Heineken Brewery founded in Amsterdam

Background. Gerard Adriaan Heineken, born in Amsterdam in 1841, acquired the De Hooiberg brewery in 1864. This acquisition formed the foundation for the company later known as Heineken. The brewery was located on the Nieuwezijds Achterburgwal canal, a site associated with a working-class brand established in 1592.

Reorganization and Production Shift. In 1873, Heineken reorganized De Hooiberg into Heinekens Bierbrouwerij Maatschappij. The board decided in January 1873 to discontinue traditional top-fermented 'Hollandsch bier' in favor of Bavarian-style bottom-fermented lager at the Stadhouderskade brewery, marking a significant operational change.

Early Recognition. The brewery received the Médaille d'Or at the International Maritime Exposition in Paris in May 1875. This recognition followed the 1873 reorganization and contributed to increased sales, establishing the brand's reputation in the late 1870s.