House of Bols

The House of Bols, located in Amsterdam, is a fascinating museum and interactive experience center dedicated to the history and art of distillation, with a particular focus on the liqueurs and cocktails produced by the renowned company Lucas Bols. Founded in 1575, Lucas Bols is one of the oldest distilleries in the world, and its history is deeply intertwined with that of the city of Amsterdam and the evolution of liqueur production in Europe. Upon entering the House of Bols, visitors are welcomed into a modern and sophisticated environment designed to offer a complete sensory experience. The exhibition path is created to engage all the senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Every detail of the exhibition is designed to transport visitors through centuries of distillation history, exploring the art of mixing and the world of cocktails in an interactive and engaging way. The visit begins with an overview of the history of Lucas Bols. Founded in 1575 by Lucas Bols, the company has played a key role in the liquor trade since the 17th century, a period when Amsterdam was one of the most important commercial centers in the world. During the Dutch Golden Age, the city was a crossroads of trade routes and a meeting point of different cultures, and Lucas Bols took advantage of these connections to import spices and exotic ingredients from the four corners of the globe. These ingredients were then used to create innovative and high-quality liqueurs, which quickly gained international fame. One of the most fascinating aspects of the House of Bols is the “Hall of Taste,” a room where visitors can smell and taste a wide range of Bols liqueurs. This olfactory experience is designed to educate visitors on the different aromatic nuances that characterize each liqueur, showing how master distillers combine ingredients to create unique flavors. The room is a riot of aromas, from sweet and fruity scents to more spicy and complex notes, offering an unprecedented sensory journey. The visit continues with the “Gallery of Stills,” where ancient distillation tools and historical bottles are displayed, telling the long tradition of Lucas Bols. Here, visitors can learn how distillation technology has evolved over the centuries and how traditional techniques have been refined to improve product quality. This segment of the exhibition highlights the importance of innovation and artisanal expertise in liqueur production. Another highlight of the House of Bols is the “Cocktail & Genever Experience,” an interactive area where visitors can discover the art of cocktail mixing. Here, under the guidance of expert bartenders, it is possible to learn how to prepare classic cocktails using Bols liqueurs and genever, a traditional Dutch distillate that is the ancestor of modern gin. Visitors can also explore the history of cocktails and mixing techniques through a series of interactive displays and live demonstrations. An interesting anecdote concerns genever, which during the 17th century was known as “Dutch Courage” by English soldiers. It is said that soldiers drank genever before going into battle to calm their nerves, and when they returned home, they brought this drink with them, which became the basis for the development of gin. The House of Bols also offers an overview of the modern distillation industry, showing how Lucas Bols continues to innovate and expand its product range to meet contemporary tastes. Collaborations with internationally renowned bartenders and attention to emerging trends in the cocktail world demonstrate how the company is able to combine tradition and modernity.