Since 1888
In 1888, Grietje and Hero Jan Hooghoudt had a very special idea – an idea that was full of flavors, fragrances and colors. It turned out to be the start of a unique journey of discovery.
Passion from the start
Family distillery Hooghoudt founded in Groningen by Hero Jan and Grietje. They start making liqueurs and brandy.
Grote Kromme Elleboog
The business is doing well, so Hero Jan and Grietje decide to change there small cellar for a new, beautiful building on the Grote Kromme Elleboog. Nowadays the location of Slijterij van Erp.
The first posters
The first Hooghoudt posters hang in the city of Groningen.
Prizes for Grietje
When Hero Jan dies from a lung infection, Grietje carries on alone. She receives important recognition at the world exhibition, Nijverheid & Kunstindustrie. It’s the start of a flurry of prizes for quality and taste.
The first stone
The liqueur distillery is too large for the building on the Grote Kromme Elleboog. A first renovation is needed. Syne and Ludolf build the first stone on 15 April.
Oude Klare
Grietje Hooghoudt distills the first genever that’s brought to market: Oude Klare.
Valencia syrup
After much experimentation, Grietje’s son Ludolf introduces the Valencia cordial.
Second generation
Second generation Hooghoudt, Syne and Ludolf take over the distillation business from Grietje, she's 65 years at that moment.
Born: Hero Jan Junior
Ludolf and his wife Manny have a son; Hero Jan Hooghoudt. Like the founder of the family distillery
50 years
Hooghoudt celebrates its 50th anniversary with a unique customer loyalty campaign.
1940 - 1945
Hooghoudt survives the Second World War thanks to the sale of fruit-based spirits.
Jonge Dubbele Graan Jenever
Second and third generation Hooghoudt, Hero Jan junior and his father Ludolf turn the market upside down with their Jonge Dubbele Graanjenever.
On Television
Hooghoudt is the first spirits brand to put out a TV commercial.
Introduction first herbal bitters
Introduction of the first herbal bitters: Kalmoes Beerenburg.
New distillery
The distillery was growing and growing. Reason to build a new distillery outside the city centre. A stone jug with eight liters of genever goes into the ground twenty meters along with the first pile.
The Hooghoudt street
For its 100th anniversary, Hooghoudt has a street named after it and receives the honorable title, “By Appointment to the Court of the Netherlands”.
Fourth generation
Fourth generation Bert Hooghoudt joins the Hooghoudt management - Varkentje Vodka op TV - Export of Royalty Vodka - Vodka Plus in the supermarket.
New look
A new look for Hooghoudt: a new logo and new genevers.
125 years
Hooghoudt celebrates its 125th anniversary by fulfilling the wishes of the Groningen people.
Collaboration with Kensington
Collaboration with off-the-wall band Kensington.
Copper still Grietje
Hero Jan junior names Hooghoudt’s new copper still: “Grietje”.
Our new pride
Introduction of “Masters of Taste”: young talents who discover the possibilities of genever. Introduction of Premium Jenever. Experiment with 18-year-old cask- aged genever.
Infused by Hooghoudt
The Infused Series is a co-creation between Hooghoudt and selected bartenders, who give their own touch to genever. Infused by Bartenders. Approved by Hooghoudt.
