by Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven

StyleTrappist Dubbel
ABV7.0%
Dutch movea dependable monastery dubbel whose dark-fruit sweetness
Brewed inBerkel-Enschot

dates, caramel, dark bread, honey, banana, and gentle spice

BAR NOTES

La Trappe Dubbel belongs on the Dutch board because it is a dependable monastery dubbel whose dark-fruit sweetness remains balanced enough for dinner rather than becoming dessert. From Berkel-Enschot, the beer brings dates, caramel, dark bread, honey, banana, and gentle spice. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put La Trappe Dubbel beside roast pork, mushrooms, aged cheese, or beef stew. Serve at 8–12°C in a goblet, allowing the second half to warm so dried fruit and bread emerge beyond the initial caramel.

La Trappe Blond
#13 in this roundup
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La Trappe Blond

Brewed by Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven

StyleTrappist Blond Ale
ABV6.5%
Dutch movethe abbey's accessible golden ale, offering genuine
Brewed inBerkel-Enschot

yellow fruit, citrus, pale malt, flowers, pepper, and soft bitterness

BAR NOTES

La Trappe Blond belongs on the Dutch board because it is the abbey's accessible golden ale, offering genuine Trappist fermentation character without the weight of its stronger siblings. From Berkel-Enschot, the beer brings yellow fruit, citrus, pale malt, flowers, pepper, and soft bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put La Trappe Blond beside white fish, roast chicken, young cheese, or light cake. Pour into a tulip around 6–8°C, leaving enough headspace for the floral yeast aroma and fine bottle-conditioned foam.

La Trappe Isid'or
#14 in this roundup
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La Trappe Isid'or

Brewed by Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven

StyleTrappist Amber Ale
ABV7.5%
Dutch movea 125th-anniversary recipe that became permanent because
Brewed inBerkel-Enschot

caramel, peach, dried fruit, nuts, herbs, and a softly bitter finish

BAR NOTES

La Trappe Isid'or belongs on the Dutch board because it is a 125th-anniversary recipe that became permanent because its caramel malt and homegrown Perle hops found an unusually graceful balance. From Berkel-Enschot, the beer brings caramel, peach, dried fruit, nuts, herbs, and a softly bitter finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put La Trappe Isid'or beside grilled vegetables, Gouda, roast pork, or caramel desserts. A roomy goblet at 8–12°C lets the fruit and caramel widen without muting the delicate hop character behind them.

La Trappe Witte Trappist
#15 in this roundup
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La Trappe Witte Trappist

Brewed by Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven

StyleTrappist Witbier
ABV5.5%
Dutch movethe world's only Trappist witbier and proof that monastery
Brewed inBerkel-Enschot

citrus, wheat, flowers, coriander-like spice, light tartness, and a dry finish

BAR NOTES

La Trappe Witte Trappist belongs on the Dutch board because it is the world's only Trappist witbier and proof that monastery brewing in the Netherlands is not limited to dark strong ale. From Berkel-Enschot, the beer brings citrus, wheat, flowers, coriander-like spice, light tartness, and a dry finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put La Trappe Witte Trappist beside salads, shellfish, soft cheese, or grilled fish. Serve at 5–7°C in a wheat glass and rouse the yeast gently for extra texture, citrus, and spice in the final pour.

La Trappe Nillis
#16 in this roundup
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La Trappe Nillis

Brewed by Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven

StyleAlcohol-Free Trappist Ale
ABV0.0%
Dutch movethe first alcohol-free Trappist beer, built as a real dark
Brewed inBerkel-Enschot

caramel, dark bread, dried fruit, herbs, and gentle bitterness

BAR NOTES

La Trappe Nillis belongs on the Dutch board because it is the first alcohol-free Trappist beer, built as a real dark amber ale rather than a watery imitation of lager. From Berkel-Enschot, the beer brings caramel, dark bread, dried fruit, herbs, and gentle bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put La Trappe Nillis beside Gouda, mushroom dishes, roast vegetables, or sandwiches. Serve properly cold but not frozen in a small tulip; a clean glass and a firm pour help its malt aroma and foam feel complete.

Brand Imperator
#17 in this roundup
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Brand Imperator

Brewed by Brand Bierbrouwerij

StyleDortmunder-Style Lager
ABV6.5%
Dutch movea malty southern Dutch strong lager with a long local
Brewed inWijlre

bread crust, caramel, herbs, minerals, and firm balancing bitterness

BAR NOTES

Brand Imperator belongs on the Dutch board because it is a malty southern Dutch strong lager with a long local following and more heft than the country's everyday pilsners. From Wijlre, the beer brings bread crust, caramel, herbs, minerals, and firm balancing bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Brand Imperator beside roast pork, sausages, mature cheese, or potato dishes. Serve around 6–8°C in a stemmed lager glass, giving the stronger malt body slightly more warmth than ordinary pilsner.

Brand Weizen
#18 in this roundup
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Brand Weizen

Brewed by Brand Bierbrouwerij

StyleWheat Beer
ABV5.1%
Dutch movea widely available Dutch wheat beer that brings southern
Brewed inWijlre

banana, clove, wheat bread, citrus, and lively carbonation

BAR NOTES

Brand Weizen belongs on the Dutch board because it is a widely available Dutch wheat beer that brings southern brewery tradition into a banana-and-citrus style usually associated with Germany. From Wijlre, the beer brings banana, clove, wheat bread, citrus, and lively carbonation. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Brand Weizen beside grilled fish, roast chicken, salads, or soft cheese. Pour most of the bottle into a tall wheat glass, swirl the final yeast sediment, and add it for a fuller cloud and aroma.

Château Neubourg
#19 in this roundup
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Château Neubourg

Brewed by Gulpener Bierbrouwerij

StyleSuperior Pilsner
ABV5.5%
Dutch moveGulpener's blue-bottled premium pilsner and a polished
Brewed inGulpen

fresh bread, flowers, grass, lemon, minerals, and refined bitterness

BAR NOTES

Château Neubourg belongs on the Dutch board because it is Gulpener's blue-bottled premium pilsner and a polished showcase for the independent brewery's local-grain approach. From Gulpen, the beer brings fresh bread, flowers, grass, lemon, minerals, and refined bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Château Neubourg beside fried fish, schnitzel, young cheese, or grilled chicken. Protect the blue bottle from bright light, serve at 4–6°C, and use a narrow glass that keeps the hop aroma focused.

Gulpener Korenwolf
#20 in this roundup
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Gulpener Korenwolf

Brewed by Gulpener Bierbrouwerij

StyleDutch Witbier
ABV5.0%
Dutch movea multi-grain Limburg witbier named for a local hamster and
Brewed inGulpen

mandarin, coriander, wheat, soft herbs, lemon, and creamy grain

BAR NOTES

Gulpener Korenwolf belongs on the Dutch board because it is a multi-grain Limburg witbier named for a local hamster and brewed with an unmistakably regional agricultural identity. From Gulpen, the beer brings mandarin, coriander, wheat, soft herbs, lemon, and creamy grain. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Gulpener Korenwolf beside mussels, salads, goat cheese, or grilled chicken. Serve cool in a broad wheat glass and include the sediment if you want the grain and spice to feel rounder.

Gerardus Dubbel
#21 in this roundup
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Gerardus Dubbel

Brewed by Gulpener Bierbrouwerij

StyleDutch Abbey Dubbel
ABV7.0%
Dutch movea monastery-inspired Limburg dubbel tied to Wittem and
Brewed inWittem

caramel, nuts, dried fruit, dark bread, cedar, and mild spice

BAR NOTES

Gerardus Dubbel belongs on the Dutch board because it is a monastery-inspired Limburg dubbel tied to Wittem and brewed with enough nutty dryness to restrain its caramel side. From Wittem, the beer brings caramel, nuts, dried fruit, dark bread, cedar, and mild spice. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Gerardus Dubbel beside beef stew, roast pork, aged Gouda, or mushrooms. A goblet and 8–10°C service reveal its woody and nutty details; an ice-cold pint makes this taste far simpler than it is.

Gulpener Herfstbock
#22 in this roundup
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Gulpener Herfstbock

Brewed by Gulpener Bierbrouwerij

StyleDutch Autumn Bock
ABV6.5%
Dutch movea classic seasonal expression of the Dutch obsession with
Brewed inGulpen

caramel, toasted bread, nuts, dark fruit, and a sturdy bitter finish

BAR NOTES

Gulpener Herfstbock belongs on the Dutch board because it is a classic seasonal expression of the Dutch obsession with bokbier, built around malt rather than hop spectacle. From Gulpen, the beer brings caramel, toasted bread, nuts, dark fruit, and a sturdy bitter finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Gulpener Herfstbock beside game stew, stamppot, creamy cheese, or roast pork. Serve at 8–10°C in a small stemmed glass; the malt becomes rounder as it warms, while excessive cold hides the autumn-bock character.

Hertog Jan Bockbier
#23 in this roundup
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Hertog Jan Bockbier

Brewed by Hertog Jan Brouwerij

StyleDutch Bock
ABV6.5%
Dutch movea ruby-red seasonal bock from one of the Netherlands' most
Brewed inArcen

caramel, dark bread, red fruit, nuts, and bittersweet malt

BAR NOTES

Hertog Jan Bockbier belongs on the Dutch board because it is a ruby-red seasonal bock from one of the Netherlands' most beloved brewery brands, balancing sweetness with a meaningful bitter edge. From Arcen, the beer brings caramel, dark bread, red fruit, nuts, and bittersweet malt. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Hertog Jan Bockbier beside roast beef, sausage, aged cheese, or apple tart. Let it rise toward 10°C and use a goblet or small tulip so the darker malt and fruit can open without losing carbonation.

Hertog Jan Weizener
#24 in this roundup
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Hertog Jan Weizener

Brewed by Hertog Jan Brouwerij

StyleDutch Wheat Beer
ABV5.7%
Dutch movea bottle-conditioned Dutch wheat beer brightened with
Brewed inArcen

orange, banana, wheat bread, coriander, lemon, and light bitterness

BAR NOTES

Hertog Jan Weizener belongs on the Dutch board because it is a bottle-conditioned Dutch wheat beer brightened with coriander and orange peel rather than simply copying Bavarian hefeweizen. From Arcen, the beer brings orange, banana, wheat bread, coriander, lemon, and light bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Hertog Jan Weizener beside pizza, fish salad, roast chicken, or young cheese. Use a tall glass at 6–8°C and decide whether to swirl in the sediment depending on how much yeast spice and body you want.

Bavaria Premium Pilsener
#25 in this roundup
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Bavaria Premium Pilsener

Brewed by Swinkels Family Brewers

StyleDutch Pilsner
ABV5.0%
Dutch movethe flagship lager of a centuries-old family brewer whose
Brewed inLieshout

pale malt, light fruit, grass, herbs, and a clean bitter finish

BAR NOTES

Bavaria Premium Pilsener belongs on the Dutch board because it is the flagship lager of a centuries-old family brewer whose scale and deep-well water make it central to Dutch brewing. From Lieshout, the beer brings pale malt, light fruit, grass, herbs, and a clean bitter finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Bavaria Premium Pilsener beside fries, grilled chicken, fried fish, or mild cheese. Serve at 4–6°C and choose recently packaged beer; its crisp, quiet profile is designed for refreshment rather than slow warming.

Alfa Edel Pils
#26 in this roundup
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Alfa Edel Pils

Brewed by Alfa Bierbrouwerij

StyleDutch Pilsner
ABV5.0%
Dutch movea family-brewed Limburg pilsner with spring-water identity
Brewed inSchinnen

cracker, grain, flowers, grass, minerals, and moderate bitterness

BAR NOTES

Alfa Edel Pils belongs on the Dutch board because it is a family-brewed Limburg pilsner with spring-water identity and enough recent recognition to stand beyond the giant national brands. From Schinnen, the beer brings cracker, grain, flowers, grass, minerals, and moderate bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Alfa Edel Pils beside schnitzel, seafood, sausages, or young Gouda. A fresh bottle at 4–6°C in a slim pilsner glass best preserves the floral edge and clean mineral finish.

Brouwerij 't IJ Zatte
#27 in this roundup
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Brouwerij 't IJ Zatte

Brewed by Brouwerij 't IJ

StyleOrganic Tripel
ABV8.0%
Dutch moveAmsterdam's first locally brewed tripel and a durable
Brewed inAmsterdam

yellow fruit, grain, pepper, honey, herbs, and a dry finish

BAR NOTES

Brouwerij 't IJ Zatte belongs on the Dutch board because it is Amsterdam's first locally brewed tripel and a durable flagship from the windmill brewery that helped restart city craft beer. From Amsterdam, the beer brings yellow fruit, grain, pepper, honey, herbs, and a dry finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Brouwerij 't IJ Zatte beside roast chicken, washed-rind cheese, mussels, or pork. Pour into a tulip around 8°C, allowing a generous foam cap and enough warming time for the fruit and spice to separate.

Brouwerij 't IJ Natte
#28 in this roundup
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Brouwerij 't IJ Natte

Brewed by Brouwerij 't IJ

StyleOrganic Dubbel
ABV6.5%
Dutch movethe brewery's organic red-brown dubbel and a softer
Brewed inAmsterdam

caramel, dark fruit, bread, nuts, yeast spice, and mild bitterness

BAR NOTES

Brouwerij 't IJ Natte belongs on the Dutch board because it is the brewery's organic red-brown dubbel and a softer, pub-friendly counterpoint to its stronger Zatte and Columbus. From Amsterdam, the beer brings caramel, dark fruit, bread, nuts, yeast spice, and mild bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Brouwerij 't IJ Natte beside roast pork, mushrooms, Gouda, or beef pie. Serve around 8°C in a tulip and let the last third warm; the dark fruit and toast grow clearer as the chill fades.

Brouwerij 't IJ Columbus
#29 in this roundup
Beer profile

Brouwerij 't IJ Columbus

Brewed by Brouwerij 't IJ

StyleStrong Amber Ale
ABV9.0%
Dutch movea powerfully hopped organic amber ale that shows the older
Brewed inAmsterdam

caramel, orange, dried fruit, pepper, herbs, and warming bitterness

BAR NOTES

Brouwerij 't IJ Columbus belongs on the Dutch board because it is a powerfully hopped organic amber ale that shows the older, yeast-driven side of Dutch craft strength before haze became fashionable. From Amsterdam, the beer brings caramel, orange, dried fruit, pepper, herbs, and warming bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Brouwerij 't IJ Columbus beside braised beef, aged cheese, roast duck, or spicy sausage. Use a sturdy tulip at 8–10°C and sip slowly; its 9% strength is less obvious than the lively carbonation suggests.

Brouwerij 't IJ IPA
#30 in this roundup
Beer profile

Brouwerij 't IJ IPA

Brewed by Brouwerij 't IJ

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV6.5%
Dutch movea straightforward organic IPA connecting the brewery's old
Brewed inAmsterdam

grapefruit, flowers, pine, biscuit, orange, and firm bitterness

BAR NOTES

Brouwerij 't IJ IPA belongs on the Dutch board because it is a straightforward organic IPA connecting the brewery's old Amsterdam identity with the citrus-forward modern hop era. From Amsterdam, the beer brings grapefruit, flowers, pine, biscuit, orange, and firm bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Brouwerij 't IJ IPA beside burgers, fried chicken, tacos, or aged cheddar. Keep it cold and drink it fresh in a tulip; oxygen and warm storage flatten the citrus long before they improve anything.

Jopen Hoppenbier
#31 in this roundup
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Jopen Hoppenbier

Brewed by Jopen

StyleHistoric Hop Ale
ABV6.8%
Dutch movea recreation of Haarlem's 1501 hopped beer tradition and
Brewed inHaarlem

bread, herbs, flowers, citrus, yeast spice, and assertive bitterness

BAR NOTES

Jopen Hoppenbier belongs on the Dutch board because it is a recreation of Haarlem's 1501 hopped beer tradition and the brew that launched Jopen's historical-recipe mission. From Haarlem, the beer brings bread, herbs, flowers, citrus, yeast spice, and assertive bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Jopen Hoppenbier beside roast chicken, sausages, Gouda, or herb-seasoned pork. Serve at 7–9°C in a tulip, leaving room for its vigorous foam and letting the herbal hops meet the fermentation spice.

Jopen Koyt
#32 in this roundup
Beer profile

Jopen Koyt

Brewed by Jopen

StyleHistoric Gruit Ale
ABV8.5%
Dutch movea three-grain reconstruction of a 1407 city recipe using
Brewed inHaarlem

caramel, dates, bread, herbs, licorice, and warming spice

BAR NOTES

Jopen Koyt belongs on the Dutch board because it is a three-grain reconstruction of a 1407 city recipe using gruit herbs instead of treating hops as the only path to balance. From Haarlem, the beer brings caramel, dates, bread, herbs, licorice, and warming spice. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Jopen Koyt beside game, blue cheese, beef stew, or fruitcake. A goblet around 10°C suits its weight; approach the herbal profile like a strong spiced ale rather than expecting IPA bitterness.

Jopen Adriaan Wit
#33 in this roundup
Beer profile

Jopen Adriaan Wit

Brewed by Jopen

StyleHistoric Witbier
ABV5.0%
Dutch movea refreshing tribute to Haarlem's Adriaan windmill and a
Brewed inHaarlem

orange, coriander, wheat, lemon, herbs, and soft pepper

BAR NOTES

Jopen Adriaan Wit belongs on the Dutch board because it is a refreshing tribute to Haarlem's Adriaan windmill and a lighter expression of Jopen's habit of rebuilding city beer history. From Haarlem, the beer brings orange, coriander, wheat, lemon, herbs, and soft pepper. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Jopen Adriaan Wit beside salads, shellfish, grilled fish, or goat cheese. Serve at 5–7°C in a wheat glass and include a little yeast for body without turning the pour needlessly muddy.

Jopen Ongelovige Thomas
#34 in this roundup
Beer profile

Jopen Ongelovige Thomas

Brewed by Jopen

StyleAmerican Quadrupel
ABV10.0%
Dutch movea dark strong ale that pushes a quadrupel base through
Brewed inHaarlem

raisins, caramel, chocolate, orange, pine, and warming bitterness

BAR NOTES

Jopen Ongelovige Thomas belongs on the Dutch board because it is a dark strong ale that pushes a quadrupel base through American hops, neatly joining Jopen's historic and modern instincts. From Haarlem, the beer brings raisins, caramel, chocolate, orange, pine, and warming bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Jopen Ongelovige Thomas beside barbecue, blue cheese, braised beef, or chocolate cake. Use a snifter at 10–12°C and take your time; the hop edge is clearer fresh, while age shifts emphasis toward dried fruit and malt.

De Molen Rasputin
#35 in this roundup
Beer profile

De Molen Rasputin

Brewed by Brouwerij De Molen

StyleImperial Stout
ABV10.0%
Dutch movea foundational De Molen imperial stout with enough roast
Brewed inBodegraven

coffee, cacao, port, licorice, dark fruit, and a silky warming body

BAR NOTES

De Molen Rasputin belongs on the Dutch board because it is a foundational De Molen imperial stout with enough roast, dark fruit, and aging potential to earn international cult status. From Bodegraven, the beer brings coffee, cacao, port, licorice, dark fruit, and a silky warming body. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put De Molen Rasputin beside dark chocolate, blue cheese, smoked meat, or tiramisu. Serve near 10°C in a snifter; a fresh bottle is roastier, while careful aging can soften the alcohol and amplify port-like fruit.

De Molen Vuur & Vlam
#36 in this roundup
Beer profile

De Molen Vuur & Vlam

Brewed by Brouwerij De Molen

StyleClassic IPA
ABV6.2%
Dutch moveDe Molen's enduring citrus-and-floral IPA and a reminder of
Brewed inBodegraven

orange, grapefruit, flowers, grass, pale caramel, and a dry bitter finish

BAR NOTES

De Molen Vuur & Vlam belongs on the Dutch board because it is De Molen's enduring citrus-and-floral IPA and a reminder of the leaner bitter craft profile that preceded today's juice bombs. From Bodegraven, the beer brings orange, grapefruit, flowers, grass, pale caramel, and a dry bitter finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put De Molen Vuur & Vlam beside spicy noodles, burgers, aged cheddar, or grilled pork. Freshness matters more than ceremony: keep it cold, pour around 6°C, and use a tulip that concentrates the hop aroma.

De Molen Bommen & Granaten
#37 in this roundup
Beer profile

De Molen Bommen & Granaten

Brewed by Brouwerij De Molen

StyleBarley Wine
ABV11.0%
Dutch movean aptly named barley wine that turns concentrated malt and
Brewed inBodegraven

fig, apricot, caramel, cake, herbal hops, and warming sweetness

BAR NOTES

De Molen Bommen & Granaten belongs on the Dutch board because it is an aptly named barley wine that turns concentrated malt and ripe fruit into one of the country's most recognizable strong craft beers. From Bodegraven, the beer brings fig, apricot, caramel, cake, herbal hops, and warming sweetness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put De Molen Bommen & Granaten beside pâté, aged cheese, fruitcake, or foie gras. Pour a small measure at 10–12°C; it can replace dessert, and cellaring often knits its alcohol and fruit into a rounder whole.

Oedipus Thai Thai
#38 in this roundup
Beer profile

Oedipus Thai Thai

Brewed by Oedipus Brewing

StyleSpiced Tripel
ABV8.0%
Dutch movea fearless tripel seasoned with galangal, coriander, orange
Brewed inAmsterdam

orange, ginger, pepper, tropical spice, sweet malt, and gentle heat

BAR NOTES

Oedipus Thai Thai belongs on the Dutch board because it is a fearless tripel seasoned with galangal, coriander, orange peel, and chili, showing how Dutch craft brewers bend Belgian forms. From Amsterdam, the beer brings orange, ginger, pepper, tropical spice, sweet malt, and gentle heat. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Oedipus Thai Thai beside Thai curry, grilled shrimp, spicy chicken, or washed-rind cheese. Serve around 8°C in a tulip and let it warm gradually; the chili should remain seasoning rather than becoming a drinking stunt.

Oedipus Gaia
#39 in this roundup
Beer profile

Oedipus Gaia

Brewed by Oedipus Brewing

StyleWest Coast IPA
ABV7.0%
Dutch movea decorated Oedipus flagship that keeps resin, grapefruit
Brewed inAmsterdam

grapefruit, yellow stone fruit, pine, resin, pale malt, and a dry finish

BAR NOTES

Oedipus Gaia belongs on the Dutch board because it is a decorated Oedipus flagship that keeps resin, grapefruit, and decisive bitterness alive in a haze-dominated era. From Amsterdam, the beer brings grapefruit, yellow stone fruit, pine, resin, pale malt, and a dry finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Oedipus Gaia beside burgers, barbecue, tacos, or sharp cheddar. Treat Gaia like produce: buy it fresh, refrigerate it, and serve around 6–8°C in an aroma-friendly tulip.

Uiltje Bird of Prey
#40 in this roundup
Beer profile

Uiltje Bird of Prey

Brewed by Uiltje Brewing Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV5.8%
Dutch moveUiltje's comic-book flagship IPA, packing a modern
Brewed inHaarlem

tropical fruit, citrus, grass, pine, and crisp bitterness

BAR NOTES

Uiltje Bird of Prey belongs on the Dutch board because it is Uiltje's comic-book flagship IPA, packing a modern fruit-and-resin profile into a strength that still invites a second glass. From Haarlem, the beer brings tropical fruit, citrus, grass, pine, and crisp bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Uiltje Bird of Prey beside spicy cheese, grilled meat, fried chicken, or burgers. Keep the can cold and drink it fresh at 5–7°C; the bright hop aroma is the point and gains nothing from pantry aging.

Uiltje Trackdown
#41 in this roundup
Beer profile

Uiltje Trackdown

Brewed by Uiltje Brewing Company

StyleJuicy Pale Ale
ABV3.8%
Dutch movea low-strength juicy pale ale proving Dutch hop beer can be
Brewed inHaarlem

mango, citrus, melon, soft grain, herbs, and restrained bitterness

BAR NOTES

Uiltje Trackdown belongs on the Dutch board because it is a low-strength juicy pale ale proving Dutch hop beer can be expressive without automatically climbing past 7% alcohol. From Haarlem, the beer brings mango, citrus, melon, soft grain, herbs, and restrained bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Uiltje Trackdown beside fish tacos, grilled chicken, salads, or mild cheese. Serve very fresh around 5°C in a small IPA glass; its light body makes oxidation especially obvious.

Uiltje Dr. Raptor
#42 in this roundup
Beer profile

Uiltje Dr. Raptor

Brewed by Uiltje Brewing Company

StyleDouble IPA
ABV8.2%
Dutch movethe brewery's mad-scientist double IPA, using comic
Brewed inHaarlem

grapefruit, tropical fruit, pine, caramel, resin, and warming bitterness

BAR NOTES

Uiltje Dr. Raptor belongs on the Dutch board because it is the brewery's mad-scientist double IPA, using comic packaging to deliver a genuinely substantial blast of hops and alcohol. From Haarlem, the beer brings grapefruit, tropical fruit, pine, caramel, resin, and warming bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Uiltje Dr. Raptor beside barbecue ribs, blue cheese, burgers, or spicy wings. A modest pour at 7–9°C keeps the hops vivid without hiding the malt and alcohol that make this a double IPA.

Kompaan Bloedbroeder
#43 in this roundup
Beer profile

Kompaan Bloedbroeder

Brewed by Kompaan Dutch Craft Beer Company

StyleImperial Stout
ABV9.1%
Dutch moveKompaan's core imperial stout and a dark, serious anchor
Brewed inThe Hague

espresso, chocolate, caramel, roasted grain, dark fruit, and warming alcohol

BAR NOTES

Kompaan Bloedbroeder belongs on the Dutch board because it is Kompaan's core imperial stout and a dark, serious anchor for a brewery better known to many drinkers through loud modern cans. From The Hague, the beer brings espresso, chocolate, caramel, roasted grain, dark fruit, and warming alcohol. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Kompaan Bloedbroeder beside smoked beef, brownies, blue cheese, or mushroom stew. Let it warm toward 10°C in a snifter; the roast and chocolate become broader while the alcohol settles into the background.

Kompaan Juicy Joker
#44 in this roundup
Beer profile

Kompaan Juicy Joker

Brewed by Kompaan Dutch Craft Beer Company

StyleNew England IPA
ABV6.0%
Dutch movea core-range hazy IPA whose repeated dry hopping delivers
Brewed inThe Hague

mango, pineapple, citrus, pine, oats, and soft bitterness

BAR NOTES

Kompaan Juicy Joker belongs on the Dutch board because it is a core-range hazy IPA whose repeated dry hopping delivers the plush tropical side of contemporary Dutch craft beer. From The Hague, the beer brings mango, pineapple, citrus, pine, oats, and soft bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Kompaan Juicy Joker beside fried chicken, curry, tacos, or creamy cheese. Keep it cold, avoid aging it, and pour gently around 6°C so hop sediment does not overwhelm the intended soft body.

Moersleutel Motor Oil
#45 in this roundup
Beer profile

Moersleutel Motor Oil

Brewed by Moersleutel Craft Brewery

StyleImperial Stout
ABV12.0%
Dutch movethe Beer Engineers' flagship imperial stout, built with the
Brewed inAlkmaar

dark chocolate, espresso, molasses, rye spice, roasted malt, and heavy warmth

BAR NOTES

Moersleutel Motor Oil belongs on the Dutch board because it is the Beer Engineers' flagship imperial stout, built with the density and mechanical excess promised by its name. From Alkmaar, the beer brings dark chocolate, espresso, molasses, rye spice, roasted malt, and heavy warmth. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Moersleutel Motor Oil beside brownies, blue cheese, smoked brisket, or vanilla ice cream. Share the large can and serve a small pour around 12°C; patience turns a cold block of roast into layered chocolate and coffee.

Moersleutel Crank the Juice
#46 in this roundup
Beer profile

Moersleutel Crank the Juice

Brewed by Moersleutel Craft Brewery

StyleHazy IPA
ABV6.0%
Dutch movea core Moersleutel hazy IPA that translates the brewery's
Brewed inAlkmaar

mango, orange, passion fruit, citrus, oats, and smooth bitterness

BAR NOTES

Moersleutel Crank the Juice belongs on the Dutch board because it is a core Moersleutel hazy IPA that translates the brewery's engineering theme into a softer, fruit-saturated everyday beer. From Alkmaar, the beer brings mango, orange, passion fruit, citrus, oats, and smooth bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Moersleutel Crank the Juice beside fried chicken, curry, fish tacos, or soft cheese. Drink within the freshest date you can find, keep it refrigerated, and serve around 6°C in a clean tulip.

Frontaal Juice Punch
#47 in this roundup
Beer profile

Frontaal Juice Punch

Brewed by Frontaal Brewing Company

StyleNew England IPA
ABV5.8%
Dutch moveFrontaal's widely distributed hazy flagship and an
Brewed inBreda

peach, mango, citrus, soft malt, oats, and low rounded bitterness

BAR NOTES

Frontaal Juice Punch belongs on the Dutch board because it is Frontaal's widely distributed hazy flagship and an accessible doorway into the country's newer generation of fruit-forward breweries. From Breda, the beer brings peach, mango, citrus, soft malt, oats, and low rounded bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Frontaal Juice Punch beside spicy chicken, burgers, curry, or young Gouda. Store cold and drink fresh at 5–7°C; haze is intentional, but stale sweetness and fading aroma are not.

Lowlander White Ale
#48 in this roundup
Beer profile

Lowlander White Ale

Brewed by Lowlander Beer

StyleBotanical White Ale
ABV5.0%
Dutch movea botanical Dutch white ale using Curaçao orange
Brewed inAmsterdam

orange, flowers, chamomile, wheat, lemon, and a crisp finish

BAR NOTES

Lowlander White Ale belongs on the Dutch board because it is a botanical Dutch white ale using Curaçao orange, elderflower, and chamomile to connect brewing with the country's trading history. From Amsterdam, the beer brings orange, flowers, chamomile, wheat, lemon, and a crisp finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Lowlander White Ale beside white fish, salads, goat cheese, or grilled vegetables. Serve at 5–7°C in a wheat glass; the floral botanicals are easiest to appreciate before the beer becomes too warm or flat.

Walhalla Loki
#49 in this roundup
Beer profile

Walhalla Loki

Brewed by Walhalla Brouwerij

StyleGolden IPA
ABV5.5%
Dutch movea Mosaic-led golden IPA from an Amsterdam brewery whose
Brewed inAmsterdam

citrus, grass, tropical fruit, pale malt, and snappy bitterness

BAR NOTES

Walhalla Loki belongs on the Dutch board because it is a Mosaic-led golden IPA from an Amsterdam brewery whose mythological branding sits over a bright, focused hop profile. From Amsterdam, the beer brings citrus, grass, tropical fruit, pale malt, and snappy bitterness. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put Walhalla Loki beside grilled food, fried snacks, burgers, or Gouda. Serve fresh at 6–8°C in a tulip and keep the can refrigerated so its citrus survives until the first pour.

De Kromme Haring Twisted Kipper
#50 in this roundup
Beer profile

De Kromme Haring Twisted Kipper

Brewed by De Kromme Haring

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV6.3%
Dutch movea fish-labeled Utrecht IPA that closes the list with the
Brewed inUtrecht

orange, grapefruit, pine, flowers, pale malt, and a dry bitter finish

BAR NOTES

De Kromme Haring Twisted Kipper belongs on the Dutch board because it is a fish-labeled Utrecht IPA that closes the list with the playful independence of the country's neighborhood craft scene. From Utrecht, the beer brings orange, grapefruit, pine, flowers, pale malt, and a dry bitter finish. That combination gives it a specific role in the Netherlands' brewing story instead of merely filling another rank.

Put De Kromme Haring Twisted Kipper beside fish tacos, burgers, spicy chicken, or mature cheese. Buy the freshest can available, serve around 6°C, and let a tulip concentrate the citrus before the beer warms.

KEEP THE FLIGHT GOING

Keep exploring the beer map beyond the Netherlands

Follow Dutch lager, monastery ale, and modern craft beer into neighboring traditions and practical brew-day guides.

Karl S
BEHIND THE BAR

Written by Karl S

Lead marketer, brewer, dad, and husband. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy. Self proclaimed coffee addict who's been home brewing beer (among other things) for 25+ yrs. Also an aspiring pro-brewer and micro-brewery owner!

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