As a beer lover, it is good to know that there is a whole world of flavors to discover besides the regular pilsners. Special beer has become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason. With specialty beer you can enjoy unique and artisanal flavors that you won't find in just any beer. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you into the fascinating world of craft beer. Whether you are a novice or experienced beer lover, here you will find everything you need to know about craft beer. We discuss different types of craft beer, breweries in the Netherlands, where you can buy and taste craft beer and much more. Be surprised by new flavors and discover the rich history and culture behind craft beer.

Key Insights

• Craft beer offers unique and artisanal flavors that you won't find in regular beer.
• There are different types of specialty beer, from fruity IPAs to heavy dark beers.
• In the Netherlands there are numerous breweries that produce specialty beers.
• You can buy specialty beer and tasting at various physical stores and online beer webshops.
• Special beer is increasingly being integrated into the catering industry, with special beer menus being put together and combined with dishes.

What is craft beer?

As real beer lover You are probably familiar with specialty beer and craft beer. But what makes these beers so special?

Special beer is distinguished from regular beer by its special taste and character. These types of beer are often brewed in smaller quantities and with more attention to the production process. For example, high-quality ingredients are used and more experimentation is done with flavour combinations. This gives special beer its unique and often complex flavour profile.

Craft beer is a specialty beer that is brewed by small, local breweries. These breweries often have a strong passion for brewing special beers with their own character and taste. Brewing craft beer is often an art form and requires a lot of craftsmanship.

Craft beer and specialty beer have become increasingly popular among beer lovers in recent years. These types of beer offer a unique taste experience and are often an interesting alternative to the standard beers you find in the supermarket.

Types of specialty beer

There are countless types of craft beer to discover and enjoy. Below we discuss some popular beer styles and briefly describe their characteristics.

IPA

An India Pale Ale (IPA) is a beer style that is especially popular among lovers of bitter beers. IPAs have a high hop content, which gives them a bitter, fruity taste. There are several variations of IPAs, including American IPA, New England IPA and Double IPA.

Stout

A Stout is a style of beer known for its dark color and rich, roasted flavor. Stout is often described as a beer with notes of coffee, chocolate, and sometimes even vanilla. There are several varieties of Stout, including Dry Stout, Imperial Stout, and Milk Stout.

White beer

A white beer is a fresh, light-colored beer style that is especially popular in the summer. White beer is brewed with wheat, which gives it a slightly sweet taste and a cloudy appearance. Often herbs and/or citrus fruits are added for extra flavor.

Blonde beer

A Blond beer is a light-colored beer style that is often brewed in Belgium. It has a fruity taste and a slightly bitter aftertaste. The alcohol percentage of Blond beer is usually between 6 and 8 percent.

Trappist beer

Trappist beer is brewed by monks of the Trappist Order in various monasteries around the world. It is a high-quality beer known for its complex flavor and aromas. There are several types of Trappist beers, including Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel.

Beer brand	Beer style
The Trappe	Trappist beer
Westmalle	Trappist beer
Chimay	Trappist beer
St. Bernard	Blonde beer
The Koninck	IPA

These beer brands are just a few examples of the many different craft beer brands out there. Feel free to try different brands and beer styles to find your favorites!

Breweries in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a rich beer culture and has many breweries that produce specialty beer. Below you will find an overview of some well-known breweries that are definitely worth a visit.

Brewery	Location	Beers
The King's Farms	Berkel-Enschot	The Trappe
Brewery 't IJ	Amsterdam	Wet, Booze, IPA, Ostrich
Texel Brewery	Oldschild	Skuumkoppe, Spring tide, Northern Wiend

In addition to these well-known names, there are countless other breweries in the Netherlands that produce specialty beers. Visit a local brewery and get to know the passion and craftsmanship behind these special beers.

Buy and taste specialty beer

If you are looking for craft beer to enjoy at home, there are several options for buying craft beer. For example, you can go to specialty beer stores, supermarkets and even online beer webshops, where you can find a wide selection of craft beers. For buying craft beer from physical stores, it is best to look at local beer stores in your area.

Would you rather taste a specialty beer before you buy it? Then you can participate in a beer tasting. During such a tasting you will learn more about different beer styles and you can taste various specialty beers. There are various breweries and catering establishments that organize beer tastings. Check the websites or social media of breweries and cafes in your area.

Advantages of a beer webshop

Advantages	Beer webshop	Physical store
Large assortment	✅	❌
Available 24/7	✅	❌
Often more favorable prices	✅	❌
Not being able to taste before you buy	❌	✅

Buy specialty beer online

Online buy specialty beer can be useful if you are looking for a specific beer or want to view an extensive range. Often the prices at beer webshops are also cheaper. Please note that you cannot taste before you buy and that you have to pay shipping costs.

Organizing a beer tasting

Do you want to have a beer tasting organizing? Make sure you have a good selection of specialty beers and that you have glasses and spittoons ready. You can also serve snacks that go well with the beers. Make sure you serve the beers at the right temperature, this differs per beer style. Also let your guests taste and discover which beers are their favorites.

Whether you want to buy or taste craft beer, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy this special type of beer. Cheers!

Special beer and the catering industry

Drinking craft beer is not only a hobby at home, but also a popular choice in many catering establishments. More and more restaurants, cafés and beer cafés have craft beer on the menu. As a beer lover, you naturally want to know where you can enjoy craft beers in your favorite catering establishment.

Create a specialty beer menu

Composing a specialty beer menu can be a challenge but also a fun creative assignment. It is important to carefully select the beers based on taste, style and popularity. A good specialty beer menu must contain a good mix of different beers so that it appeals to a wide audience.

In addition, it is also important to consider the dishes on the menu. Certain beer styles go better with certain dishes than others. For example, a heavy dark stout goes well with a hearty piece of meat, while a fruity IPA goes better with a salad or fish dish.

Beer tasting in the catering industry

If you like discovering new beers, a beer tasting in the hospitality industry maybe something for you. During a beer tasting you can taste different beers and learn more about the taste, smell and texture of the beer. A beer tasting is also a fun way to enjoy specialty beer together with friends or colleagues.

Some hospitality establishments regularly organize beer tastings, where a beer sommelier or brewery tells about the background and production process of the beers. This is a great opportunity to learn more about specialty beer and the passion behind the brewing process.

Food pairing with specialty beer

As real beer lover did you know that it is not just about the taste of the beer itself, but also about how it interacts with food. Craft beer can be a fantastic addition to different types of meals and snacks, and it can take the taste of the food to the next level.

But how do you find the perfect combination between craft beer and food? The most important thing is to experiment and try what works and what doesn't. However, there are general guidelines that can help you choose the right beers for certain dishes.

Combining flavors

An important consideration when choosing a craft beer to pair with food is to find complementary flavors. For example, if you have a sweet dish, a bitter beer can be a good counterbalance. If you have a spicy dish, a lower alcohol beer can soften the heat.

In addition, it can also be interesting to experiment with opposing flavors. For example, a heavy stout can work well with a creamy dessert, because the smoky and chocolatey flavors complement it well.

Some examples

Court	Special beer
Spicy curry	IPA
Citizens	Amber Ale
Fatty fish (such as salmon)	Belgian Tripel
Chocolate dessert	Imperial Stout

Of course these are just a few examples and you can experiment endlessly with craft beer and food. The most important thing is to enjoy the combination and discover new flavor combinations.

“Craft beer can be a fantastic addition to many different types of meals and snacks, and it can take the flavor of the food to the next level.”

Special beer and events

Craft beer is more than just a drink. It is a culture that is celebrated at various events and festivals in the Netherlands. As a beer lover, you don't want to miss out on these great experiences.

Beer tastings

One of the best ways to discover new craft beers is by participating in beer tastings. Here you can enjoy different types of beers and learn more about the flavors, history, and production methods of craft beer. Beer tastings are regularly organized in different cities in the Netherlands. Keep an eye out for upcoming events near you, or book a private tasting with friends.

Beer festivals

In addition to beer tastings, there are also several beer festivals in the Netherlands where you can enjoy craft beers from local and international breweries. From the Amsterdam Craft Beer Festival to the BierOost Festival in Enschede, there is something for everyone. In addition to delicious beer, there is often live music, food trucks and other activities to enjoy.

Brewery days

Some breweries in the Netherlands organize brewery days, where visitors get a look behind the scenes and can enjoy special beers that are only served during the event. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the brewing process and discover what makes your favorite brewery so special.

There are numerous events in the Netherlands where you can enjoy craft beers and experience the great atmosphere of the beer community. Whether you are a novice or experienced beer lover, there is always something new to discover at these events.

Conclusion

You now have all the information you need to enjoy the world of craft beer. Whether you are a novice or experienced beer lover, there is always something new to discover.

Craft beer is more than just a drink, it's an experience. Tasting different flavors and discovering new breweries can be a great hobby for anyone who loves beer.

When it comes to buying craft beer, there are several options, both online and in physical stores. And once you find your favorite beer, you can pair it with delicious dishes thanks to the art of food pairing.

Cheers to craft beer!

But craft beer is not just about drinking it. It is also a social activity where you can meet new people and enjoy fun events and festivals.

Whether you attend a beer tasting or order a craft beer menu at a restaurant, there's no better way to enjoy the rich flavors of craft beer than in good company.

Remember, there is always something new to discover in the world of craft beer. So keep tasting, exploring and enjoying these special beers!