Things to do in Amsterdam – Have a drink at House of Bols

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If your travel budget is not an issue, or you’d like to splurge on a drink that comes with a bit of history, then Amsterdam’s House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience is worth a stop. Step down into a ‘world of flavor’ for an experience of the senses;

Discover the Secrets of Flavor House of Bols Amsterdam

see the colors, feel the textures, smell the aromas of the herbs and spices, and taste the varied flavors of Bols.

Copper Still House of Bols Amsterdam

A tour of House of Bols takes you through a brief history of Lucas Bols Distillery, established in 1575, producers of ‘the world’s oldest spirit brand’.

Original Genever Recipe House of Bols Amsterdam

You’ll see displays of company memorabilia, including Mr. Bols’ herb book dating back to 1644,

KLM-Royal Delft Room House of Bols Amsterdam

Royal Delft-KLM Liquor Bottles House of Bols Amsterdam

a collection of liqueur bottles (each a miniature Dutch house) created exclusively for KLM airlines by Royal Delft, and a painting attributed to Hendrick Heerschop, a student of the Dutch Master Rembrandt. It’s said that Rembrandt, who was not only a neighbor of the distillery, but also a frequent customer, used the painting as payment for his liquor bill.

Test Your Nose House of Bols Amsterdam

In the Hall of Taste you’ll get to stimulate your senses and test your sense of smell.

Aroma Sample Bottles House of Bols Amsterdam

Pick your favorites from the 36 liqueur aromas displayed in a rainbow of colors; you’ll get a chance to taste them at the end of the tour.

The company’s traditional liquor is genever, predecessor of English gin and the base for a whole slew of new and tempting cocktails.

Cocktails in Mirror Bar House of Bols Amsterdam

Genever Shots House of Bols Amsterdam

Fortunately, your ticket includes one cocktail and two shots, to be enjoyed in the House of Bols’ Mirror Bar where your tour concludes. Try a specially blended cocktail and sample a couple of the flavored liqueurs, genevers, or korenwijn (grain wine). You can even let the computerized menu make your selection for you, based on your preference of complexity level, aromas, and flavors (your favorites from the display in the Hall of Taste, perhaps.)

Mirror Bar House of Bols Amsterdam

Then print out your recipe and take it to your bartender. If you prefer, skip the computer and just ask your bartender for his or her recommendation. Part of the appeal is observing as your bartender blends and mixes your drink. (Notice the specially designed ergonomic Bols flair bottles.)

Euro per euro, House of Bols may not be the best museum experience in Amsterdam, but we did enjoy our visit…mostly due to the cocktails and tasting menu.

House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience is located at Paulus Potterstraat 14 across from the Van Gogh Museum.

Ticket Info:

Adult Admission* = 14.50€, includes your choice of two shots from the tasting menu and one cocktail
*Must be 18 years of age or older

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