Distillery
Hooghoudt
Hooghoudt is a historic Dutch family-owned distillery founded in Groningen in 1888, best known for producing jenever (genever), a range of spirits and liqueurs, and for its barrel-ageing activities.
- Groningen · Groningen · Netherlands
- Since 1888
The story
Founded in 1888 by Hero Jan Hooghoudt in a cellar on Oosterstraat (Groningen), Hooghoudt has remained for generations a family company specialized in producing jenever and other spirits. Over time it has expanded its range to include aged jenevers, barrel-ageing experiences and projects connected to the Dutch whisky scene. In recent years the brand has developed international commercial partnerships; public sources also report corporate and operational changes following a disposal that led to movements of barrels and stock (reported by the trade press).
Production philosophy
Controlled experimentation and respect for tradition: Hooghoudt says it combines the craft of malt distillates with innovation in botanical blending and ageing, aiming to make the jenever category relevant to a wider audience.
Territory
Groningen and the northern Netherlands
Awards and recognition
Hooghoudt RAW Genever: gold medals (International Spirit Challenge, Gin Masters, San Francisco World Spirits Competition) — other mentions/medals for individual expressions reported on product pages and in trade news.
Production method
Production based on moutwijn (malt wine / grain distillates), with distillates also obtained using copper stills for malt fractions; extensive use of blending of different malt wine fractions and botanical distillates. Some expressions are matured in casks.
Distillation
Distillation of malt wine (moutwijn) and grain distillate fractions; use of copper stills for some distillations and subsequent blending of different fractions and botanical distillates.
Ageing
Maturation in casks (some expressions are aged for years); different types of casks are used for specific references.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Groningen
- Categories
- genever (jenever)
- aged genever
- unaged genever (raw)
- Dutch whisky (single grain / barrel aged)
- traditional Dutch liqueurs
- family-owned spirits producer
- Raw materials
- grains: barley
- grains: rye
- grains: wheat
- grains: corn
- water
- sugar and syrups (for sweet/liqueur expressions)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- ex-Oloroso
- Bourbon cask
- beer barrels
- oak barrels (generic)
- Representative products
- Hooghoudt Aged Genever 5 years (70 cl)
- Hooghoudt RAW Genever (70 cl)
- Hooghoudt Sweet Spiced Genever (70 cl)
- Hooghoudt Zero Zero 24 (Zero-alcohol, 70 cl)
What makes it distinctive
- Family company founded in 1888 in Groningen
- Specialist in jenever production (including the 100% malt wine RAW Genever)
- Extensive experience in barrel-ageing and development of Dutch whisky
- RAW Genever awarded at international competitions according to official sources
Products from Hooghoudt
Full collectionThere are currently no products available from this producer.
