nolet distillery tour

Exclusive Look Inside: The Nolet Family, Ketel One Distillery Tour in Schiedam Holland

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (for which I am deeply grateful) at no additional cost to you.

Through my travels around the world , I am most inspired when getting to know brands that not only stand for quality business and excellence, but those who also preserve their family traditions and legacy. Especially when, generation after generation and beyond, they are surviving and thriving even, while overcoming economic depressions, changes in popularity (by era), technology and much more. This is why today, I would like to take you on a Ketel One distillery tour an even further to enjoy an exclusive look inside of how one family, The Nolet’s, created and continue to maintain high quality products in the spirits industry, called Ketel One Vodka and Nolet’s Finest Gins (Nolet Gin.)

The Nolet Distillery | Ketel One Distillery Tour

As an outsider, I received a rare opportunity to experience a private and exclusive tour of The Nolet Distillery, makers of Ketel One Vodka and Nolet’s Finest Gins, in Schiedam, Holland. In 2016, the family had just celebrated their 325 th year anniversary with a special limited edition bottle of Ketel One Vodka; the celebration included a huge red carpet (with a Grammy nominee, Soul Singer Leon Bridges in attendance) and many other surprises.

But the real highlight of the evening was getting to see where a famous product like Ketel One Vodka was born and how this family has preserved a successful business for 11 generations.

  A look inside a family business going strong even after 11 generations!  

The Nolet Family Secrets

From father-to-son, for 11 generations, the Nolet Family has embraced an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in distilling the world’s finest spirits. According to Carl Jr., there are several secrets to running a family business, including “The family creed which is ‘Try not to make mistakes.’ And the word is try is in there because we all make mistakes but at least if we try not to make any BIG ones. Also, we genuinely like each other as a family.” Lastly, he shared that “We live by our three words: Fire, Family and Future! That’s how Bob and I are grooming the 12 th generation – our kids.”

As impressive as the family is, and what I learned about the distillery process (that started in 1691) was very interesting, but I was most surprised to learn that they are still currently use a “secret recipe,” passed down from generation to generation, with such pride and attention to detail. I did try to learn more about this recipe, but it did not work out. In all seriousness, it is impressive seeing the empire they have built. But the Nolet family is not the only members proud of their product. I found that they instill that same pride and quality into their bartenders as well! One thing they have in common, the precision and painstaking attention to detail, as their bartenders continually focus on finding the right mix of quality ingredients to create the perfect cocktail. Having sampled several cocktails that evening, I can personally attest to their remarkable talent!

Ketel One Vodka Cocktails

Through their newest campaign (Ketel One Vodka Celebrates The Meticulous Attention To Detail That Bartenders Go To For The Perfect Cocktail), Ketel One Vodka highlights a bartender’s obsessive attention to detail, as well as the witty and charismatic style of today’s bartending community. The Nolet family often goes to extreme and (sometimes) absurd lengths to maintain perfection, to keep a family legacy alive. And like the Nolet family – for elite bartenders, no detail is too small. Of course, for any cocktail to be successful, it’s the quality of the alcohol used that’s the foundation upon which other flavors are built. A great bartender knows the difference!

Of course, on the cutting edge of innovation and technology, Ketel One introduced a Virtual Reality cutting edge experience that transports users into the heart of the world’s most trending vodka. Similar to my personal tour, consumers (including those tech savvy millennials) can now step into the lively streets of Schiedam, Holland, take a tour of the Nolet Family Distillery, and engage in an immersive cocktail demonstration guided by Master Mixologist, Dale DeGroff. Join me on an adventure to Schiedam, Holland! While personal travel is the best experience, you can use your imagination and technology to preview this experience from the comfort of your home. Try it today!!!

About The Author

Dreams in Heels

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Popular Posts

Packing List For a Day Hike: The Ultimate Packing List 

101 Fun, Free Things to Do in NYC 2024: Free Activities in NYC by a local

Where to stay in New York City: The Best Neighborhoods in NYC

27 Unique Travel Gifts for Women Traveling Solo {2024}

3 days in Istanbul Itinerary: Best places to visit in Istanbul in 3 days {2024}

Let’s keep in touch

Join other travelers and get the latest travel updates, travel tips, tricks and insider secrets. Be notified first about giveaways and special events.

Sorry, je moet 18 jaar of ouder zijn om de website te bezoeken.

Beleef KETEL 1

Schiedam, dé stad van KETEL 1. Nolet Distillery staat in het hart van Schiedam en is één van de oudste familiebedrijven van Nederland.

KETEL 1 is het samenspel van een bijzondere familiehistorie, vernieuwend denken en avontuurlijk doen. Joannes Nolet begon klein toen hij zich in 1691 bekwaamde in de kunst van het distilleren en onvermoeibaar experimenteerde met kruiden en specerijen om de perfecte smaak te vinden. Je zou wensen dat je bij dit eerste grote moment van succes was als je de gemoderniseerde distilleerderij vandaag de dag ziet. Met als absolute blikvanger Molen De Nolet: de hoogste stellingmolen ter wereld en een icoon van het Dutch Distillers District. Nieuwsgierig? Ga mee op reis door ons rijke familieverhaal, het distilleerproces van KETEL 1, de compleet gemoderniseerde distilleerderij naar een blik in de toekomst. We ontmoeten en verwelkomen je graag in het Nationaal Jenevermuseum Schiedam.

Experimenteren, innoveren en vooruitkijken

In de traditie van zijn voorouders zet tiende generatie Carel Nolet de distilleerderij op de wereldkaart. In 1977 presenteert hij zijn zachte en zuivere KETEL 1 Jenever, geïnspireerd op de oudste koperen distilleerketel van Schiedam, ketel nummer één. Zijn vakmanschap, liefde voor het vak en de familierecepten deelt hij met zijn zoons Carel Jr en Bob: inmiddels de elfde generatie Nolet. KETEL 1, Ketel One Vodka, Ketel One Botanical en Nolet’s Gin: de familie Nolet maakt premium distillaten met de kennis en bevlogenheid van generaties en hart voor de omgeving.

Kom proosten in het jenevermuseum

KETEL 1 is eigenzinnig en avontuurlijk van karakter met een zachte, frisse smaak. Puur óf als basis in mixen en cocktails. Een smaakmaker in de horeca, op festivals en thuis en óók te proeven en verkrijgbaar in het Jenevermuseum.

Bekijk de recepten op onze website voor inspiratie. Let’s shake it & make it.

Stap in de wereld van de jeneverindustrie

Cookie preferences

Our free to use website requires cookies to properly function, as most websites do. These store your preferences such as selecting to view cocktail recipes in ounces rather than millilitres.

• Skip to content
• Skip to Beer, Wine & Spirits navigation

• How crafted
• 325th Anniversary
• Sustainability
• Visitors welcome

Nolet Distillery

The family welcome visitors to the distillery

The Nolet family's pride in their production process and reputation is obvious when they talk about their heritage and the combination of traditional and modern methods employed today.

The Nolets also continue to support the bartending profession throughout the world and offer an open invitation to bartenders and consumers alike who'd like to visit their distillery. You'll find them fabulously hospitable and you are sure to be touched by their commitment to family traditions, as well as modernity and quality.

If you'd like to take up what is a great opportunity, then please contact the Nolet Distillery in advance so they can plan your personal tour. Please email [email protected] and see noletdistillery.com/visit-us for more information.

Ketel One Vodka

The Dutch refer to their pot stills as 'ketels', thus this vodka is named after the Nolet's original 1864 'Distilleerketel #1' which is still used in the

Ketel One Citroen vodka

Ketel One Citroen was launched in 2000 and is created by infusing Ketel One vodka with citrus essential oils essence. Two different types of lemon from

Ketel One Oranje Vodka

Ketel One Oranje was launched on 30 April 2010 to coincide with Queen's Day, a national holiday in The Netherlands honouring the Queen's official birthday.

Ketel One Cucumber & Mint

Ketel One Botanical Cucumber & Mint is made by infusing Ketel One vodka with natural botanicals and then re-distilling the infusion in a copper pot still.

Ketel One Grapefruit & Rose

Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose is made by infusing Ketel One vodka with natural botanicals and then re-distilling the infusion in a copper pot still.

Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom

Ketel One Botanicals are made by infusing Ketel One vodka with natural botanicals and then re-distilling the infusion in a copper pot still. The distillate

Nolet's Silver Dry Gin

Made from wheat and flavoured with traditional botanicals including citrus, orris root, liquorice and, of course, juniper alongside contemporary ingredients

Nolet's The Reserve Dry Gin

Nolet's Reserve Gin is the personal creation of Carolus Nolet Sr. and he alone approves each batch before bottling. The botanicals used include: saffron

Ketel 1 Jonge

The Ketel 1 name is recognisable, due to the Nolet's successful Ketel One Vodka, named, like this jenever, for their coal-fired No.1 pot still. This jonge

Ketel 1 Matuur

This oak cask matured expression of the much respected Ketel One jenever was released by the Nolet family in 2015 to their domestic Dutch market.

All editorial and photography on this website is copyright protected

© Odd Firm of Sin 2024

Home » Previously on Dishtales.com » Dishtales Adventures » FoodieVents » Ketel One – The Nolet Distillery Tour

Ketel One – The Nolet Distillery Tour

“ We’re cordially inviting you for a Private Ketel One Tour of the Nolet Distillery in Schiedam. ” How can anyone say no to that? Together with a group of fellow press members we ventured off to the south, as the Nolet family prepared an exclusive tour of their generation long distillery for us. Schiedam, a town that borders the proud Dutch answer to New York City (Rotterdam) was our destination. Upon arrival, members of the family received us and not too long after we started the tour.

Although it doesn’t show much on the outside, the Nolet Distillery is truly massive. Underground corridors take you on a historic journey of the generations that have led the enterprise, through their offices and meeting spaces. The distribution center was beyond our imagination. Thousands of pallets going up and down with (robot driven) machines, making you feel like a tiny little dot in Vodka/Gin heaven. Then of course there’s the Ketel One Vodka tasting. As a (generally) non drinking press member I quickly felt the temperature rising there! 😉

Our tour ended right beside the gigantic logistics center, where thousands of bottles are being packed for shipment. A  Bloody Mary Brunch was awaiting us and let me tell you this: if anyone knows how to throw a spectacular brunch…well it’s the Nolet family for sure! Just look at this incredible table setting, colourful dishes and that notorious bar that helped us a hand in getting tipsy on a workday. Utterly fabulous! 🙂

So of course I can’t leave you without a little bit of cocktail love . On behalf of Ketel One, I’ll leave you with the original  Ketel One Bloody Mary recipe today. Happy Cocktail O’Clock!

• 50ml Ketel One Vodka
• 10ml lemon juice
• 100ml tomato juice
• 3 splashes of Tabasco
• 3 splashes of Worcester sauce
• Salt & Pepper
• Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker
• Fill up the shaker with ice and gently shake it
• Pour the Bloody Mary into a (preferably) higher glass, filled with ice
• Finish your cocktail with some garnish: lemon, cherry tomatoes and some black pepper

For more information or to visit the distillery yourself (yes you can!) visit the  Nolet Distillery website.

You may also like

Ketel One Botanical Spritz with a Dishtales Twist

GL2T Event 2016 – The Hague

Hey guys I’m Steffen from Germany and currently planning my best mates bachelor party. We’ll be coming to Rotterdam from the 26th-28th of July. I booked a harbor cruise for 1:15pm on Saturday already which takes probably like 1,5hours. After that I’d love to feed the guys real quick and ideal come to see you distillery afterwords. So my question is: were 11 guys, all 30 or older so not too wild and what so ever. I just love Jenever, am Pretty sure most of the boys never even heard of that one so I’d love to do a tour through your place and round it all up with a jenever and other spirits? Tasting?:) Looking forward to your reply and what options there might be 🙂 Thank you so much, enjoy the weather, Steffen

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

18 jaar of ouder?

Sorry, je moet 18 jaar of ouder zijn om de website te bezoeken.

Bezoek het Nationaal Jenevermuseum Schiedam

Schiedam, dé stad van KETEL 1. En Nolet Distillery staat in het hart van Schiedam.

KETEL 1 / Nolet Tour in het Nationaal Jenevermuseum Schiedam

KETEL 1 is het samenspel van een bijzondere familiehistorie, vernieuwend denken en avontuurlijk doen. Joannes Nolet begon klein toen hij zich in 1691 bekwaamde in de kunst van het distilleren en onvermoeibaar experimenteerde met kruiden en specerijen om de perfecte smaak te vinden. Je zou wensen dat je bij dit eerste grote moment van succes was als je de gemoderniseerde distilleerderij vandaag de dag ziet. Met als absolute blikvanger Molen De Nolet: de hoogste stellingmolen ter wereld en een icoon van het Dutch Distillers District.

Nieuwsgierig? Ga mee op reis door ons rijke familieverhaal, het distilleerproces van KETEL 1, de compleet gemoderniseerde distilleerderij naar een blik in de toekomst. De smaakmaker in de horeca, op festivals en thuis is óók te proeven en verkrijgbaar in het Nationaal Jenevermuseum Schiedam.

We ontmoeten en verwelkomen je graag in het Nationaal Jenevermuseum Schiedam.

KETEL 1 / Nolet Tour

Ontdek KETEL 1 en laat je inspireren door onze reis van 1691 naar de toekomst. Boek hier je ticket voor de Nolet Tour in het Nationaal Jenevermuseum Schiedam.

KETEL 1 Hard Lemonade

KETEL 1 Hard Lemonade is een frisse mix van limonade met de zachte en zuivere smaak van KETEL 1 Original. Nu ook in een blikje.

KETEL 1 Times

Van creatieve mix-recepten tot exclusieve events: met onze nieuwsbrief ben je altijd up-to-date. Schrijf je snel in. We beloven je: we gaan je niet bestoken.

KETEL 1 zit vol verhalen. Je leest, hoort en ontdekt er alles over als je ons volgt. Dan ben je ook altijd als eerste op de hoogte van nieuwe acties en exclusieve events.

• Volg ons op Facebook
• Volg ons op Instagram

Exploring Schiedam, the gin capital of the Netherlands

Jun 7, 2019 • 5 min read

Dutch gin traditionally served in tulip-shaped glasses

Rotterdam wins all the plaudits for its innovative drinking and dining scene, but the adjacent city of Schiedam is in a league of its own when it comes to one particular tipple.

Jenever, the forefather of modern gin, has been distilled in Schiedam for hundreds of years, earning it the title of one of the Netherlands ’ so-called ‘jenever cities’; and, as the home of the National Jenevermuseum and Netherlands Jenever Festival, many consider it the unofficial gin capital of the country, and perhaps even the world.

Here we make a pilgrimage to the city that played a leading role in popularising the beloved beverage, to learn more about its history and find the best spots to sample a glass today.

Gin tasting might not be your first thought upon arrival in Schiedam. The pretty town beckons casual strolls along its canals criss-crossed with hand-raised drawbridges or invites you to while away a few hours in one of its eclectic art galleries.

But from the old storehouses to the giant windmills that spear the skyline, it’s jenever that made this town and it's this traditional Dutch tipple that is continuing to shape its future.

The history of Dutch gin

The origin of jenever (also spelled genever) is the subject of much debate, but it’s believed the spirit – originally a combination of distilled malt wine and juniper berries – was originally developed for medicinal use in the 16th century somewhere in the Netherlands, where it remains the country’s national drink.

The spirit was popularised around the world thanks to the pioneering Dutch navy and spread to England – where it evolved into ‘gin’ – via British soldiers who fought with the Dutch during the Eighty and Thirty Years wars. It’s said the English soldiers believed it was from the drink the Dutch soldiers attained their bravery, coining the term Dutch courage.

At the height of the golden era of jenever production in the late-18th century Schiedam was home to nearly 400 roasters and distilleries and exported jenever across the globe. It was from this time the city got its nickname of Black Nazareth, due to the coal-field distilleries polluting the air and dying the city’s streets black.

But the boom was not to last. A combination of competition from cheaper spirits, the prohibition era and, most devastatingly, the German bombing in World War II – which destroyed most of Rotterdam – led to the end of Schiedam’s distilleries and, largely, jenever itself. Until now that is.

One more round?

With gin’s increasing popularity worldwide and Rotterdam ’s rising credentials as a city break destination, jenever is experiencing a roaring revival in the bars and restaurants of Schiedam (a trend mirrored in other cities in the country, including its capital ).

'Now it’s cool to be proud of your Black Nazareth,' says Claudia Lansbergen, a tour guide for the Stichting Promotie Schiedam , speaking on the role of ambassadors many of its residents now play.

Indeed the town’s heritage and most famous product is now considered something worth celebrating, a sentiment typified by the national Jenever Festival held in the city every June.

'We try to keep the story alive,' says Ton Heuchemer, a passionate, burly stoker that works as a volunteer in the National Jenevermuseum – the only museum dedicated to the drink in the world.

While stoking the coal fire underneath the copper still where the barley and rye are triple distilled, Heuchemer explains how aging the resulted malt wine in American oak barrels, and then adding the juniper-berry distillate, is what gives jenever its distinctive flavour and characteristic caramel colour. The whole process can take three years to complete.

But Schiedam isn’t just resting on its laurels. The traditional jenever recipe is being reinterpreted and reinvented by a new wave of craft distillers in the city, which is served up in small storehouses and hip bars that attract a young crowd.

As you walk around the city and smell the scent of malt and juniper wafting from doorways and see the bright yellow banners emblazoned with 'Gin City' fluttering from poles all around town, you can feel the sense of excitement returning to the city.

With twenty windmills grinding grain in its heyday, five still carry on today. The city may not be the jenever powerhouse it once was, but its future – certainly as a tourist destination – seems bright. In other words, Schiedam's wheels are still turning.

Where to sample a glass of the good stuff

Nolet Distillery

Owned by the same family since 1691, the Nolet Distillery brilliantly combines centuries of family tradition with state-of-the-art technology. Located in the De Nolet tower mill, you can observe the distillation process and bottling plant up-close, with the original coal-fired copper pot fully operational to this day. The Nolet's Silver Gin brings forth a heavenly tingle, with refined aromas of Turkish rose, peach and raspberry.

LUCAS Drinkwinkel

Located in a former police station in the city centre, LUCAS Drinkwinkel is one of Schiedam’s hippest addresses serving ice-cold gin and tonics, including newer brands like Loopuyt . Labeled as the ‘New Western’ gin flavoured with their own harvested 12 botanicals, this ingenious, creative brand hosts speakeasy parties and runs a bartender boxing competition. They even produce their own brand-name tonic water.

Restaurant De Noordmolen

The ultimate Dutch experience? At Restaurant De Noordmolen you can sip jenever while dining inside the tallest historic windmill in the world. Built in 1803, and used to grind grain for distilleries, the windmill has been converted into a two-floor restaurant with a semi-open kitchen and even a terrace that’s open during the summer months. The restaurant also sells traditional jenever glasses in the style of those once used by the windmill foremans.

Monica Suma travelled to Schiedam, the Netherlands with support from Rotterdam Partners . Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

Explore related stories

Aug 27, 2024 • 8 min read

You don’t have to stop traveling just because the year is ending. October is one of the best times for many epic adventures.

Jul 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Jun 28, 2024 • 6 min read

Jun 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Jun 11, 2024 • 6 min read

May 25, 2024 • 8 min read

May 21, 2024 • 11 min read

May 3, 2024 • 7 min read

May 2, 2024 • 5 min read

May 1, 2024 • 6 min read

Close menu GIFT MEMBERSHIPS GIFT GUIDE ONLINE SHOP OUR GIN HOW IT WORKS GINNED! - BLOG Log In Join the club

Total flexibility, no commitment

A world of unique, crafted spirits

Easy, free and reliable delivery

11 of the best gin distilleries in Europe and the UK you can visit for tours & tastings

Cocktails and G&Ts

The Shop Drop

Expert Guides

Trending Now

Meet the Distillers

Our Gin & Boxes

Whether you already have a holiday planned to the region or fancy a gin-themed getaway with your best gin pal , these European and UK gin distilleries are definitely worth a visit.

Tour these unique buildings and see how their gin is made in copper stills, learn about the process, and of course, you’ll need to taste some of the product! Happy travels, gin-lovers.

Tarquin’s Gin Distillery Tours, Cornwall, England

Nestled in the countryside of Cornwall on England’s southern coast, is Southwestern Distillery , the incredible distillery behind the now-world-renowned Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin . Craft Gin Clubbber’s will also remember just how amazing Tarquin’s Cornish Christmas Gin is from their December 2018 Gin of the Month box.

Southwestern Distillery’s The Tarquin’s Cornish Gin Experience (£18 per person) lasts ninety minutes includes a G&T on arrival, a guide through Tarquin’s history, a masterclass on gin botanicals and a walking tour of the distillery, with lots of gin tasting of course.

Sabatini Gin Distillery, Tuscany, Italy

It’s hard to imagine a more dreamy setting than that of the Sabatini Gin Distillery . Perched overlooking the undulating Tuscan hills sits the Villa Ugo, a family manor house that has now, for several generations, been the home of Sabatini Gin - which we chose as our very own Craft Gin Club Gin of the Month back in January 2018 .

Guided tours include tastings and will introduce you to the Italian botanicals grown in the villa’s own garden that go into the gin, including olive leaf, lemon verbena and wild fennel.

Mermaid Gin Distillery Tour, Ryde, Isle of Wight

With its gorgeous, now-iconic glass gin bottles and incredible flavours, the Isle of Wight Distillery’s Mermaid Gin range is taking the gin world by storm. If you are yet to try a Mermaid Gin then you can find the signature Mermaid Gin, Mermaid Zest Gin and Mermaid Pink Gin on the Craft Gin Club online shop here !

The Isle of Wight Distillery doesn’t do Mermaid Gin Tours, however, they do have the next best thing: The Mermaid Bar! From the bar, you can see the Mermaid Gin stills at work as you sip away at a Mermaid G&T and enjoy a nibble or two from their delicious food recipe. It’s definitely worth the trip!

Wild Monkey Distillery, Black Forest, Germany

Deep in the heart of the Black Forest you’ll find the Wild Monkey Distillery , producer of the quirky Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin. A 2-hour guided tour of this impressive distillery includes two Monkey Tonics, a discount voucher redeemable in the distillery shop, and tastings of both the Schwarzwald Dry Gin and the Sloe Gin all for €47.

Whitby Gin Distillery Tour, Yorkshire, England

Sat high above Whitby on Yorkshire’s magnificent coastline, right next to the famous Whitby Abbey, the Whitby Gin Distillery is a must-visit location for gin lovers. Whitby Gin The Demeter Edition was Craft Gin Club’s October 2021 Gin of the Month and we have adored the amazing team at Whitby Gin since long before then.

At just £20 per person, the hour-long Whitby Gin Distillery Tour includes a G&T when you get there, an in-depth tour of the site with a run through Whitby Gin’s intriguing history and how they make their gin, and you even get a free glass to take home with you. It is not to be missed!

Hernö Gin Distillery, Dala, Sweden

Located in a fairytale lakeside setting and surrounded by snow-dusted pine forests, Hernö Gin was the first craft gin distillery in Sweden and went on to become the most-awarded gin producer in the whole of Europe, winning more than 80 international Master and Gold Medals - not to mention the gong for Boutique Distillery of the Year!

In fact, we were lucky enough to work with this super-talented team to create a bespoke limited-edition gin just for Craft Gin Club members back in July 2016 - what an honour! If you fancy visiting the distillery, there are regular guided tours, which include a tasting of 4 different gins and a welcome cocktail on arrival. The price? 450kr per person (that’s just over £36 per person).

Cuckoo Gin Distillery Tour, Lancashire, England

Brindle Distillery , home of Cuckoo Gin (including the Cuckoo Solace Special Edition Gin in Craft Gin Club’s May 2021 Gin of the Month box), resides on Holme Farm in the Lancastrian countryside, just outside the village of Brindle.

Their guided Cuckoo Gin distillery tour lasts two and a half hours and is an in-depth look at the distillery and Cuckoo Gin, with five different gin and tonics included with your ticket, along with a £5 discount on any 70cl bottles of Cuckoo Gin bought on the day. For just £30 per person, it’s a gin fan’s dream!

Nolet Gin Distillery, Schiedam, Netherlands

The extraordinary history of the family-run Nolet Distillery reaches back more than 325 years. You can now take a tour of the distillery to understand how the origins of the company - back in 1691 - have threaded through the business until the present day.

Fun fact: the reception area is within the 'De Nolet' tower mill, the tallest windmill in the world. Fun fact #2: gin is not the family’s only area of distilling expertise; they are also behind the world-famous Ketel One vodka. Fun fact #3: Nolet’s Reserve Gin uses both verbena and saffron, the most expensive spice in the word, in its production, and Carolus Sr., the 10th-generation distillery owner, approves each bottle of the gin before it is bottled, to ensure the quality!

York Gin Distillery Tour, Yorkshire, England

The city of York is full of history, intrigue, fantastic foodie spots and York Gin ! You can visit the York Gin Distillery shop in York city centre every Friday and Saturday for a fabulous evening of gin tasting and touring through the history of their stunning craft gins. For £30 per person, you get two delicious G&Ts and the chance to try five of the York Gin range, all guided by their team, of course. The tasting lasts for around an hour and makes for a fantastic evening!

In the meantime, York Gin Chocolate & Orange Gin is a must try!

Kyrö Distillery Company, Isokyrö, Finland

As befits a Finnish enterprise, the idea for Kyrö Distillery Company was conceived in a sauna by a group of friends with a shared love of spirits ! Originally specialising in rye whisky, the distillery has gone on to produce some outstanding gin - including the fantastic Napue Gin that we included in our Craft Gin Club August 2017 Gin of the Month box (and which, incidentally, won “The World’s Best Gin for Gin & Tonic” at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2015 and in 2016…)

You can visit the distillery throughout the year for tours and tastings as well as unique cocktails based on locally sourced ingredients. There’s even a ‘Kyrofest’ drinks festival that takes place at the height of summer, in mid-August.

Salcombe Gin Distillery Tour, Devon, England

If you ever find yourself in Devon, then you need to check out Salcombe Distilling Co. ’s fabulous gin school. It’s the perfect way to tour their distillery and history whilst enjoying a G&T and getting to make your very own 70cl bottle of gin at the same time.

At £110 per person, it’s a great way to learn how to distil gin and get to know the inner workings of one of the UK’s best distilleries. The experience was even awarded “Best Small Visitor Attraction” at the South West England Tourism Excellence Awards. Be sure to give it a go!

Like this? You might also be interested in:

Best gin bars around the world for lovers who love gin

10 of the best gin bars in the USA

Every month, we send our club members a full-sized bottle of amazing craft gin from one of the world’s finest distillers.

We work hard to source new, limited edition and exclusive gins for our members, so you can be sure that you'll always receive a truly special gin that you won’t find elsewhere – certainly not in the supermarket. 

We capture the passion of our craft distiller partners in our monthly GINNED! Magazine, packed with real-life gin stories, tailored cocktail recipes and much more.

Inside The Ketel One Vodka Distillery: Photo Tour

• Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Youtube

Christopher Parr, is the Editor and Chief Content Creator for…

Pursuitist was invited to Amsterdam in celebration of King’s Day – the biggest party in the Dutch calendar and one of Europe’s biggest celebrations. We were a guest of Ketel One, the iconic vodka brand, which has been voted the ‘Best Selling Vodka’ and ‘Most Trending Vodka’ of 2016 in the ‘The World’s 50 Best Bars Brand Report’, by Drinks International. With over 300 years of Nolet distilling expertise, Ketel One has become the leading vodka in the US. To learn more about the brand, Pursuitist visited the distillery in the quaint fishing village of Schiedam, Holland.

Join us on our photo tour of the Ketel One Vodka Distillery, where over 2.5 million cases of crisp, clean and delicious Ketel One vodka is crafted with an amazing attention to detail.

Arriving in style in Amsterdam with Ketel One vans featuring King’s Day.

Founded by Joannes Nolet in the fishing village of Schiedam, Holland in 1691, the Nolet Distillery has produced high-quality spirits for more than three centuries.

The distillery gives regular tours, and we started ours in the replica windmill built in 2005 at the distillery, which is located about an hour away from Amsterdam.

One of the beautifully designed bars at the distillery.

The brand proudly embraces their Dutch heritage. The Nolet family first began making jenever, a highly aromatic Dutch gin, in 1691.

Inside the stunning new windmill.

A series of interconnected buildings and a large windmill form the operational landscape and, while the windmill is a recent addition, it powers almost 20% of the Nolet Distillery’s electricity.

Meeting Carolus Nolet, the man behind the Ketel One brand. Carolus discovered the perfect recipe by combining modern column distillation with the unique liquid produced by copper pot stills. He named it after the oldest, coal-fired copper pot still used at the distillery – Distilleerketel #1.

Eleven generations are behind Ketel One.

Ketel One is so named for the original coal-fired copper still that was used to distill it, Distilleerketel #1. Nolet distillery ambassador Dennis Tamse, pictured below, says Ketel One lacks the “Mike Tyson punch” that lesser vodkas often possess – the raw power that is often mistaken for a full flavor. Instead, it is a subtler drink, gently tingling the mouth without ever burning.

The Nolet Distillery ships 2.5 million cases of Ketel One vodka every year to the U.S., its largest market.

Afterwards, we caught sight of the stunning Holland tulips.

We couldn’t resist entering into the beautiful tulip fields.

A wonderful day in Holland.

Afterwards, we were transported to the Ketel One House in Amsterdam – that’s ‘Huis’ to the Dutch – an offshore platform (now REM Eiland Restaurant).

We had our very own personal drinks butler catering to every taste.

A delicious handcrafted Ketel One Vodka Martini.

Cheers to Ketel One and King’s Day.

Christopher Parr , is the Editor and Chief Content Creator for Pursuitist, and a contributing writer to USA Today, Business Insider — and the on-air host of Travel Tuesday on Live at 4 CBS. He is an award-winning luxury marketing veteran, writer, a frequent speaker at luxury and interactive marketing conferences and a pioneer in web publishing. Named a "Top 10 Luxury Travel Blogger” by USA Today, Parr has also been selected as the official winner in Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ list of the “Top 50 Best Luxury Influencers and Bloggers in the World.”

• Nolet’s Silver Gin
• Nolet’s Reserve Gin
• Merchandise
• Find Nolet’s

Nolet’s Silver Gin

Crafted with real botanicals.

NOLET’S Silver Gin features a unique combination of botanicals never before used in gin that was created for a new generation of gin drinkers. The floral and fruit-forward gin is bottled at 47.6% Alc./Vol. (95.2 Proof).

Generations

Taste of the 10th &11th generation.

Eleventh generation sons, Carl Jr. and Bob Nolet, collaborated with their father Carolus Sr. to create NOLET’S Silver. NOLET’S Silver is an undeniably modern take on gin, reflecting the tastes and preferences of a new generation. Carl Jr. and Bob invite you to experience NOLET’S Silver Classic Cocktail Collection.

DISCOVER OUR UNIQUE FLAVOR PROFILE

(Rosa Damascena)

adds a light, refined air

(Prunes Persica)

lends a fresh, sweet flavor

(Rubus Ideaus)

lends a robust, slightly tart flavor

NOLET’S STORIES

September 4, 2023

Discover Our Unique Botanicals

With its extraordinary botanical blend, NOLET’S Silver redefines modern sophistication with a truly extraordinary spirit. At the heart of this unique spirit are three real botanicals: Rose, Peach,…

July 11, 2023

Gin Up The Tonic

Winston Churchill once declared that “The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire.” Served in a highball or a “Copa Balon” the Gin and Tonic, is…

January 23, 2023

NOLET’S Commitment To Sustainability

We believe in the importance of sustainability to help the planet by minimizing our footprint, working on green initiatives, and investing in charities that support these goals. In Schiedam, Holland…

April 24, 2020

Cocktailing at Home

So, you’re hankering for a cocktail, but your bar isn’t stocked. We’ve got you! If you have a bottle of NOLET’S Silver, you’re in luck. The botanicals we use in NOLET’S – notably rose,…

EXPLORE THE WORLD OF GIN

Find Near You

Find a retailer or a bar/restaurant near you.

Order Online

Have NOLET’S shipped to you. Available in select areas only.

The Perfect Gift

For any occasion.

This beautifully crafted high quality crystal gin glass has a balloon bowl atop a long stem that’s perfect for experiencing the botanical aromas of NOLET’S Silver while accommodating an array of garnishes and ice.

Visit Our Distillery

The history of Nolet Distillery goes back more than 330 years; a rich history that still defines our success with each passing day. This success stems from cherishing traditions and from the fact that every Nolet generation has the courage to look ahead and beyond.

WELCOME TO THE NOLET’S GIN COMMUNITY SIGN UP FOR NEWS, EVENTS & SPECIAL OFFERS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Please send me promotions and offers from Nolet's Gins via email. By clicking the JOIN button, I accept the privacy and cookie notice .

In respect of your privacy, you may unsubscribe at any time.

We use cookies to offer you a better experience, analyze site traffic, and serve targeted ads. By continuing to use this website you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy .

Are you 18 years or older?

• Our responsibility
• Our company
• The Nolet family history
• Our home, Schiedam
• Public Offer

Our family business has been making superb spirits right in the heart of Schiedam ever since 1691. We produce them using tradition methods but using state-of-the-art technology.

Located in the heart of schiedam, the nolet distillery has been owned by the nolet family right from its establishment in 1691. the distillery is therefore one of the oldest family businesses in the netherlands. it already goes back eleven generations, creating the best spirits.

For eleven generations, we have been crafting our world-renowned super premium spirits with passion and dedication. What is the mission and vision of the Nolet Distillery? Creating the best spirits using sustainable and socially responsible production methods and delivering constant, superior quality.

We do this by ensuring a safe and healthy working environment and by guaranteeing the superior quality of our products, efficient production, supplying our customers on time, environmentally conscious production, socially responsible business practices and compliance with the laws and regulations.

Quality is of paramount importance in our age-old family business. This is why a member of the family personally tests each batch before the product is bottled. This ‘signature’ on each bottle guarantees the quality of our spirits.

Quality is of paramount importance in our age-old family business.

Nolet is a firmly established pillar of the community and contributes to society.

Our model of social enterprise is helping to shape the future.

In 2008, Diageo acquired a 50% stake in the distribution and sale of Ketel One. This joint venture enabled the brand to grow beyond its home market to the United States. Ketel One is now available in over ninety countries worldwide. A key condition set by the Nolet family when concluding the agreement was that Ketel One would be produced in Schiedam in perpetuity. For more information about Diageo, see www.diageo.com .

Nolet Spirits U.S.A.

Nolet Spirits U.S.A. was founded by Carolus Nolet Snr in 1991 to handle the marketing and distribution of Ketel One Vodka and later NOLET’S gin in the United States. After entering into the joint venture with Diageo in 2008, the joint venture now handles the sale and marketing of Ketel One. However, Nolet Spirits U.S.A. remains closely involved in this. Through its Nolet Spirits Consulting unit, it promotes the brand by generating name recognition, for example through promotional activities and training bartenders and sales teams. Since the incorporation of Nolet Spirits U.S.A., Carel Nolet Jnr has been in charge of the company in the United States. For more information, see www.noletspirits.com .

Schiedam is our city of origin and where we live. A fantastic place to discover. With a rich history.

Would you like an online tour of the oldest distillery in the Netherlands?

Our tours are now online. Through the link below you can inquire about the possibilities.

• Nederlands ( Dutch )
• Ketel One store
• Ketel 1 webshop

© 2024 Nolet Distillery

• Privacy and Cookie statement
• Legal disclaimer

No 18, no alcohol. Enjoy, but drink in moderation.