Jopen
Jopen
Crafting Divine Beer
In fourteenth-century Holland, Haarlem was the most important brewing city. From its 110 breweries beer was being shipped all over the world in big 112 litre barrels called ‘Jopen’. Thanks to its high quality, the beers from Haarlem were very popular; its Gruit beer in particular. At the time it was even the most consumed beer in Antwerp. Sadly, due to the rise and dominance of lager breweries, Haarlem’s rich brewing tradition was lost when in 1916 the last brewery had to close its doors.
The start...
In 1994, inspired by all this brewing history and troubled by the loss of all the historic breweries, a group of enthusiastic locals (Haarlem Beer Society) set out to recover Haarlem’s brewing tradition. Valuable information about Haarlem’s breweries was retrieved from the city archives including the incredible find of two original recipes from 1407 and 1501. The choice was quickly made to brew these two beers as the start of Haarlem’s Brewing Renaissance. On 11 November 1994, the city’s 750th anniversary is heralded with the younger beer, called ‘Hoppenbier’. The start of Jopen!
Rebirth of Jopen
The rebirth of Hoppenbier was a tremendous success and the adventure continued; Jopen now offers a wide variety of craft beers, each unique thanks to its story and flavors. The goal is not to brew mainstream beers, nor is it to brew wildly flavored extremeness, but to be original and unique by brewing beers with character, background and often surprising ingredients.
Brewing tradition restored
Years pass before Haarlem’s brewing tradition is truly restored, with a brewery in the city. This finally happens in November 2010, when Jopen opens the Jopenkerk; the historic Jacob’s church in the old city centre that is restaured and transformed into a fully operational brewery, grand-café and restaurant, adding a touch of divinity to our beers. Finally Haarlem is a brewing city once again!
A perfect blend
Jopen passionately produces a number of historic recipes and modern classics combining age-old recipes with playful craftiness. Distinctive, authentic and full of flavor. A perfect blend of tradition and innovation (the latest technology, the best ingredients and entirely new styles). National and international awards won by Jopen are the ultimate proof.
Crafting Divine Beer
Jopen has expanded rapidly these last years not only in Haarlem and surroundings, but well beyond its borders. Jopen is fast becoming the leading representative of the Dutch craft beer chapter.
Jopen, Crafting Divine Beer. Have a taste and find out what the contradiction of ‘historic modernism’ is like. Cheers!
Gospel Spirits
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
This is the story of Gospel Spirits by Jopen.
Gospel Spirits was created in 2015 by the Jopen craft brewery. Taking the plunge into the world of liquors shows the bold and independent spirit that Jopen embodies.
Veritatem Evangelii
The Latin words ‘Vertitatum Evangelii’, literally meaning ‘good news’, proudly emblazon the label of Gospel Spirits. The name ‘Gospel’ refers to our home, the oldest church in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer. This monumental church in Hoofddorp houses our distillery, grand cafe and restaurant.
Every activity in the Jopen church in Hoofddorp revolves around the ancient craft of distillation. Visitors can see our master distiller working the copper stills, creating Gospel Spirits by Jopen.
Perfection
We have entrusted master distiller Freddie Talbot-Ponsonby with the distillation of Gospel Spirits. He has mastered the art of distillation to perfection. Freddie grew up on a wine farm in Australia, but followed his passion to become a distiller. He then moved to Edinburgh to learn the craft. After finishing the Master Brewing & Distilling program, he worked for Pickering’s Gin and the Glasgow Distilling Company.
Divine enjoyment
Gospel Spirits embodies divine enjoyment of refined flavors. Freddie’s search for perfection led him to Gospel Spirits, where he applies his enthusiasm, craftsmanship and knowledge to create new flavors. All Gospel spirits are produced in small batches to guarantee the finest quality. Every drop of liquid is professionally produced in the polder’s oldest church.