21 years ago, Peter van der Arend opened Proeflokaal Arendsnest in Amsterdam on the Herengracht canal, which was, and still is, unique due to its 100% dedication to Dutch beers. Peter would later open 3 more bars in Amsterdam, but Proeflokaal Arendsnest would remain the home of Dutch beers.
When Peter turned 50, 2 years ago, he introduced a new prize for those who have made a special contribution to the Dutch beer culture, which he awards annually on behalf of Proeflokaal Arendsnest. The Beer Eagle, a beautiful heavy copper statuette, was first awarded to Snab, the brewers who brewed the first pale ale in Holland using American hops. The second year the prize went to Oedipus for their contribution to introducing the beer culture to a newer and younger generation. On December 12th 2021 Brewer Toon van der Broek of Brewery Vandenbroek received the 3rd Beer Eagle.
UNANIMOUS DECISION
For Peter and his managers it was an easy decision. Vandenbroek, the small brewery from Groningen is unique because they brew their Lambic beers traditionally and subsequently blend the various vintages. Such a beer is called Gueuze, and of course originally from Belgium. But out of respect for our southern neighbours Vandenbroek labels his beers as Watergueuze.
The Beer Eagle was handed over during a Lambic and Gueuze tasting by Vandenbroek in Proeflokaal Arendsnest.
