As of this writing, Kompaan Brewing was at risk of shutting down due to COVID-related business struggles. Happily, local support for the brewery has been strong, and a series of promotions, crowdfunding ventures and flat-out begging for donations sees Kompaan living to serve you beer well into the decade. The beer really does warrant the name “craft”. Some are hoppy, some are fruity, some taste like chocolate and velvet mixed together (but in a good way), and all of them are high quality.

You can stock your fridge with Kompaan beer pretty much everywhere in The Netherlands at this point, although just a few years ago they were a specialty company that you only had heard of if you were “hip” to the “scene” (both terms somehow feel especially awkward to use when describing Dutch culture, but whatever). Their headquarters in the Bink industrial park zone include a bar and outdoor seating and have a Scandinavian vibe. If you’ve ever heard of NOMA or been to Copenhagen’s industrial park, where all the best restaurants and beerhalls are located, then you know what I mean: high-end barley ‘n hops, sparse design, trendy clientele, full stomach, empty wallet. Don’t worry about that last one: you just saved a small business, and the memories of the experience are worth the trip.