effervescent refractions

It takes a bit of determination to get to the brewery since it is further than most other things in Amsterdam, however my friend and I walked there from Central Station in about a half hour. The old mill is much taller than I expected and is visible from far away as you walk along the canal. We got there around 18:30 and it was packed with smoke and a lively crowd. The atmosphere seemed inviting aside from the miasma of cigarette fumes. We walked up to the counter and found a busy barmaid serving drinks left and right to the loud but jolly regulars. We stood there looking at prices and the general ambiance before a friendly stranger sitting at a withdrawn stool intervened. It turned out he was a brewer and barman that also works at De Bierkoning. We had an interesting conversation with him about the brewery, beer and the Dutch language. After a couple minutes his eyes shifted quickly to both sides and he hunched to whisper “So… are you beer lovers?” to which we obviously nodded secretively. We mentioned Vlo, the beer they brew for De Bierkoning and our new friend confidently suggested trying it on tap at Café Belgique (where it tasted great, by the way). We did not stay very long after that and decided to grab a single from every one they brew which totaled to about 7€ for 7 bottles. What a bargain! I would definitely recommend a trip to ‘t IJ (pronounced “t’eye”) at least to purchase a few of their great beers and see the brewery. The bus 22 will take you there in less than 10mn from Central Station.