The province has a wealth of flavours to offer. The Groninger Genever Stokerij is based in Oostwold, in the heart of Oldambt. All manner of delicacies are distilled here, from jenever to liqueurs, in a truly special setting: Europe’s former granary. Discover what makes Freek and Henriëtte’s distillery so special. Taste it for yourself.
Groningen’s gold
“We started out with jam and cherry pie. But things have got rather out of hand,” says Henriëtte as she walks across the expansive grounds. Here in Oostwold, in the heart of Oldambt, is where the Groninger Genever Stokerij is based. She runs the business together with her husband, Freek. The name says it all: this is where jenever is distilled. Groningen’s gold. But they also produce various liqueurs. Using berries and walnuts from their own garden, for example. And all this in a special place. With a history as rich as the flavour of their creations.
De Graanrepubliek
Let’s take a brief step back in time. It is the early 19th century. The eastern part of the province was home to wealthy landowning farmers with deep pockets and endless fields of grain. Groningen was the breadbasket of Europe. De Graanrepubliek flourished. But the farm labourers did not share in this wealth. As the bosses’ prosperity grew, so did the discontent of their subjects. It was fertile ground for rebellion. Uprisings broke out. Socialism, and communism in particular, gained a foothold. This history runs like a common thread through the Groninger Genever Stokerij to this day.
“ Wealthy gentry farmers and endless fields of grain ”
“This is a story that needs to be told,” says Henriëtte. “People from Groningen are naturally modest. But when it’s done, it’s done.” A nod to this rebellious spirit can be found in the branding of the Groninger Genever Stokerij. An ode to the region. Communist-style characters adorn the bottles. But the walls, too, are filled with the area’s rich history. Scattered throughout the distillery are all sorts of posters that tell you more about the days of yore. It adds just that little bit of extra zest to the spirits they make here. This is the responsibility of Freek, the man who knows his way around a still.
Pride of the North
“As a province, we’re certainly entitled to claim our own drink,” says Freek. He is referring to ‘fladderak’, a lemon liqueur that originated in Onderdendam, Groningen. The name comes from the tax collector who used to work in that area. The flavour is reminiscent of limoncello, but with a slight twist. It’s spicier thanks to the cinnamon and cardamom. It’s distilled here in a homemade copper still, with dedication and patience, based on a recipe from the last century. ‘Someone from the neighbourhood still had her grandmother’s home economics booklet tucked away in a cupboard. It contained a recipe for fladderak, dating back no less than 100 years. “We ought to do something with this,” we thought.’ And so it came to pass. The flavour was refined, and Oldambt’s fladderak was born.
But there’s plenty more going on on the site. For instance, there are pigs and chickens roaming about – providing fresh eggs for breakfast and a slice of dry sausage to enjoy with a drink. Behind the large barn are countless solar panels. The vast field is home to all sorts of trees which, later in the year, will provide the ingredients for the liqueurs. All without pesticides, all in the spirit of a circular lifestyle. And another thing that catches the eye: there’s wood. Lots and lots of wood. All of this is split and worked by participants in the day centre programme: De Zelfmakerij. It’s designed for people with a disability or who face other barriers to the labour market. And the support staff wear the same clothes as the service users: everyone is treated as an equal.
Groningen pride expands with Fladderakworst
Fladderak, the one and only authentic Groningen tipple. And now this much-loved tipple is being immortalised in a very special way: with the launch of the Fladderakworst! The Fladderak sausage 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. This delicacy is available at all Ofjeworstlust branches, the Groningen Store in the city centre, and via the online shops of the Groninger Genever Stokerij and Ofjeworstlust.
You’re always welcome in Oostwold
Curious? Then why not pay a visit to Oldambt? Freek and Henriëtte will give you a warm welcome. Every Saturday, you can enjoy a guided tour. They’ll tell you all about it, show you around and let you sample the flavours of the local produce. But if you just want to pop in for a bottle or a sausage, that’s fine too, of course. And soon you’ll be able to watch a real play. Right in the middle of the distillery, where a village square is being recreated. Come and witness the rich history of the region and discover Groningen’s pride.
