Homebrewing in the Netherlands
Since 1984, the Dutch homebrewing association De Roerstok has been a place to share the passion and craftsmanship of homebrewing. Founded in Tilburg, but with members from both within and beyond the Netherlands, the club has established itself as a hub for beer enthusiasts, sharing knowledge, fostering camaraderie, and pushing the boundaries of brewing creativity. In 2024, the club marks its 40th anniversary, a milestone celebrated with enthusiasm.
As the club reaches its 40th year, it stands as a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of its 200 members who hail from diverse backgrounds and regions. Whether active in committees, attending monthly club meetings, or participating in various club activities, each member contributes something to the club.
The heart of the club are its monthly club nights, held the second Friday of every month, where members gather to exchange knowledge, engage in discussions with experts, nurture newcomers into the fold, or discuss the latest information shared in the monthly club magazine, which is always filled with brewing articles written by the editors and members. In the past 40 years, members of De Roerstok have garnered numerous awards and accolades at competitions like the ONK (Open Dutch Championship) and the famous Brand brewery competitions, showcasing the wealth of talent and expertise within the club. Much of this success can be attributed to the supportive and nurturing environment fostered by De Roerstok, where seasoned veterans and newcomers alike come together to share their knowledge and passion for brewing.
As part of its 40th-anniversary celebrations, De Roerstok is organizing the prestigious Open Dutch Championship, a national competition that brings together homebrewers from across the Netherlands to showcase their finest creations. The ONK is hosted annually by one of the nation’s different homebrew associations and serves as a platform for homebrewers of all levels to exhibit their skills and creativity. Over 550 beers are meticulously judged by trained experts from the Dutch Beer Judges Association (called BKG) based on their adherence to the official BKG list of beer styles, ensuring fairness and impartiality in the evaluation process. Participants in the ONK can expect a rigorous yet rewarding experience as they compete across various categories, from traditional styles to innovative brews, vying for recognition and accolades. The judges also provide valuable feedback to improve brewing techniques. This year’s ONK holds special significance as it coincides with the club’s anniversary, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the event.
Beyond the competition itself, the event fosters camaraderie and brewing conversations, creating a vibrant atmosphere ripe with enthusiasm and passion for the craft. This year, the award ceremony of the ONK was held June 8 at LOC Brewery in Tilburg, providing the perfect setting to toast to the talent and dedication of homebrewers across the Netherlands. The celebration included beer enthusiasts from near and far and included seasoned brewers as well as those just beginning their brewing journey. There was something for everyone during the award ceremony.
To learn more about the Open Dutch Championship and De Roerstok’s 40th anniversary celebrations, visit www.roerstok.nl and www.onk2024.nl
