Who has the best beer in the Netherlands in 2016?

On Wednesday, March 23, the second edition of the Dutch Beer Challenge will take place in Rotterdam. The number of breweries in the Netherlands has grown explosively in recent years to over 300. The Dutch Beer Challenge is therefore a unique opportunity for all Dutch brewers to measure themselves against their peers. 

The initiators and organizers of the Dutch Beer Challenge want to promote Dutch beer culture more. The competition between Dutch breweries will take place at the Arminius Congress and Debate Centre in Rotterdam. Every Dutch brewery is invited to participate with one or more beers. For the second edition in 2016, the organization expects at least 200 submitted beers.

The mixed presence on March 23, 2016, of both Dutch independent beer experts and tasters as well as international specialists ensures that the beers awarded at the Dutch Beer Challenge can count on significant media interest and international recognition. The beers are promoted by (inter)national and regional media. Liquor store chain Mitra has committed itself as the main sponsor of the Dutch Beer Challenge.

Blind tasting and beer dinner
During the day, the jury will conduct blind tastings within approximately fifteen different beer categories, such as pilsner, saison, light and dark blond, pale ale, IPA, light and dark, bock and double bock, stout/porter, barley wine, witbier and weizen, fruit beers, and barrel-aged beers.

During the exclusive five-course beer dinner later in the day at two-star restaurant Parkheuvel in Rotterdam, the winners of all categories will be announced. The Mitra Beer Awards will be officially presented on May 19, 2016, during the fifth anniversary of the Dutch Beer Week in The Hague, where it will also be announced which winner will bear the title of ‘The Best Beer of the Netherlands 2016’.

First edition of the Dutch Beer Challenge
In 2015, there were 155 Dutch beers in competition, of which 46 won a gold, silver, or bronze medal. That same year, during the first edition of the Dutch Beer Challenge, Jopen Mooie Nel from the brewery won. Jopen the title of the ‘Best Beer of the Netherlands 2015’.

To enrol
Registration has been open since mid-January and will close on March 16, 2016. Essential information and the registration form are here to download.

Photo: Dutch Beer Challenge website