Brouwerij 't IJ
Brewing craft beer inside a working 18th-century windmill since 1985, Brouwerij 't IJ is one of Amsterdam's most singular institutions — part brewery, part tasting room, part neighbourhood living room. The taproom sits at the base of the De Gooyer windmill on Funenkade and pours a rotating cast of unfiltered, unpasteurised ales that you simply cannot find anywhere else.
What to Drink
The flagship Zatte (tripel, 8%) is a golden, citrus-forward beer that has become something of an Amsterdam icon, while the Columbus IPA brings a hoppy punch that surprises visitors expecting only Belgian-style brews. Seasonal specials — a winter bock, a summer wheat — are chalked on the board and change regularly.
All beers are brewed on-site and served straight from the tank when available. Order a tasting flight if you want to work through the range methodically; the bar staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about walking you through the flavour profiles.
The Setting and When to Visit
The taproom is small, low-ceilinged and wonderfully atmospheric, its walls lined with brewery memorabilia and the smell of malt hanging pleasantly in the air. In summer, picnic tables spill out onto the sunny terrace directly beneath the windmill sails — one of the most photogenic beer gardens in the country.
Opening hours are limited (daily 14:00–20:00), so plan around them. The taproom fills quickly on weekend afternoons; arrive early for a seat, or embrace the convivial standing-room atmosphere outside.
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