Schermer Distillery: Hoorn’s Historic Genever Producer

Mar 12

Located just a short walk from the train station in Hoorn, Schermer Distillery is one of the Netherlands’ last independent producers of genever and traditional Dutch liqueurs. With roots that stretch back to the 18th century, the company represents a rare combination of trading heritage, small‑scale production, and practical Dutch craftsmanship.

Although the label proudly states 1782, the Schermer family was already active in the wine and spirits trade in the 1730s. From importing wines to producing spirits and bottling private labels, the company gradually developed into a full‑scale distillery and trading house. Today, Schermer remains an important name in Dutch spirits culture, particularly for bartenders and enthusiasts interested in authentic genever.

A Distillery Shaped by Trade

Hoorn has a rich maritime history, which helped shape Schermer’s early success. Located near Amsterdam and connected to historic trading routes, the city offered easy access to ports for importing wine and exporting spirits.

At its height, Schermer operated more than ten buildings throughout Hoorn, covering distillation, bottling, administration, and logistics. The company even maintained its own legal office to manage contracts and trade agreements.

Private Label Expertise

One of Schermer’s most unique strengths is private label production. Because the distillery manages both production and bottling on site, it can produce custom spirits for liquor stores, associations, and events.

In particular, Schermer is known for producing Oranjebitter. Many custom or store‑branded Oranjebitter bottles in the Netherlands are believed to originate from Schermer’s production facilities, making the company one of the few remaining specialists in this traditional Dutch category.

Schermer and the Bar World

Schermer has long had a presence behind the bar. Over the years the brand produced numerous promotional materials for cafés and tasting rooms. At Dutch Courage Cocktail Bar in Amsterdam, several original Schermer pieces still survive, including vintage signage and an unusual wooden bar game featuring a sliding bird.

Artifacts like these reflect the strong connection between traditional Dutch spirits and bar culture.

A Change in Ownership
In 1982, during Schermer’s 200‑year anniversary celebration, the company faced a turning point. Without a direct next generation from the founding family, ownership transferred to Paul Robert Blom and his wife.

Blom was no stranger to the distillery—he had already worked at Schermer for 17 years. His leadership ensured the company continued operating while preserving its heritage and traditional production methods.

Today the distillery is run by descendants of that lineage, who consider themselves the 10th generation continuing the Schermer story.

The Schermer Genever Range
Schermer’s spirits are known for their straightforward, honest style. Rather than focusing on luxury branding, the distillery emphasizes value, authenticity, and strong malt wine character.

Vanille Genever
One standout product is Schermer Vanille Genever. At Dutch Courage Cocktail Bar this spirit has been used since the bar first opened, appearing in the cocktail “Bakkie Troost.” The combination of malt wine structure and gentle vanilla notes makes it especially versatile in cocktails.

Jonge Genever (Ferme)
Schermer’s young genever contains approximately 10 percent malt wine, which is relatively high for the category. This is why the label carries the word “Ferme,” indicating a stronger malt wine character.

Zware Genever
Historically, definitions of young genever were broader than they are today. Schermer’s recipe contained 25 percent malt wine, which exceeded the modern legal definition. Instead of changing the recipe, the product name changed to Zware Genever.

To remain within the genever category under European regulations, a small amount of juniper is added, which Schermer proudly references on the label.

Old Genever and Malt Wine Genever
The Old Genever contains around 40 percent malt wine, offering a fuller flavor profile. Meanwhile, the distillery’s aged malt wine genever reaches approximately 60 percent malt wine, making it one of the most accessible examples of this traditional Dutch style.

Oude Schiedammer
One of the most unusual bottles in the range is Oude Schiedammer. This genever is aged for five years in extremely small Slavonian oak barrels of only 20 liters. Because the distillery owns only a limited number of these barrels, production remains very small.

Beyond Genever
In recent years Schermer has expanded its portfolio to include gin, vodka (including flavored versions), vieux, and Beerenburg. At the same time the company continues to import wines, particularly from the Balkan region.

These wine connections even explain the origin of the Slavonian oak barrels used for the Oude Schiedammer aging process.

Visiting Schermer
Visitors to Hoorn can explore the Schermer liquor store and discover a range of traditional Dutch spirits. For those in Amsterdam, Schermer products can also be experienced at Dutch Courage Cocktail Bar, where they are used in cocktails such as the Bakkie Troost.

With more than two centuries of history behind it, Schermer remains one of the Netherlands’ most authentic and quietly impressive distilleries.

FAQ – SCHERMER DISTILLERY

Schermer is an independent Dutch distillery located in Hoorn that produces genever, liqueurs, gin, and other traditional spirits.
The brand officially dates to 1782, although the Schermer family was already trading spirits in the 1730s.
Schermer Distillery is located in Hoorn in the Netherlands, not far from Amsterdam.
Many of Schermer’s genevers contain higher percentages of malt wine than typical examples, creating a fuller and richer flavor profile.
Zware Genever is a heavier style of genever containing about 25 percent malt wine, which is higher than standard young genever.
Yes. Visitors can explore the liquor store and learn more about the distillery when visiting Hoorn.