Proeflokaal de Ooievaar (The Stork)

Address: 1 St. Olofspoort, Amsterdam, 1012 AJ, Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)20 420 8004
Website: view Proeflokaal de Ooievaar (The Stork)’s website
Style: Tasting room/house

Review

This tiny one-room 'tasting house' lies on the corner at the top of the promenade, near the Central Station and is handily located on route for those of you travelling from the station to the Red Light district.

De Ooievaar translates as The Stork, so named after the De Ooievaar Distillery whose 'A.V.Wees' range of genevers and liqueurs are served here. The De Ooievaar Distillery which established this tasting shop when it launched in 1782 still operates not far away, to the northwest, in Amsterdam's Jordaan district. If you like what you taste here, head over to the distillery shop and pick yourself up a souvenir.

This, one of the smallest bars in the Netherlands, maybe museum-like but the atmosphere is warm and hospitable with friendly locals enjoying a glass of wine usually keen to engage in conversation. Did I mention draught beer is also available and the wine sold by the glass is reasonably priced and tasty?