The flavours of the province are many. Oostwold, in the middle of Oldambt, is home to the Groninger Genever Stokerij. All kinds of goodies are distilled here. From gin to liqueurs. And in a very special place: the former granary of Europe. Discover what makes Freek and Henriëtte's distillery so special. Taste it yourself.
Groningen gold
''We once started with jam and cherry pie. But that got pretty out of hand,'' Henriëtte says as she walks across the vast grounds. Here in Oostwold, in the middle of Oldambt, is where the Groninger Genever Stokerij is located. Together with her husband Freek, she runs the place. The name says it all: gin is distilled here. Groningen gold. But also various liqueurs. With berries and walnuts from their own garden, for instance. And all in a special place. With a history as rich as the taste of their creations.
De Graanrepubliek
Back in time for a moment. It is the early 19th century. The eastern part of the province had rich gentleman farmers with deep pockets and grain fields without end. Groningen was the granary of Europe. De Graanrepubliek flourished - but this opulence was unknown to the workers in the fields. Where the prosperity of the bosses grew, so did the discontent of the subjects. A fertile ground for rebellion. Rebellions arose. Socialism and especially communism gained a foothold. Today, this history runs like a thread through the Groninger Genever Stokerij.
" Rich gentleman farmers and grain fields without end "
''This story is one that needs to be told,'' says Henriëtte. ''Groningers are modest by nature. But when it's done, it's done.'' The nod to this rebellious character is reflected in the house style of the Groninger Genever Stokerij. An ode to the area. Communist characters adorn the bottles. But the walls are also filled with the rich history. Scattered through the distillery are all kinds of placards that tell you more about the times of yore. Gives just a little extra spice to the drinks they make here. This is the responsibility of Freek, the man who can distill.
Pride of the North
''As a province, we should be allowed to claim a drink of our own,'' Freek believes. He is referring to fladderak, a lemon liqueur that originated in the Groningen village of Onderdendam. The name comes from the then tax collector from that area. The flavour is reminiscent of limoncello, but slightly different. Spicier because of the cinnamon and cardamom. It is distilled here in a homemade copper kettle. With dedication and patience. Based on a recipe from the last century. ''Someone in the neighbourhood still had her grandmother's household school book in the cupboard. It contained a recipe for fladderak, from no less than 100 years ago. We should do something with that, we thought.'' And so it happened. The flavour was refined and Oldambt's fladderak was born.
But a lot more happens on the site. For instance, there are pigs and chickens running around. For a fresh egg at breakfast and a piece of dry sausage with drinks. Behind the large barn are countless solar panels. The vast field has all sorts of trees that provide the ingredients for the liqueurs later in the year - all without pesticides, all for a circular life. And what is also striking: there is wood. A lot of wood. This is all split and processed by participants in the day-care centre. De Zelfmakerij. Meant for those with a disability or other distance to the labour market. And the supervisors walk around in the same clothes as the clients: everyone is equal.
Groningen pride expands with Fladderakworst
Fladderak, the only real Groningen drink there is. And now this beloved drink is being immortalised in a very special way: with the launch of the Fladderakworst! The Fladderakworst is the result of a unique collaboration between the Groninger Genever Stokerij and André Hofman's Ofjeworstlust. This tasty creation combines the traditional flavours of Fladderak with the artisanal expertise of the local butcher's shop. The delicacy is available at all branches of Ofjeworstlust, the Groningen Store in Stad and also via the webshop of the Groninger Genever Stokerij and Ofjeworstlust.
Always welcome in Oostwold
Curious? Then travel to the Oldambt. Freek and Henriëtte give you a warm welcome. Every Saturday you can enjoy a guided tour. They tell, show and demonstrate the flavours of their own soil. But if you just want to get a bottle or a sausage, you can of course do that too. And soon you can be a spectator of a real play. Right in the middle of the distillery, where a village square is being recreated. Behold the region's rich story and discover Groningen's pride.
