A Delicious Organic Brew in Amsterdam

Year before last Bryan and I were lucky enough to go to Paris, Belgium and Amsterdam for our honeymoon. It was actually our second time to visit Amsterdam. Our first trip to was two years prior to that. A whirlwind 18-hour, in and out, quick and dirty good time. In a nutshell we basically had enough time to get lost on the streets of the Red Light District then hop back on a train--but that's another story. Needless to say we felt that there was definitely more to see and we had to go back.


Amsterdam is one of the most unique, breathtaking, unusual, historic, fast-paced and fun-filled cities I have ever been to. While it definitely offers something to tickle every sin bone in your body, there is really so much more to discover. Museums, interesting shops, nice people, beautiful parks, beers and my personal favorite, fries in a cone. There is nothing like enjoying a cone filled with golden fried potato goodness smothered in mayonnaise and curry ketchup. Grab a jumbo cone (b/c trust me you will want to eat it all), pop a squat and watch the hundreds upon hundreds of bicycles whiz by--there is nothing like it. Believe me when I tell you part of the reason I wanted to go back was for those fries alone. But, back to the subject at hand...beer!


Since Bryan and I had pretty much tackled the Red Light District on our first trip, we were all about exploring the outskirts of town. The week before our trip I visited the local branch of our Los Angeles public library and rented a couple of different travel DVDs about Amsterdam. On a side note; the library is really a great source for travel videos! Although, some tend to be a little outdated, so you should check the locations online before you venture out. 


Anyway, one of the places featured was this great little brewery just east outside the city center of Amsterdam called Brouwerij 't IJ. It's a short enjoyable walk that takes you out of the hustle and bustle and through a more residential area. Ten different types of organic beers are brewed right there on the premises. Some of the brews are only available during certain times of the year. Either way, if you are a beer lover, you are guaranteed to find something you like on tap. My personal favorite was the Plzen (Pilsner), hoppy, cold and crisp!


The indoor seating of the brewery offers lively sounds of good conversation and simple but funky decor. Beer bottles from around the world fill every square inch of shelving along the walls. Sit outside, and you'll get an up-close and personal view of the tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands, De Gooyer. It's great you get to kill two birds with one stone; drink good beer and check one of the must see landmarks off your list!


You can even take a guided tour of the brewery to learn all about your favorite new brewski. Which we didn't have a chance to do, although judging by the staff, I think it would have been fun. The tasting room is open daily from 3pm to 8pm. It's the perfect place to end a day of sightseeing or kick start the night! 


Gezondheid!
--Jessica 

Brouwerij 't IJ

Good times inside...

De Gooyer--right outside the brewery.

Bar rules. No idea what they say, hopefully we followed. 

And just because they are so damn good; fries in a cone.