Van Toor Distillery

The Netherlands

"Schelvispekel is the mainstay of the business to this day."

Classic Dutch distillery

Van Toor distillery is one of the old distilleries in The Netherlands. A true Dutch craft distillery, located in the city of Vlaardingen, just west of Rotterdam. This traditional small distillery was established in 1883 and on its 125th anniversary in 2008 it became Purveyor to the Royal Household.

It is well known for its traditional spirits like Boerenjongens, Bruidstranen, Advocaat, Kandeel and Schelvispekel, a fisherman’s drink, that would become the mainstay of the business to this day.

Leo Fontijne saves Van Toor family distillery

Hendrik van Toor started a ‘tapperij’, a pub, on the market square in the old centre of Vlaardingen. Here you also find other historical buildings. Short after his wife took over the pub and Hendrik started distilling spirits. After four generations of family business there was no follow-up for the Van Toor family distillery.

When Leo Fontijne found out about this he quit his well-paid job, even though the family advised him not to do so. They didn’t see a future for the Dutch distillery. Leo persisted though and has been the owner of Distilleerderij Van Toor since 2000. He is one of the few distillers who are still working in the old-fashioned way. On top of that he tries to get the Dutch liquor dealers to sell the traditional products. A great initiative, go Leo!

Where does Schelvispekel Van Toor originate?

The history of Schelvispekel dates back to the VOC (Dutch East India Company) era and that makes it one of the oldest fisherman’s drinks in the Netherlands. Fishermen from Vlaardingen exchanged herring for spices with the VOC crew. With these spices the fishermen brewed their own drink, free of added odors or flavors. Pure nature, and it still is produced this way!

It is said that Schelvispekel was one of David Bowie’s favorite drinks. In 1974 he received an award in the popular Dutch tv-show TopPop and raised a glass of his favorite drink, Van Toor Schelvispekel, to celebrate this moment.

Vlaardingen harbour

The harbour in Vlaardingen used to be the home port of the herring fisherman’s boats. However, fishing for herring, cod and anchovy is a thing of the past. Around the harbour(s) the fishing past is still clearly recognizable though.

On the market square  where the former pub of Van Toor was located you find some more historical buldings including the old town hall and the big church that dates back to 1744. We know that already in the Middle Ages a small church was mentioned in Vlaardingen. A visit to Rotterdam is excellent to combine with a day trip to Vlaardingen and neighbouring Schiedam, the genever capital of Holland.

Updated: 18-12-2024