Information
Landmark: Jopenkerk BreweryCity: Haarlem
Country: Netherlands
Continent: Europe
Jopenkerk Brewery, Haarlem, Netherlands, Europe
Overview
In Haarlem, the Netherlands, Jopenkerk Brewery has made a name for itself, crafting small-batch beers under the lofty stone arches of a former church.Housed in a converted church, it hums with history, the air as vivid and luminous as sunlight streaming through stained glass.Step inside the brewery’s story-taste the hops, hear its history, and see how it’s shaped the town’s character.Inside the Jopenkerk-a 14th‑century church where sunlight pours through tall arched windows and footsteps ring off stone walls-every pint holds a trace of history.In the 1970s, dwindling crowds forced the closure of Saint Joris Church, where on many Sundays whole rows of wooden pews sat untouched.In 1996, a handful of entrepreneurs snapped up the old church, envisioning its echoing halls filled with the tang of hops and the chatter of beer lovers, blending the building’s history with the booming craft brew scene.After months of renovation, the Jopenkerk Brewery threw open its doors in 1998, pouring crisp, foamy pints and earning its place as one of the Netherlands’ first craft breweries.The brewery calls itself “Jopen,” an old term for the heavy wooden barrels once used to cart beer, their staves carrying the warm, sweet scent of malt.The founders of Jopenkerk Brewery set out to revive Haarlem’s centuries-old brewing craft, tapping into a tradition dating back to the 12th century, when kettles hissed and steamed in small brick workshops beside the canal.They set out to breathe life back into the region’s rich brewing heritage-the days when warm malt and sharp hops drifted through the streets-while bringing fresh craft styles to a new generation of beer lovers.Brewery and Beers - Unique Location: Set inside a converted church, the brewery spreads through the vast, echoing hall, where steel tanks glint under the lofty, vaulted ceiling.Sunlight spills through the church’s stained-glass windows, and polished wooden pews stretch in neat rows, giving brewery guests a backdrop they’ll remember long after the last sip.Old brick walls meet clean steel edges, creating a cozy, unforgettable place to linger over a cold pint that beads with condensation.At Jopenkerk Brewery, you’ll find everything from a crisp, malty Dutch ale that tastes like fresh-baked bread to bold, modern brews with surprising twists.One of their standout brews is Jopen Koyt, a deep, dark ale rooted in the old koyt tradition, rich with the warm, nutty notes of barley, oats, and wheat.At Jopenkerk, fans flock to the crisp, golden Hoppenbier, its malt-and-hop balance as bright as a sunny afternoon; the robust Oerbier, rich with deep malt notes that smell like warm, fresh-baked bread and nod to Belgian Dubbel and Quadrupel styles; and the lively Lentehop, a spring brew brimming with fresh, hoppy fragrance-all made with top-quality ingredients and a reverence for age-old brewing craft.Brewers experiment with grains, hops, and yeasts, turning them into everything from a cold, golden lager that snaps on the tongue to a deep, malty stout that wins over both locals and travelers.The brewery’s famous for noticing every little detail, pouring that care into beers that hit just the right balance and brim with deep, layered flavors-like the warm spice that lingers in their autumn ale.Jopenkerk Brewery has become a proud symbol of the Netherlands’ craft beer revival, with copper kettles gleaming warmly beneath the soaring arches of the old church.Among the earliest pioneers, the brewery shaped the nation’s craft beer scene, pouring hoppy, amber ales years before they caught on.Over the years, the brewery earned a reputation for crisp, finely made beers and daring ideas, the kind that helped plant Haarlem squarely on the craft brewing map, foam still clinging to the glass.Housed in a restored church with sunlight spilling through stained-glass windows, Jopenkerk Brewery attracts beer lovers from near and far who come to Haarlem for both the flavor and the view.The brewery regularly welcomes guests for tasting tours, where they can watch the brewing in action, savor a few cold, golden pours, and linger under the soft light spilling through the old church’s stained-glass windows.Steeped in history and offering dozens of unique brews, it glows in the afternoon sun that pours through tall stained‑glass windows-a spot no beer lover or history fan should skip in Haarlem.In Haarlem, the brewery’s at the heart of things-throwing street parties that spill into the square and serving cold pints to neighbors who’ve shared stories for decades.They often host events and festivals, and sometimes they’ll team up for beer pairings with neighborhood favorites like the corner bistro or the warm, bread-scented bakery down the street.Jopenkerk Brewery has turned into the town’s gathering place, alive with the murmur of voices and the sharp clink of pint glasses that draw locals and travelers side by side.At Jopenkerk Brewery, sustainability runs through everything they do, from handpicking barley from nearby farms to capturing the warm breath of the kettles and putting it to use again.The brewery pushes to shrink its environmental footprint by running on wind and solar, trimming every gallon of water it can, and turning spent grain into rich compost instead of sending it to a landfill.They’re pushing to make brewing more eco-friendly, a move that meshes with the craft beer scene’s broader sustainability wave-think solar-warmed kettles and grain sacks given a second life.Lately, Jopenkerk Brewery has expanded its reach, sending bottles from cozy Amsterdam cafés to bars as far off as Canada’s snowy streets and Japan’s neon-lit alleys.The brewery’s built a loyal crowd, lured by its sunny riverside patio, bold top-tier beers, and a fresh, creative twist on brewing.In the heart of Haarlem, Jopenkerk Brewery rests among narrow canals, arched stone bridges, and centuries-old buildings that catch a soft golden glow in the late afternoon.The brewery’s only minutes away, tucked near the city center and just beyond cobbled streets where weathered stone buildings lean into the afternoon light.Tasting Room and Events: Step into the brewery’s warm, wood-scented tasting room and try anything from a bright, citrusy blond ale to a dark stout with a hint of chocolate.The brewery hosts beer tastings, hands-on brewing classes, and lively music nights, so you can soak up the local vibe while nursing a pint that carries the warm, nutty scent of toasted malt.There’s a place where your beer meets its perfect match in local fare-imagine tearing into warm bread, tasting sharp cheese, and savoring smoky sausages.At Jopenkerk, join a guided brewery tour, listen to the church’s history drift beneath the soaring arches, watch the brewers at work, and sip the range of beers they’ve perfected.It’s a rare chance to watch the brewery marry old-world craft with modern precision, copper kettles glowing warmly beside tall, polished steel tanks.In Haarlem’s Jopenkerk Brewery, centuries of brewing tradition meet daring modern craft, all within a restored church where the warm, bitter scent of hops lingers beneath soaring vaulted ceilings.
