A brief history of Dutch beer

Beer has been brewed in the Netherlands for centuries, long before the Middle Ages. In its earliest days, beer was primarily brewed in monasteries and consumed at mealtimes. Alcohol levels were low — so low, in fact, that even children drank it.

Early Dutch beers were brewed with a variety of grains (from around the year 1000, mainly wheat) and flavoured with locally sourced herbs such as bay leaf, cumin, aniseed and gale. Because ingredients varied by region, beers from the Netherlands tasted very different from place to place. These early styles were often heavy, dark and sometimes almost medicinal.

Gruit beer: the origins of Dutch brewing

These early beers were known as gruit beer. Brewers purchased a herbal spice mix — gruit — from a local gruit house and used it to flavour their beer.

Brewing usually took place at home and was often done by women, while men worked elsewhere. Gruit beer played a crucial role in shaping early Netherlands beer culture.

The arrival of hops

Around the year 1300, hops were introduced from northern German cities. In some beers, hops fully replaced gruit, bringing pleasant bitterness and — crucially — a much longer shelf life.

The idea proved so successful that British brewers later adopted hops after learning about them from Dutch brewers. A quiet but important moment in European beer history.

Kuit (Koyt): a Dutch classic

By the 14th century, kuit beer (also known as koyt) rose to prominence.

Kuit is a top-fermented, slightly cloudy beer brewed with:

At least 45% pale oats
Around 20% wheat

This made it quite different from today’s barley-dominated beers. Dutch kuit beer became a major export in the 15th and 16th centuries, enjoyed across Germany, northern France and England.

Fun fact: Dutch surnames like Hoppenbrouwer and Kuitenbrouwer still exist today, referencing these historic beer styles.

Modern Dutch beer: the craft shift

The modern Netherlands beer landscape began to change in the mid-1980s, when brewers started focusing more on special beers rather than just lager.

This coincided with the global craft beer revolution, which began in the United States after the legalisation of homebrewing. Inspired by new flavours and styles, brewers began experimenting beyond mainstream lagers.

In the Netherlands, brewers looked to Belgium for inspiration, reviving traditional styles. At the same time, consumer association PINT was founded to promote Dutch beer culture.

Today, the Netherlands boasts over 780 registered breweries — including many so-called “gypsy” or rented brewers — producing an incredibly diverse range of beers from all over the flavour spectrum.

Modern classics and historic revivals

Dutch brewers are increasingly revisiting historic styles. A standout example is Jopen Koyt, brewed using a recipe from 1407 to celebrate Haarlem’s 750th anniversary — a modern nod to ancient Dutch brewing.

Dutch witbier (white beer)

Dutch witbier, or white beer, is brewed with unmalted wheat and often includes coriander and orange peel — a clear link back to gruit traditions.

These beers are:

Light, fresh and aromatic
Full of citrus and vanilla notes
Balanced between sweet and sour

Popular examples include:

IJwit (Brouwerij ’t IJ) – fuller-bodied at 6.5%
Zonnig Zeewit (Gebrouwen door Vrouwen) – lighter at 3.8%
Lowlander White – a refreshing summer favourite

While witbier originated in Belgium, it has been widely embraced and reinterpreted by Dutch breweries.

Is there such a thing as Dutch bock beer?

You can’t talk about dutch beers without mentioning bock beer — even though the style originated in Germany.

Dutch bocks are seasonal and appear twice a year:

Lentebok – lighter, hoppier and spring-friendly
Herfstbok – dark, malty and full of autumnal flavours like toast and nuts

Curious? Read more in What is bock beer?

Dutch beer brands: major breweries

While the Netherlands isn’t always seen as a classic beer country, it’s home to some of the biggest beer brands in the world.

Key Netherlands beer brands include:

Heineken
Amstel
Brand
Hertog Jan
Gulpener
Bavaria
Grolsch

No overview of Dutch beer is complete without Heineken. Founded in 1873, the iconic green bottle is now brewed in more than 70 countries — but it’s just one part of a much broader Dutch beer story.

Dutch beer brands: craft breweries

Dutch craft beer is known for experimentation rather than strict tradition. While IPAs are popular, Dutch brewers also excel in:

Blondes
Stouts
Tripels
Barrel-aged beers

Notable Dutch brewery names include:

Brouwerij ’t IJ
Jopen
Texels
Uiltje
Oedipus
Kees
Noordt
De Molen

Together, they showcase the diversity and creativity of beers from the Netherlands.

Enjoy Dutch beers at home with BLADE and BeerTender

Want to experience Dutch beers the way they’re meant to be enjoyed? With our home draught systems, you can bring pub-quality pours straight into your living room.

Dutch beers on BLADE

The BLADE beer tap is our premium home draught machine, designed to deliver consistently cold, perfectly poured beer. A selection of popular Dutch beer brands is available in 8L BLADE kegs, making it ideal for hosting, match days or simply enjoying great beer at home.

Thanks to precise temperature control and freshness technology, BLADE lets you experience the clean, crisp character Dutch beers are known for.

Dutch beers on BeerTender

For a more compact setup, BeerTender offers an easy, plug-and-pour way to enjoy draught beer at home. Selected beers from the Netherlands are available in 5L draught kegs, perfect for smaller spaces, casual get-togethers or relaxed nights in.

Both systems make it simple to enjoy Dutch beer fresh from the tap. No bottles, no fuss, just great flavour.

Final thoughts on Dutch beer

From medieval gruit beers to modern experimental brews, Dutch beers tell a story of adaptation, influence and innovation. Whether you’re exploring global brands or small craft breweries, the Netherlands continues to be a dynamic and exciting beer country.

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