Brouwerij de Molen Beer Festival

The Brouwerij de Molen (Brewery Mill) is one of the best Dutch breweries in Holland. Chad has been in love with their beer for two years, since we first discovered it at the Dutch beer bar, 't Arden's Nest, in Amsterdam. Their bottles all have a plane white label, with the windmill logo, and list contents and facts, along with their interesting names like "Bloed Zweet en Tranen" (Blood, Sweat, and Tears), and "Ziel & Zaligheid" (Soul and Salvation).

We were happy to learn that they hold an annual beer festival at their brewery in Bodegraven, near Gouda. So, this weekend we went there with our fellow American beer lovers, Jake, Erin, Tim & Becky. At the festival, you get a small souvenir tasting glass, and tokens which you use to buy samples of the different beers (of which there were over 100!).

This year they held a contest between all of the visiting breweries. Each brewer made their own version of de Molen's "Vuur & Vlam" beer (Fire and Flame). You could sample each of the varieties, and then vote on your favorite. It was interesting to taste the differences each had, even though they used the same general recipe. I personally liked the original from de Molen the best.

While the Belgians are probably better known internationally for their wide varieties of beer, the Dutch can also make some damn tasty brews themselves. Who knew? We had a blast sampling the local spirits, and the background of the windmill and canal made it a perfectly Dutch afternoon.

-S

More pics on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kanickmoses/sets/72157625036711452/with/5025467635/