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Six Beer Spots to Check Out in Amsterdam (That Aren’t Heineken or Amstel)

In September we reposted one of ihiji’s most popular blog posts to date: “Five Breweries to See While You Are in Denver at CEDIA EXPO." Given its success, and based on ihiji’s incredible craft-brew experience during last year’s Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Amsterdam, Michael Maniscalco has done the same here by divulging his company’s favorite beer spots in the “Venice of the North,” which hosts ISE February 4-6.

In September we reposted one of ihiji’s most popular blog posts to date: “Five Breweries to See While You Are in Denver at CEDIA EXPO.” Given its success, and based on ihiji’s incredible craft-brew experience during last year’s Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Amsterdam, Michael Maniscalco has done the same here by divulging his company’s favorite beer spots in the “Venice of the North,” which hosts ISE February 4-6.

Because Maniscalco and his colleagues are craft-beer enthusiasts, you won’t find the behemoth Heineken Amstel brewery on their list. In fact, these beer bars, breweries, and bottle shops are all very unique with real local charm. While you may not have much spare time during the show, the beers that beckon at these establishments demand that you venture away from the Amsterdam RAI convention center for a pint.

Arendsnest
Herengracht 90
Amsterdam, 1015 BS

This is a really cool, classic beer bar that serves only Dutch beer, and a wide variety at that. There are more than 170 breweries in the Netherlands, and Arendsnest offers more than 100 bottled beers and 30 on tap. While the staff is very knowledgeable, the people are friendly, and the beer is excellent, it’s the relaxing atmosphere that makes this my top pick for grabbing a pint in Amsterdam.

Beer Temple

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250

Amsterdam, 1012 RR

Beer Temple—started by the same guy who owns Arendsnest—is one of the most unique beer bars in Amsterdam because it sells mostly American beers. I was very surprised by both the quantity and quality of beer they had on tap here—including lots of West Coast-style IPAs with big hops! It is conveniently located in central Amsterdam right off the tram route. Two of our other favorite beer establishments, De Bierkoning and In De Wildeman (see below), are within walking distance.

Brouwerij’t IJ
Funenkade 7
Amsterdam,1018 AL

During my first trip to Amsterdam, I asked some locals at Arendsnest if I should go to the Heineken brewery. They quickly replied that if I wanted a great beer at an awesome establishment, the IJ brewery was the place to be. The IJ is located within walking distance of central Amsterdam and is housed in an old windmill. Talk about unique! Right now they are featuring seasonal winter brews and barley wine. While they give tours on a set schedule, you can also stop in during regular hours and enjoy their fine suds.

Brouwerij De Prael
Oudezijds Armsteeg 26
Amsterdam, 1012 GP

Located in one of the oldest parts of the city, Prael Brewery in central Amsterdam has a nice lineup of its own beers and claims to be one of the first breweries in the city. If you’re in the area, it’s the perfect place to stop in for a drink and a bite. Be careful not to hit up the gift shop and brewery around the corner, you can easily miss the actual brewpub, which would be tragic to say the least.

De Bierkoning
Paleisstraat 125
Amsterdam, 1012 RK

The Bierkoning is not actually a bar, but a very inclusive bottle shop in Amsterdam. It has an amazing selection of beers from all over the world, many of which are well known and top quality. If you liked a craft beer that you tasted along your journey, stop into De Bierkoning to take a bottle or two home with you. It’s more than likely that you’ll be able to find it.

In De Wildeman
Kolksteeg 3
Amsterdam, 1012 PT

In De Wildeman is another wonderful bar, located in an old distillery. It has a very nice selection of Belgian and Dutch beers, with 18 beers on tap and 250 bottled for your drinking pleasure. The couple of times I stopped in, this spot was crowded. Walk down the street to Beer Temple (see above) if you’ve sampled a few and find you need to sit down.

So when the show floor dies down, your feet are killing you, and you are looking to unwind and experience the best that Amsterdam has to offer, head on over to one of these brew pubs to quench your thirst. We hope to see you there. In the meantime, Proost, cheers, a votre sante, salud, and Sláinte!

Sidenote: Meet Us in Bruge

Some of us ihijians will also be visiting the Bruges Bierfest this weekend (February 1-2). This renowned beer festival features more than 300 world-class Belgian beers from 70 Belgian breweries, in one of the most fantastic cities in Europe. If you happen to be going and want to join us, look us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we’ll grab a pint.

Debuting at ISE:

ihiji’s new cloud-based IP Network Scan with Auto-Discovery and Internet Speed Test makes its international debut at ISE 2014. The ihiji invision system now features these new enhancements, which gives ihiji’s secure cloud-based network management solution increased capability to remotely detect, diagnose and resolve network issues while saving the time and cost of troubleshooting or rolling a truck. ihiji’s energy-efficient remote monitoring and management hardware appliances, INV-APP-500 and INV-APP-1100 are now also available for international fulfillment to authorized dealers and are now shipping from a distribution center in the United Kingdom, making the ihiji invision system more readily available and accessible to integrators and IT professionals worldwide.

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