Breugem Meeting Point: Beer tasting

If you’re exploring North Holland and craving a taste of local craft beer with a story behind it, the Breugem Brewery experience offers a straightforward, authentic option. This isn’t your typical brewery visit—here, you’re stepping into a place with heart and purpose. We’re sharing what makes this tasting worth considering, along with some honest thoughts on its limitations so you can decide if it fits your trip.

Two things we genuinely like about this experience: First, the focus on award-winning Dutch beers that have earned recognition in competitive brewing circles. Second, the social mission behind the brewery—it’s a feel-good visit that supports employment for people with psychological challenges. But, as with any experience, there are some considerations, like the potential for a busy, lively atmosphere that might not suit everyone. This is ideal for travelers who enjoy good beer, meaningful stories, and are open to a casual, laid-back tasting.

Key Points

• Authentic, award-winning Dutch beers are the highlight, especially the Tripel (HIGH FIVE), which ranks among the best in the Netherlands.
• The social story behind Breugem Brewery adds depth to the experience, supporting local employment initiatives.
• Location just outside central Amsterdam makes it accessible without the crowds, but plan your transport accordingly.
• The tasting set includes four beers and snacks, offering good value and an insightful way to learn about Dutch craft brewing.
• Limited duration (around 30 minutes) means it’s a quick stop, ideal if you’re fitting in multiple activities.
• No brewery tour included, so if you want to see how the beers are made, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Breugem Beer Tasting

The experience at Breugem Brewery is centered on a tasting session, where you get to sample four of their award-winning beers. What makes this special is not just the quality of the brews but their stories. Patrick Breugem, the founder, turned personal adversity into a successful brewing venture that champions social inclusion. This background adds a layer of meaning to your visit, making it more than just another beer stop.

The brewery is described as a spacious brewpub located just outside the bustling heart of Amsterdam. You’ll be served a tasting set in a friendly environment, with a water neutralizer to cleanse your palate between sips and roasted nuts to accompany your beers. The beers include the notable Tripel (HIGH FIVE), which has been in the top 3 in the Netherlands for three years—a real badge of honor in the competitive world of brewing.

The Beers

You’ll get to taste a selection of four different beers, each in tasting glasses, so you can compare flavors and styles. The brewery’s focus on Dutch award-winning beers means you’re likely to encounter styles like Tripel, which is a popular beer style in the Netherlands. The tasting set provides a great way to discover what makes Breugem’s beers special without committing to a full pint.

Food Options and Snacks

If you’re hungry, the experience includes roasted nuts and the option to try Dutch snacks like bitterballen, a local fried snack that’s a must-try when in Amsterdam. Should you want a more substantial meal, the brewery also offers pub staples like juicy burgers and pizzas. Keep in mind, these are available outside your tasting, and if you’re looking for a full meal, you might want to plan accordingly.

The Social Mission and Its Impact

One of the standout aspects of Breugem Brewery is its social mission. The founder’s story—overcoming a serious accident and then establishing a brewery that provides jobs for people with psychological challenges—adds a layer of purpose to your visit. It’s not just about drinking good beer but supporting a business that aims to change lives.

This purpose can be inspiring, especially if you appreciate traveling with a bit of meaning behind your activities. It’s a rare chance to enjoy quality craft beer while knowing it’s part of a larger story of inclusion and hope.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Experience in Practice

The tasting session lasts roughly 30 minutes, making it a quick but impactful stop. The cost is $16 per person, which is quite reasonable considering you get to sample four beers and some snacks. For those who enjoy learning about local beer craft and supporting social causes, this experience hits the right notes.

However, it’s worth noting that the experience doesn’t include a brewery tour—if you’re hoping to see the brewing process firsthand, you’ll need to seek out additional tours elsewhere. This is purely a tasting session, and that might be a plus or a minus depending on what you’re after.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The reviews tell us that the atmosphere can be lively, especially if a large group is there for an after-work gathering. One reviewer noted that the common party vibe “spoiled the atmosphere,” which might not be ideal if you’re looking for a quiet, intimate tasting. On the other hand, if you enjoy lively settings, this could be a bonus.

The staff is described as knowledgeable, but there are mixed reviews regarding their expertise. Some visitors found the staff lacked depth in beer knowledge, which is worth considering if you’re keen on detailed brewing insights.

Is This Experience Worth It?

At $16 for a brief tasting of award-winning beers and some snacks, the value is decent—especially considering the social story that accompanies it. If you’re a beer enthusiast or someone interested in supporting social enterprises, this is a nicely packaged experience.

But, if you’re looking for a comprehensive brewery tour, or a more relaxed, detailed beer education, you might find this too brief or limited. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick taste of Dutch craft brewing with a meaningful twist, without dedicating a large chunk of time.

Who Should Consider This?

This experience suits those who:

• Appreciate high-quality, award-winning craft beers
• Are interested in social causes and stories of resilience
• Want a quick, casual tasting in a friendly environment
• Are exploring North Holland and want a break from the city center
• Don’t mind a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere

It’s less ideal for those seeking an in-depth brewery tour or a leisurely beer experience.

Final Thoughts

Breugem Brewery’s beer tasting isn’t designed to wow you with elaborate tour details or a vast array of styles, but it does deliver on quality and meaningful storytelling. It’s a straightforward, honest experience that offers a glimpse into Dutch craft brewing, paired with a compelling social mission.

If you’re in Amsterdam’s vicinity and want to taste some of the best Tripels in the country while supporting a cause that changes lives, this visit could be a highlight. Just keep in mind the atmosphere might be lively, and it’s a quick stop—not a comprehensive brewery experience.

This is a solid pick for curious travelers who value authenticity, social impact, and good beer in a relaxed setting.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, this tasting experience is not suitable for children under 18 years old.

How long does the tasting last?
The tasting session lasts about 30 minutes, making it a quick but satisfying stop.

What is included in the price?
You’ll receive four award-winning beers in tasting glasses, water to neutralize the palate, and fresh roasted nuts as snacks.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, Dutch snacks like bitterballen and full meals such as burgers or pizzas are available but not included in the price.

Is the brewery accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, so most visitors should be able to enjoy it comfortably.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

What language is the guide in?
The tasting experience is conducted in Dutch and English.

Is this experience good for groups?
It can be, but be aware that larger groups or after-work parties might create a lively atmosphere that some may find overwhelming.

Do I get a brewery tour?
No, this experience focuses solely on tasting; if you’re eager to see the brewing process, you’ll need to look for other options.

How does the social mission impact the experience?
Knowing the brewery provides jobs for people with psychological challenges adds purpose and meaning to your visit, enriching the overall experience.

If you’re after a brief but meaningful glimpse into Dutch craft beer with a good story behind it, Breugem Brewery’s tasting might just be the right fit. Cheers to discovering local flavors and supporting impactful initiatives!

You can check availability for your dates here: