Hoofdvaartkerk Distillery

The Netherlands

"Distilling isn't a business you can do just like that."

Old church turned into distillery

This beautiful renovated Dutch reformed church was built in the 19th century and is actually the oldest church in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer. It dates back to the time this land was reclaimed from water, from Haarlem’s Lake to be specific. That’s also what the name Haarlemmermeer refers to.

The Hoofdvaartkerk church is located in Hoofddorp, the capital of this municipality, just fifteen minutes from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. With quite a few major hotels and smooth transport links to Amsterdam and Haarlem, Hoofddorp is a popular place to stay and a good start on your exploration of this part of the Netherlands.

Interior of the Hoofdvaartkerk distillery in Hoofddorp

Distillery sold to Jopen Bier

In 1999 the church, organ and rectory received the status of historical monument, but the church community decided to put the church building up for sale in 2011. Former owner Stephan Bosma bought the Hoofdvaartkerk and converted it into quite a special venue to eat and drink and that also operates its own distillery!

Two years later Haarlem based craft brewery Jopen Bier purchased the building and continued, after some restyling, the distillery, tasting room and restaurant under the name Jopenkerk Hoofddorp. After the owner of the property went bankrupt in 2018 Jopen decided to leave the church. As of January 1st 2019 the venue is closed.

Ceramic bottles of jenever in restaurant and distillery Hoofdvaartkerk in Hoofddorp

Distilling kettle of Hoofdvaartkerk distillery

Traditional ceramic jenever bottles in Hoofdvaartkerk distillery

Gospel Spirits

The copper kettles in this historic building are used to distill brews in a traditional matter. With the help of a master-distiller who got his training in Scotland, a line of spirits was developed by Jopen with the appropriate name Gospel Spirits.

Besides genever, gin and liqueur they also produced an eau-de-vie-de-bière here with the name Kenau. It’s a distillate from Jopen beer with light caramel tones. Follow a centuries old Dutch tradition and combine it with a matching beer from Jopen. This tradition, originally a glass of jenever with a beer chaser, is locally better known as a ‘Kopstoot’, a Head Butt.

Windmill near Hoofdvaartkerk distillery

Drinking alcohol in church

It’s quite a unique experience to dine or just enjoy a drink under the high church ceiling while in the large copper kettles behind the bar new spirits are being distilled. Because of its monumental status the white organ of the Hoofdvaartkerk is still present in its original state, just like the typical church windows. Be surprised by the atmosphere and overall experience of a church turned into a boutique-restaurant-distilery.

!!! As of January 1st, 2019 the venue is closed. !!!

Updated: 10-06-2024

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