The Frisian King: Five Generations of Boomsma Distilling

Dutch Courage Cocktailbar — Knowledge Series

On the Edisonweg in Leeuwarden stands a large, unassuming square building. Adorning its façade is a familiar shape — the Wiebertje — quietly signalling the presence of one of the great pillars of Dutch distilling: Boomsma.

Boomsma’s story is inseparable from the city of Leeuwarden itself. Founded as a grocer’s business near the Oldehove — the “other” leaning tower of the Netherlands — the company has never left Friesland.
When scale demanded it, production moved to the Edisonweg in the 1960s, where it remains today.

From Grocer to Distiller

The earliest Boomsma products were genever and Beerenburg — both deeply rooted in northern Dutch drinking culture.
Remarkably, both categories are still produced today, spanning a wide and carefully maintained range.

Boomsma is not a reinvention story.
It is a continuation.


The Fifth Generation

Since 2003, the distillery has been led by Chantoine and Saskia Boomsma, representing the fifth generation of the family business.

Their roles are clearly defined:

• Chantoine oversees operations and international markets
• Saskia acts as the “nose” — responsible for sensory quality, troubleshooting and consistency

Today, Boomsma exports to 34 countries, with China, Turkey and the United States as its most important markets.

Production Philosophy

In 2015, Boomsma invested in two Müller stills from Germany, enabling the distillery to once again produce its own distillates.
These are primarily used for vodka, gin and genever.

Herbal liqueurs are produced through maceration, often using a semi-finished base known internally as “Anton”, named after Anton Boomsma.

Despite its scale, the distillery is operated by just three people: a master distiller, an R&D specialist and a quality control manager — a testament to efficiency, experience and discipline.

A Layered Distillery

Walking through the buildings reveals a physical timeline of the company. Each generation added new sections, resulting in a distillery that quite literally grew alongside the family.

A historical footnote explains the site’s dual layout: in the 1960s, Dutch customs offered tax incentives for separating production from storage — a policy long gone, but one that shaped the architecture permanently.

Flavour Above

All Boomsma’s flavour profile can best be described as smooth, honest and restrained. The Dutch saying “Doe maar normaal, dan doe je al gek genoeg” fits the brand perfectly.

Fair pricing, consistency and approachability have always outweighed trend-chasing.

Diversification & Survival

As genever consumption declines by roughly 10% annually, Boomsma has chosen stability over spectacle.

Alongside spirits, the company:

• imports wine (since 1973)
• distributes Scotch whisky, rum and cognac
• produces its own whisky
• developed an alcohol-free herbal liqueur

For whisky production, Boomsma collaborates with a local brewery for wort, which is then distilled and aged for seven years.

Genever at Its Best

For genever, Boomsma purchases malt wine, redistilling it with a classic botanical recipe shared across the range.

The distinction lies in maturation.
• Young Genever: unaged, clean and direct
• 1 Year Old: American oak
• 3 Year Old: Port casks
• 5 & 10 Year Old: American oak
• Limited Edition: Bordeaux wine casks

The Bordeaux cask release commemorates the transition to the fifth generation — symbolising the union of wine and spirits within the family business.

As Chantoine Boomsma notes:
“It simply didn’t taste right for the first few years. Then suddenly, there it was.”

Quiet Excellence

Boomsma is not a loud distillery. It doesn’t need to be. The next time you encounter Boomsma — at a liquor store or at Dutch Courage — think of Leeuwarden. Think of quiet craftsmanship, patience and balance.

Proost.

FAQ — BOOMSMA DISTILLERY

• Who is Boomsma?

  Boomsma is a Dutch family-owned distillery based in Leeuwarden, founded in the 19th century

• How many generations run Boomsma?

  The company is currently led by the fifth generation.

• What products is Boomsma known for?

  Boomsma produces genever, Beerenburg, vodka, gin, whisky, liqueurs and alcohol-free spirits.

• Does Boomsma still distil in-house?

  Yes. Since 2015, Boomsma uses Müller stills to produce its own distillates.

• What distinguishes Boomsma genever?

  Smoothness, classic botanicals and differentiation through barrel ageing.

• Why is Boomsma considered understated?

  The brand prioritises consistency, fair pricing and flavour over marketing trends.

• Where can Boomsma products be found?

  Boomsma exports to 34 countries and is widely available in the Netherlands.