Since I’ve been to Amsterdam a couple of times before, I’ve already experienced some of the big attractions in the city (including the Anne Frank House, which I’ve gone to and cried at twice). This time around, I wanted to see something new. In my online research, I wound up discovering the House of Bols.
Established in Amsterdam in 1575, Bols is the world’s oldest spirit brand. They make 38 liqueurs, including a Dutch spirit Genever. The interactive tour at House of Bols includes learning about the history of the brand and exploring different ways to test your senses…plus you get to choose a cocktail at the end. 🙂 I thought it sounded like a fun activity, and it totally wound up being just that!
House of Bols is located about 2 miles from my hotel, so I decided to let my iPhone and a map guide me and take a nice stroll around town. Unfortunately my phone died halfway there, so I had to use just a map to get the rest of the way. I have a horrible sense of direction, so I’m proud to say that I figured it out and made my way there without my baby Jesus guiding the way!
One of the most fun parts of the tour was the smell testing room. They had all of these different aromas that you puffed into the air to smell, then you could guess what each was before flipping over a tile and seeing the answer. It sounds really easy, but I couldn’t pinpoint what a bunch of them were. Examples of aromas they had were pomegranate and spearmint. 
At the end, you have a computer guide you to your ideal cocktail. Mine fit into the category of fruity & complex, and it was sort of like a mojito, but it used Genever instead of rum and had fresh passion fruit in it.
It only took 60-90 minutes to do the tour and sip my drink, and I definitely think it’s worth checking out if you’re in Amsterdam!
I always find it interesting to travel and explore an area alone. I feel really aware of my surroundings and like I’m paying a lot of attention to all that’s around me (especially when I don’t want to use my phone with its ridiculous international charges!). I always find that I run into friendly people a lot when I’m on my own. It’s fun to do and I don’t mind being alone, yet I definitely prefer to share my experiences with the people I love. Being alone definitely reminds you of that, and I’m excited to see my hubby tomorrow night and share the rest of my Europe trip with him!
Yesterday I chatted with 2 American girls here on vacation, and one said something along the lines of, “Wow, that’s awesome that you came here alone to do the tour. I’d like to think that if I traveled internationally for work, I’d go explore on my own.. but I don’t think I would have the guts to.” She had an interesting point, and I started wondering if most people feel like her, or if a lot of people also like the mostly independent, yet slightly scary feeling of journeying around on their own.
Readers, thoughts on this? Have you ever traveled and explored alone? Did you enjoy it?
That place does look fun. I’ve never traveled out of the US alone, and I’m sure I’d be nervous to do so, but I hope I’d be fun like you!
Oh well thanks! 🙂
I know exactly what you mean. I think it’s fun to go off and travel alone, but I know a lot of people who don’t share that idea.
Yeah I guess it’s not for everyone!
First of all, you are brave to travel in a foreign country alone. I would be nervous but it sounds like you are smart about it so in that case, I’m sure it can be fun.
Second, House of Bols looks like so much fun! I will definitely keep it in my mind if I ever get my happy butt to Amsterdam!
Oh well thank ya! I think it’s a lot of fun and teeny bit scary at the same time. Yes, definitely keep House of Bols and special baked goods in mind if you make it there one day! 😉