Breugem Meeting Point: Beer tasting

Key Points

• Affordable experience: Only $16 per person for a 30-minute tasting of four award-winning beers.
• Unique brewery story: Founded by Patrick Breugem, who beat the odds after a serious accident, the brewery employs people with psychological challenges.
• Location: Situated just outside Amsterdam city center in North Holland, with a spacious brewpub setting.
• Taste the best: Try Tripel HIGH FIVE, ranked among the top 3 Tripels in the Netherlands for three years running.
• Inclusive experience: The tour is wheelchair accessible and conducted in Dutch and English.
• Additional treats: Complement your tasting with fresh roasted nuts and water to cleanse the palate.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Breugem Brewery’s Engaging Story

The Breugem Brewery is more than just a spot to sample beer—it’s a social project with a heartfelt origin. Founded by Patrick Breugem, who defied medical advice after a serious accident, the brewery embodies resilience and community support. Over the years, it has earned numerous awards for its craft beers, especially its Tripel HIGH FIVE, which ranks among the best Tripels in the Netherlands for three consecutive years.

This brewpub is located just outside the center of Amsterdam in a spacious setting, next to the actual brewing area. The story behind the brewery adds a meaningful layer to the experience, making it a visit that combines delicious beer tasting with a look at a social enterprise dedicated to providing employment opportunities for people with psychological challenges.

What the Beer Tasting Includes

For $16 per person, visitors receive a tasting set of four award-winning beers served in glasses, alongside water to neutralize the palate and fresh roasted nuts to enhance the tasting experience. The beers on offer are carefully selected to showcase the brewery’s best creations, with the Tripel HIGH FIVE standing out as a highlight.

The tasting set offers a diverse sampling of the brewery’s offerings, giving visitors a genuine sense of what makes their beers special. The focus on Dutch craftsmanship makes this experience a great introduction to notable craft beers from Amsterdam.

The Brewing Location and Atmosphere

The brewpub’s spacious interior reflects the brewery’s welcoming vibe, just outside Amsterdam’s busy center. It’s an accessible spot, with wheelchair access provided. Although the environment is friendly and informal, some visitors may encounter larger groups or after-work gatherings that could influence the atmosphere, as noted in a less favorable review.

The brewery is located next to the brewing area, giving a behind-the-scenes feel, although this particular experience does not include a brewery tour. Instead, the focus is on the tasting session and the stories behind the beers.

The Story of Patrick Breugem

Patrick Breugem’s journey is central to the brewery’s identity. After suffering a serious accident, medical advice suggested he wouldn’t work again. Instead, he took up brewing and built a company that has been recognized nationally for its quality. The brewery’s social mission is to provide jobs for individuals with psychological challenges, demonstrating how a business can have both economic and social impact.

Visitors often appreciate the meaning behind the brewery, which adds depth to the tasting experience. The emphasis on community and resilience makes this visit more than just a beer tasting—it’s a story of triumph.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Top-Ranked Tripel and Other Beers

Tripel HIGH FIVE earns particular praise, having been ranked among the top 3 Tripels in the Netherlands over the past three years. This achievement underscores the high quality of the brewery’s signature beers.

Along With the Tripel, guests sample a variety of other award-winning beers. These selections highlight the brewery’s craftsmanship, with each offering a different flavor profile to satisfy diverse palates.

Food Options and Snack Pairings

While the tasting set includes nuts and water, Dutch snacks like bitterballen are recommended for those who want to enhance their experience. These typical Dutch fried snacks are considered a perfect accompaniment to the beers.

For those wanting a more substantial meal, the brewpub offers juicy burgers, pizzas, and other pub foods. However, these are not included in the tasting package, so visitors should plan to order separately if they wish to eat more.

Practicalities: Booking, Duration, and Accessibility

The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, with specific start times available based on check availability. The experience is designed to be accessible for visitors in wheelchairs and is conducted in Dutch and English.

Visitors can reserve their spot with the option to pay later, providing flexibility for travel plans. The cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tasting experience offers a unique insight into Dutch craft beers and the social story of the brewery, it does not include a brewery tour. Some visitors have noted that the environment can be affected by larger groups, such as after-work parties, which may impact the atmosphere.

Plus, the review from Lena points out that some in the audience might find the staff less knowledgeable, and the beer might not appeal to everyone’s tastes. It’s advisable to approach this experience with an open mind and in the right expectations.

Who Will Enjoy Breugem’s Beer Tasting

This experience suits those interested in craft beer and the stories behind socially-conscious businesses. It’s ideal for visitors seeking a short, affordable, yet meaningful taste of Dutch brewing, especially if they appreciate supporting social causes.

The 30-minute duration makes it a perfect addition to a day of exploring Amsterdam, and the budget-friendly price adds to its appeal. However, it’s best suited for adults over 18, given the nature of the tasting.

Final Thoughts on Breugem Meeting Point: Beer Tasting

The $16 fee for a set of four award-winning beers provides good value for those eager to sample Dutch craft brewing at a socially impactful brewery. The story of Patrick Breugem enhances the experience, giving it a meaningful context beyond just drinking.

While the environment may vary depending on group size, the quality of the beers and the social mission make this a worthwhile stop for beer lovers and socially conscious travelers alike. If you’re seeking a quick, authentic taste of Amsterdam’s craft scene with a story to tell, this tasting offers a genuine introduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the experience is not suitable for guests under 18 years.

How long does the tasting last?
The duration is approximately 30 minutes, with specific start times based on availability.

What is included in the tasting set?
Guests receive four award-winning beers in tasting glasses, along with water and fresh roasted nuts.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the location accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the brewpub is wheelchair accessible.

Are meals included in the experience?
No, meals are not included. Visitors can purchase pub foods separately.

Are Dutch snacks available?
While not included, Dutch bitterballen and other snacks are recommended to accompany the beers.

Does this experience include a brewery tour?
No, this is a tasting session only; it does not include a brewery tour.

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

Where is the brewery located?
The brewpub is located just outside Amsterdam’s city center in North Holland.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby