Where Jenever, gratitude, and a quiet promise set my journey in motion.
In the quiet city of Schiedam, my Spirit Journey began. This small Dutch town looks gentle at first, yet it holds centuries of stories and craft. Known as the Dutch Distillers District, Schiedam is the heart of Jenever, the traditional spirit that inspired modern gin.
Dutch Distillers District welcome sign in Schiedam
Welcome to the Dutch Distillers District, where spirits, history, and stories live on. Open in Google Maps (Schiedam, the Netherlands)
Schiedam has been home to legendary distilleries. Names like Nolet Distillery, Serious Bee Distillers, and Bobby’s Gin keep the craft alive, while new boutique makers add fresh ideas. The city breathes tradition and creativity on every corner, and you can taste both in a single sip.
Jenever Museum, the spirits living memory
Jenever Museum exterior in Schiedam
The Jenever Museum, where the past and present of Dutch spirits meet. Open in Google Maps (National Jenever Museum Schiedam)
I began where the story is kept most carefully, the Jenever Museum. Walking past copper stills, grain, and glass, I could feel how this spirit shaped work, trade, and daily life. It is not only a drink. It is climate, craft, memory, and time in a glass.
Holy Spirits, where tasting meets the sacred
Holy Spirits bar inside a historic church in Schiedam
Holy Spirits, a church turned bar where faith, history, and cocktails sit at the same table. Open in Google Maps (Havenkerk Schiedam)
After the museum I stepped into a church transformed into a cocktail bar called Holy Spirits. I tasted Jenever cocktails under stained glass, and it felt right. A spiritual adventure, and a spirit tasting, happening in the same breath.
Ten years one circle many thanks
In 2015 I had my first sip of Jenever at the festival here. I did not know then how far that sip would travel with me. Coming back a decade later, standing inside the church with a glass in hand, I felt past and present find each other. A circle closed, and a new one began.
I took a moment to pray for the path ahead, for my dream to visit 100 countries to be safe, meaningful, and kind. I promised that when I reach that dream, I will return here to give thanks again.
Gratitude
I thanked the universe and the heavens for guidance. I thanked my parents for life and love. I thanked everyone I have met along the road, the ones who helped me, challenged me, and helped me grow. I also thanked myself for staying curious and brave enough to keep going.
More memories from Schiedam
Schiedam is more than a city to me. It is my beginning, my reminder, and my quiet promise. Every sip of Jenever here tastes like history, and a small part of my own story too.
To every spirit I have tasted, and every spirit I have met.
Thank you for walking with me. 🙏
Schiedam canal at night with lights reflecting on the water
The canal lights mirrored the quiet joy I felt inside. Open in Google Maps (De Appelmarktbrug)