What a busy month. If you've been following our Instagram you'll know that this homebrewing duo was galavanting around Amsterdam a few weeks ago. While on our vacation, we were fortunate enough to fit a couple of breweries, bars, and local beers into our schedule. It'll be a couple of posts before I can go through them all, but let's start with De Bierkoning, a beer emporium of sorts:
De Bierkoning was introduced to us by our Dutch friends, Tara (who is American but may as well be Dutch) and Barend. Finishing up a bike tour through downtown and heading back home for Tara's birthday party, we made a pitstop at De Bierkoning. The store itself was small, as most stores and homes in European city centers tend to be. But upon entering, that "small" feeling immediately dissipated. Shelves were lined from floor to ceiling with beers. One wrong move with a backpack and you were sure to break a few bottles before leaving.
The store was broken up into different regions, including Belgian, French, and Dutch beers. Although I caved and bought a Barbar, I chose to stick to the Dutch flavors, following upon recommendations from Tara. After attempting to buy more beers than I could reasonably carry in my hands, bag, or on my bike, I opted for a few selections that included Oedipus' Salty Dick, a Gose style beer made with grapefruit and lime zest, and sea salt, as well as a local brew of ginger-flavored beer.
I will say that despite the bizarre name, the Salty Dick was well enjoyed. What started off as a gently sweet grapefruit taste would slowly morph into a salty and lime-tangy aftertaste. On a hot day in Vondelpark, it really hit the spot.
Next up: our experience at the brewery by a windmill, Brouwerij 't IJ.
