Wynand Fockink
2007-05-01 | Rating: 8 out of 10
A hidden gem. Just off Dam square you can get a taste of genuine Dutch liqueur in a very typical tasting room/cafe.
The Wynand Fockink distillery room is located in a 400 year old alley that now has been incorporated by the Krasnapolsky hotel. Before it opened its doors in 1679 the alley used to be what the Red Light District is today.
Distilleries in those days used to house both a tasting room and a shop, as was the case for Wynand Fockink. The street may now be part of a big hotel, but the distillery itself looks untouched, both interior and exterior give you the feeling of being back in time.
The Fockink distillery is specialized in liqueurs and jenevers. In the distillery itself you can get a tour and experience how the Dutch distill their jenever (call for tour reservations). In the shop and cafe you can choose from seemingly hundreds of different flavored liqueurs. Try the 'apple pie' flavor and you will think you are eating apple pie in stead of drinking it!
The tasting room (or bar) is a warm and cozy place where the bartender will be happy to serve and inform you. Besides jenever and liqueur you can also taste local beers and other drinks.