Amsterdam Events Early 2017
Visit the Annual Weekend of Whisky, Amsterdam
Did you know that the word whisky (or whiskey) is an anglicised version of the Gaelic word uisce in Irish Gaelic or uisge in Scottish Gaelic which means meaning “water”. In Ireland whiskey is fondly known as usice beatha which means “water of life”.
If you happen to be fond fan of a wee dram or two, then you have to visit the Whisky Weekend in Amsterdam. You can sample a range of superior Scottish and world whiskeys and learn about the history of one of the world’s favorite drinks. Oaky, peaty, smooth and creamy are just some of the words used to describe the golden elixirs on offer at the event. Each year, Amsterdam’s Posthoornkerk Church is transformed into a tasting room, workshops and everything whiskey that you can imagine.
Tickets usually include a whiskey, souvenir glass and a bottle of water. You will have to pay a small fee to taste some of the rarer and more expensive whiskys available. In the basement you can buy cigars and sample whisky-friendly cheeses which should also tickle your taste buds. Alternatively, why not just sit back, put the feet up and enjoy a session of traditional Scottish music.
Visit the Amsterdam Whisky Festival on 4th & 5th March 2017. Purchase tickets and find out more information on the Whisky Weekend website (in Dutch).
Food Soul Festival
For all you super foodies out there, the Food Soul Festival in Amsterdam is one for the diary in 2017. The Kromhouthal space in the IJ River area of Amsterdam Noord is transformed into a huge restaurant, packed with kitchen stalls offering a delicious range of awe inspiring food.
You’ll find a dazzling array of dishes from all corners of the world together with a wine bar and another great bar serving mouth-watering craft beers, if you think about it there’s nothing better to accompany all that gorgeous tasting food is there!
The Amsterdam Food Soul runs on the 26th, 27th & 28th August 2017. For more information just pop on over to the Food Soul Festival website.
Everybody Loves Chocolate
Chocoa Festival is a chocolate lover’s dream come true, it can’t get better than this. You’ll find the festival at Amsterdam’s Beurs van Berlage in February 2017 and it explores the origin, production and taste of high quality chocolate products from around the world.
It’s true to say that chocolate has many similarities with a good wine, subtle differences in flavour and smell can be learned through tasting. At the Chocoa Festival you will learn how to “slow” taste the chocolate products that are on offer and you’ll also learn about chocolate’s long history. The festival run chocolate workshops, working closely with famous chocolate makers and other chocoxperts.
Check the Chocoa Festival website for more information.
Amsterdam Coffee Festival
If you love a good cup of Joe then get ready for the Amsterdam Coffee Festival. The festival is a firm favorite amongst Amsterdam’s hardcore coffee fraternity and runs in Westergasfabriek in the Westerpark area of the city in March. The Amsterdam Coffee Festival features in excess of 100 artisan coffee roasters, equipment manufacturers, food stalls and so much more besides. You’ll find some of Europe’s best baristas who will host tastings sessions and workshops. There’ll be live music with Dutch and International acts, other entertainment and art, something for everybody.
Go to the Amsterdam Coffee Festival website for tickets and more information.
Stena Line offer a day and night time sailing from Harwich to the Hook of Holland. Find the best prices for your next trip to Holland on www.stenaline.co.uk. Alternatively, Stena Line offers a Rail & Sail ticket which takes you from Liverpool Street in the heart of London to Amsterdam Central.