Lucas Bols is recognized as the oldest distillery brand in the world, tracing its history back to 1575.
The brand was an official supplier to the Dutch East India Company, which provided access to rare spices and botanicals from around the globe.
Genever, the Dutch precursor to modern gin, is the central focus of the museum's historical narrative.
The museum uses 'Scent Tables' where visitors can test their ability to identify the various botanical components found in liqueurs.
The location highlights the 'Flair Bartending' style, offering displays on the technical skills required for professional mixology.
The Bols Cocktail Experience is a permanent, interactive museum located in Amsterdam dedicated to the history of Lucas Bols, the world's oldest distilled spirits brand. Visitors explore the sensory world of cocktails through aroma-focused exhibits, interactive displays, and a self-guided tour covering the production of Genever. The experience culminates in the Mirror Bar, where guests select a cocktail made from a wide range of Bols liqueurs and spirits. It features the 'World of Cocktails' exhibit, which details the historical evolution of mixing drinks. The facility utilizes advanced olfactory technology, allowing guests to identify various flavor profiles used in spirit crafting. Educational touch-screens provide insights into the chemistry of distillation. The venue showcases a large collection of historic bottling and brand ephemera.
The Mirror Bar, featuring a visually striking neon-lit atmosphere and high-end cocktail presentation.
Use the provided electronic guides to learn about specific flavor profiles before choosing your included cocktail.
Engage with the scent stations early in the tour to calibrate your palate for the tasting portion.
Plan your visit to allow time for the cocktail demonstration often hosted by in-house bartenders.
Do not skip the scent and aroma identification stations, as they are essential to understanding the provided tasting experience.
Casual dress code; guests must be of legal drinking age to consume alcohol samples.
