Breugem Bier (Amsterdam)

The Netherlands

"Life is more beautiful with an open mind!"

Although we visit Amsterdam regularly, we somehow don’t make it that often to the Houthavens in the city’s western port area. That changed when we finally set out to visit Breugem Beer, an Amsterdam brewery we already knew from its beers but had never experienced at the source.

A special story behind Breugem Bier

On a hot summer day, we headed to visit Breugem Bier. Finding affordable parking proved to be a challenge, so if you’re planning a visit, public transport is definitely worth considering. Since 2023, this location has been home to brewery, but the story behind it is far more remarkable than its location might suggest.

At just sixteen, Patrick Breugem was involved in a serious moped accident that left him in a coma for two weeks and caused permanent brain damage. His recovery was long and challenging, but during his rehabilitation he discovered an unexpected new direction in life. Patrick ended up working at Brouwerij De Prael brewery in Amsterdam, a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for people facing barriers to the labour market. It was there that he discovered his passion for brewing beer.

What started as part of his rehabilitation eventually became his profession. Patrick went on to develop his brewing skills at breweries including De Prael, De Leckere and De Molen, gaining experience and learning the craft along the way.

Through trials and errors

Like many passionate brewers, Patrick Breugem dreamed of having a brewery of his own. But he wanted to create more than just great beer: from the beginning, he envisioned a socially responsible brewery where people could have opportunities to participate in the workforce.

That dream became reality in 2010, when Breugems Brouwerij opened in Zaandam. The brewery featured a large tasting room and offered brewery tours and workshops. Unfortunately, the business proved difficult to make financially viable, and after just over two years, the brewery had to close its doors.

Patrick, however, was not ready to give up on brewing, or on his dream of running his own brewery. He kept brewing beer as a contract brewer at breweries including Brouwerij Maximus in Utrecht, using the name Brouwerij Breugem. Although he no longer had a brewery of his own, he continued to develop his beers and build the Breugem name. Eventually, the company was renamed Breugem Bier, and in 2022 a new chapter began. 

Breugem announced the acquisition of the second location of Brouwerij De Prael, near Amsterdam's Houthavens. Importantly, the social character of the location was retained, allowing existing employees to stay on. Patrick had come full circle as it was at De Prael that he had first discovered brewing during his rehabilitation. The hospitality area was renamed Breugem Meeting Point, creating a welcoming place where beer lovers visiting Amsterdam can enjoy Breugem beers while discovering the story behind the brewery.

A visit to Breugem Bier in Amsterdam

It was about time for us to visit Breugem Bier. What makes this brewery particularly interesting is its open and accessible approach, with social responsibility at the heart of the business. We joined a short tour of the brewery, where we got a glimpse behind the scenes of the brewing process.

Despite the tropical summer temperatures, Patrick was hard at work behind the brewing kettles, focused on his craft but always ready with a cheerful remark. Around 1,000 litres of beer are brewed per batch. When larger quantities are needed, production takes place at Brouwerij Jopen in Haarlem.

Breugem's commitment to its local surroundings extends beyond the beer itself. Both the brewery and the Breugem Meeting Point make use of local products wherever possible. The best way to experience this is to settle down in the spacious tasting room or on the terrace and enjoy a Breugem beer alongside lunch or dinner.

The Breugem Meeting Point has a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It also works well for groups, celebrations, business meetings and other gatherings where you are looking for a less formal setting. Breugem Bier is officially recognised as a social enterprise, making the brewery particularly interesting for organisations with SROI (Social Return on Investment) requirements.

Breugem beer selection

At Breugem Bier even the beer names reflect the brewery’s positive and social character. The core range covers a variety of beer styles. There’s among others Zoentje (kiss), a refreshing Blond, Man Hug, a hoppy IPA, High Five, a Tripel, and Handdruk (handshake), a full-bodied Quadrupel. Alongside these regular beers, Breugem also produces a changing selection of seasonal specials, with around fifteen different beers.

The specials offer plenty of opportunities to discover something different. Goede Gast, for example, is a Blond brewed with Limburg spelt malt and Dutch hops. This beer is the result of a collaboration between Breugem Bier, Gulpener Brewery and local caterer Qeet. Other specials include Warme Groet (warm greeting), a robust Dubbel; Compliment, which combines characteristics of a Saison and Witbier; Klein Zoentje (small kiss), the alcohol-free version of Zoentje; and Howdy, a juicy NEIPA.

Our personal favourite was Toost, a distinctive Grape Ale brewed with grape must supplied by winemaker Henk Breugem. And that name immediately caught our attention.

Henk is the owner of Wijngaard Aan de Breede Beek, one of the first Dutch vineyards we ever visited and it turns out that he is also Patrick Breugem’s cousin. So, in this case, the connection between wine and beer is quite literally a family affair.

Updated: 08-09-2026