The collective of small Dutch breweries (Craft) had a novel idea at their annual meeting. Why not have all the breweries part of the collective make collaboration beers? Toss all the names in a hat and bring together two breweries who might have nothing in common and let them make a beer together.
Over 40 breweries decided to do this and on Friday the 17th of May they were all simultaneously released at the start of Dutch Beer Week. Well, most of them anyway.
Breweries that had a tap room tried to have a number of them available. I was able to taste some of these at the Oproer tap room. And let’s just say that not all collaborations led to amazing beers.
There was often not enough time and not enough capacity as well. Breweries are running at 100% capacity in most cases and allocating one just for this beer has to fit the schedule.
There were a few good ones however. Van Moll’s, Jopens and De Praels Golden ale Gouwe Doesj (yes, Golden Shower) was perfectly drinkable and a Pina Colada beer from Jopen and KraftBier was also tasty. My personal favorite was a raspberry beer from De Brouwschuur and In de Nacht, a brewery I am starting to turn into a fan of.
The first edition of this event seemed to be somewhat rushed perhaps but the thought is a great one. Show everyone that brewers are united in trying to make good and tasty beer. It was an event that deserves a second try next year.
Hop Culture Reference 