Originally started in 1985 by musician Kasper Peterson, Brouwerij ‘t IJ is now Amsterdam’s largest craft brewery. The original brewpub resides in an old municipal bathhouse adjacent to De Gooyer windmill. The brewery is named after the nearby IJ water body.

Visiting Brouwerij ‘t IJ

De Gooyer windmill is actually not part of Brouwerij ‘t IJ but is a National Monument. De Gooyer is the  tallest wooden mill in the Netherlands at 26.6 meters (87.3 feet) high. Originally built in the 16th century, the mill was destroyed and rebuilt in 1725. And then the windmill was moved in 1814 to its current location.

De Gooyer windmill consists of a stone foundation topped by a wooden octagonal body.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ brews a wide range of beers, including standard (year round), seasonal and specialty beers. Many are Belgian-style beers that inspired Kasper to start the brewery. Unfiltered and unpasteurized, their quality beers charm beer lovers from all over the world.

In the mid-1990’s, Bart Obertop and Patrick Hendrikse took over and continue brewing the distinctive and delicious beers that draw such dedicated customers. In 2013, a new and larger brewery was established for bottling and kegging beers to keep up with the growing demand for ‘t IJ beers. The production brewery is just a short distance from the still operating windmill pub.

The windmill pub provides indoor seating as well as a large outdoor terrace.

In September 2015, Brouwerij ’t IJ and Duvel Moortgat N.V. entered into a partnership. The percentage ownership by Duvel is unclear, but Bart Obertop and Patrick Hendrikse remain shareholders and continue to run the brewery. In addition, the brewing team led by Roel Wagemans remains unchanged.

You can try five beers in a taster flight. Here are my notes on one of my taster flights:

• Zatte (8%ABV) – Brouwerij ‘t IJ’s first beer, this Belgian-style triple is slightly sweet with a mildly dry finish.
• Natte (6.5%ABV) – A Belgian-style dubbel with reddish-brown color that delivers a roasted malt flavor with notes of brown sugar, nuts and plum.
• IJWit (6.5%ABV) – A slightly cloudy wheat beer with aromas of banana, citrus and spices. This beer is great for drinking while sitting in the sun.
• Flink (4.7%ABV) – A light, session pale ale that is dry-hopped with Galaxy and Mosaic hops. This beer goes down easily while delivering great flavor.
• IPA (7%ABV) – A clear, gold colored IPA packed with grapefruit flavor and a lingering bitter finish.

My beer flight

In 2018, Brouwerij ‘t IJ opened a tasting room in Vondelpark. One of Amsterdam’s oldest and most beautiful parks, Vondelpark provides an oasis of calm and natural beauty from the hustle of Amsterdam. The tasting room is located in a 1937 modernist architecture building known as Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Tea House). This iconic building has been an eating and drinking gathering spot for years.

Blue Tea House

During good weather, people congregate on the terrace grounds to enjoy the sunshine and surrounding park. My wife and I stopped during our walk through the park to relax, soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the tasting room.

Relaxing at Vondelpark

You’ll find charm, history and great beer at Brouwerij ‘t IJ. Don’t miss this iconic craft brewery.