Maallust Brewery

The Netherlands

"The old grain mill where the grain used to be milled was called Maallust."

It had been far too long since our last visit to Maallust brewery. So, we hit the road once again to capture fresh photos of this Dutch brewery, set in a remarkable and historic location.

Brewing on historic ground in Veenhuizen

Maallust brewery takes its name from the historic Maallust area surrounding an old grain mill in the village of Veenhuizen, located in the north of the Netherlands. During the 19th century, Veenhuizen was established as part of a social experiment designed to provide housing and employment for the poor and homeless from major Dutch cities. The village functioned as a reform colony where residents lived and worked in a highly structured environment. Over time, the settlement evolved into a penal colony and later became a State Labour Institution, housing inmates from across the Netherlands.

Following World War I, Veenhuizen officially transformed into a penitentiary institution, making it one of the most isolated places in the country. For many years, access to the village was strictly controlled and only permitted to those with official business there. Since 2011, this historic location has been home to Maallust brewery.

Kaspar Schulz brewhouse

What started as a passion project among 25 beer-loving co-owners has grown into a serious pursuit of brewing quality craft beer at Maallust brewery. Their original goal was simple: brew great beers to enjoy and share with others. Today, the brewery is driven by the ambition to create the best beers possible while staying true to its craft brewing roots.

At the heart of the brewery stands an impressive traditional copper brewhouse built by Kaspar Schulz, the world’s oldest brewery equipment manufacturer. This renowned German family business, now operating in its 10th generation, is internationally respected for producing high-end brewing systems.

The choice for a Kaspar Schulz brewhouse reflects the brewery’s dedication to quality, authenticity, and traditional brewing techniques. Despite its growing reputation, Maallust brewery remains committed to small-scale production. Preserving the identity and atmosphere is more important than large-scale expansion. There are no intentions to expand outside the given boundaries of Maallust.

Maallust tasting room: craft beer in a historic setting

The tasting room at Maallust brewery is located inside the same building that once served as the village grain mill. Brewery and tasting room are perfectly combined in this authentic location. Inside, the rich history of the building is still visible. Original wooden beams and impressive old crossbeams give the tasting room its warm atmosphere. Visitors with an eye for detail can even spot handwritten notes and markings left behind by former inmates who once worked in the building during Veenhuizen’s penitentiary past.

Beer enthusiasts can enjoy a wide selection of fresh Maallust beers straight from the tap. On Fridays, the tasting room also serves meals, making it the perfect place to pair local craft beer with good food in a great setting. The beers brewed by Maallust brewery are named after historic local figures connected to the history of the region.

Discover the history of Veenhuizen

The former penal colony of Veenhuizen is a fascinating destination in the Netherlands and absolutely worth a visit. The village is home to more than one hundred listed monuments, making it a paradise for lovers of history, architecture, culture and craft beer of course.

Walking through Veenhuizen feels like stepping back in time. Many of the houses were designed in a style inspired by the prison buildings, while the names displayed on the facades often reflected the profession or role of the residents who once lived there. One example is the home of the schoolteacher, marked with the phrase “Kennis is Macht”, Dutch for “Knowledge is Power.” The traditional dots placed behind these house names also inspired the distinctive branding of Maallust brewery.

A visit to the National Prison Museum is highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about the village’s history as a reform colony and prison settlement. Beyond its cultural heritage, the surrounding landscape of brook valleys, peat moors, and scenic nature reserves makes Veenhuizen a great destination for hiking, cycling, and canoeing. And after a day of exploring, craft beer lovers will be pleased to know that Maallust brewery is always just around the corner!

Updated: 13-05-2026