Hooghoudt family distillery - Groningen

In 1888, Hero Jan Hooghoudt and his wife Grietje started a distillery in a cellar on Oosterstraat in Groningen. They soon moved to a deeper property on the Grote Kromme Elleboog, where they sold their self-distilled liqueurs. The strategic location of Groningen, with its grain-rich surroundings and waterways, made it easy to supply raw materials.

After the death of Hero Jan in 1898, Grietje continued the business and the distillery moved to Nieuwe Ebbingestraat. In 1989, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, Hooghoudt moved to new premises on the outskirts of the city. In honour of this milestone, the street name was changed to Hooghoudtstraat.

Today, Hooghoudt not only focuses on genevers and liqueurs, but also on refreshing syrups. Carefully developed flavours such as elderflower and lemon bring the rich distilling tradition to life in a new and surprising way. Hooghoudt continues to innovate, but always with respect for the craft. The syrups are available at Jumbo supermarkets, so that everyone can enjoy a special thirst quencher at home. Hooghoudt's genevers and liqueurs have now found their way around the world and can be sampled in countless places.

If you are curious about the production process, you cannot just walk in; the distillery is not freely accessible. Hooghoudt does, however, play an active role in the De Graanrepubliek cooperative, which brings together grain processing and sustainable innovation in Groningen.

Hooghoudt remains inextricably linked to Groningen: from the historic transport by water to the contemporary collaboration with local farmers. It is a story of craftsmanship, innovation and a deep-rooted love of flavour.