It's not just a typical beer
tour. Visiting the Alfa Brewery in Schinnen, the Netherlands, is an
entire tasting experience.
Beginning in the renovated bar
with cozy brick walls framed by soft lighting, afternoon coffie or thee
is served with a piece of cake. While enjoying the typically Dutch
afternoon snack, the tour guide showcases various points in the room to include
four generations of men from the Meens' family who have served as president of
the Alfa Brewery.
Now the real tour begins, starting with the original spot Joseph Meens found the underground spring in 1870. Certified as one of the purest water sources in the Netherlands, it is the only one used in the production of beer. Thus, it is the only beer allowed to be sold in Dutch organic stores.
Every aspect of the production,
from the first hops to distribution takes place at the brouwerij in
Schinnen. As it gains popularity, Alfa beer is now exported to Germany,
the U.K., and their newest market in China.
A personal favorite is the Oud
Bruin, which tastes darker and sweeter but with less alcohol content of
2.5%. Seasonal beers are also available to taste if you come at the right
time.
Included in the tour price of
only 9.75€ is also a standard Alfa beer glass as a take-home gift to remember the
whole brewery experience. After 3 hours spent at the Alfa brewery, it
will become your favorite household beer!
Beginning in the renovated bar
with cozy brick walls framed by soft lighting, afternoon coffie or thee
is served with a piece of cake. While enjoying the typically Dutch
afternoon snack, the tour guide showcases various points in the room to include
four generations of men from the Meens' family who have served as president of
the Alfa Brewery.
After
finishing up the assortment of delicious cakes, the crowd moves into a small
theater with a large movie screen to watch a 30-minute professional video of
the brewery's history. With colorful pictures and important words coming
onto the screen, it is easy to understand the story even though it is
completely in Dutch.
Now the real tour begins, starting with the original spot Joseph Meens found the underground spring in 1870. Certified as one of the purest water sources in the Netherlands, it is the only one used in the production of beer. Thus, it is the only beer allowed to be sold in Dutch organic stores.
The tour continues through
various rooms of the factory where fermentation and bottling take place. Even
to non-native Dutch speakers, it is still clear that the tour guide is quite knowledgeable
and has a dry sense of humor that keeps everyone entertained.
Every aspect of the production,
from the first hops to distribution takes place at the brouwerij in
Schinnen. As it gains popularity, Alfa beer is now exported to Germany,
the U.K., and their newest market in China.
Back at the bar, the tour guide
turns into a bartender, offering samples of four varieties of beers from the
tap and bottles. The traditional Edel Pils is a crowd favorite, but the
award-winning Dortmunder is a good choice for those with a heavier taste.
A personal favorite is the Oud
Bruin, which tastes darker and sweeter but with less alcohol content of
2.5%. Seasonal beers are also available to taste if you come at the right
time.
Beer tastings are accompanied
with finger-food snacks of cheese and salami on dark, thin, pieces of roogebrood,
passed around the bar in a communal style. The gift shop is open (the
tour guide/bartender is also the shop cashier) with 6-packs available for
purchase along with Alfa memorabilia.
Included in the tour price of
only 9.75€ is also a standard Alfa beer glass as a take-home gift to remember the
whole brewery experience. After 3 hours spent at the Alfa brewery, it
will become your favorite household beer!
In the winter season, Alfa
Brewery offers tours on weekends only.
Summertime tours occur throughout the week and fill up quickly. Reservations can be made online at
www.alfabier.nl or by calling +31 (0) 046 443 2888.