Top 10 Dutch Beers & Breweries in 2026

What makes Dutch beer unique? Dutch brewing spans a remarkable spectrum — from the globally recognised lagers of Heineken and Grolsch to boundary-pushing craft breweries like Oedipus Brewing and De Molen. The Netherlands is also home to La Trappe (Koningshoeven), the country's only certified Trappist brewery.

Is craft beer growing in the Netherlands? Yes. Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Haarlem are leading a wave of independent breweries experimenting with tropical IPAs, wild fermentation, and locally sourced island ingredients, as seen with Uiltje, Kaapse Brouwers, and Texels Bierbrouwerij.

Which Dutch beer is best for first-time visitors? Heineken and Grolsch offer approachable, widely available lagers perfect for newcomers. For a step up, Brouwerij 't IJ's organic ales or Jopen's medieval-recipe revivals offer distinctive flavour without overwhelming complexity.

Which is the oldest brewery on this list? Grolsch was founded in 1615, making it one of the oldest continuously operating Dutch breweries. La Trappe (Koningshoeven) has roots in the 19th century and remains the sole Dutch Trappist producer.

What makes Dutch craft beer special? Dutch brewers combine centuries of tradition with modern creativity, producing everything from authentic Trappist ales to bold American-style IPAs, often using locally sourced ingredients. The [Nederlandse Brouwers (Dutch Brewers' Association)](https://www.nederlandsebrouwers.nl/) tracks the country's rapid craft growth.

Is La Trappe really the only Dutch Trappist brewery? Yes — La Trappe at Koningshoeven Abbey in Tilburg is the sole Dutch brewery certified by the [International Trappist Association](https://www.trappist.be/en/), making it one of only eleven Trappist breweries worldwide.

How do I vote for my favourite Dutch brewery? No account needed! Simply click the thumbs-up icon beneath any brewery on this list to register your vote.