Jopen x Haarlem 780 Years

Haarlem is turning 780 years old, and what better way to celebrate this milestone than with a beer that honors the city’s rich history? In a special collaboration, Jopen Brewery has created the Koyt Special Edition—a unique beer that combines centuries-old tradition with a modern twist.

The inspiration for this special edition comes from an ancient recipe dating back to 1407. Jopen’s master brewer, Michel Ordeman, carefully studied this historical recipe and adapted it for contemporary tastes, resulting in a beer that is both a tribute to Haarlem’s brewing heritage and an innovative craft creation. This limited-edition brew was made only once, making it a truly unique experience for beer lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Visitors to the Jopenkerk in Haarlem can taste the Koyt Special Edition for free. On Saturday afternoon, a sample glass will be offered to anyone who wants to experience the flavor of Haarlem in liquid form. Bottles are also available for purchase, so you can take a piece of this historic celebration home with you.

This event is more than just a beer tasting—it’s a celebration of Haarlem itself. It’s a chance to raise a glass to the city’s long and vibrant history, and to connect with both locals and visitors who share a love for craftsmanship, tradition, and great beer.

The Origins of Koyt: Haarlem’s Medieval Beer Heritage

What Was the 1407 Recipe All About?

The “Koyt” that Jopen brews today is based on a very old stadskeur (city ordinance) from 1407 in Haarlem. Unlike modern beers that rely on hops, this beer was bittered and flavored with gruit—a medieval herb mixture. The predominant herb in this mixture is gagel (sweet gale / Myrica gale), which gives the beer its unique herbal aroma.

The original mash also included barley, wheat, and oats, and the beer was top-fermented (“hoog gisting”). In Jopen’s modern recreation, the Koyt has 8.5% ABV.

Why This Recipe Is Historically and Culturally Significant

A Glimpse into Haarlem’s Beer Past

In the 15th century, Haarlem was a major brewing city. The fact that a brewery ordinance from 1407 survived is remarkable. The beer made from that recipe gives us a sensory window into what people in medieval Haarlem might have tasted—flavors of herbs, less reliance on hops, and a very different grain profile.

The Role of Gruit

Gruit beer is a style that predates the dominance of hops. Using a gruit mixture instead creates very different flavor dynamics: aromatic and herbal, sometimes slightly resinous or woodsy. Gagel was central to Haarlem’s gruit mix, giving the beer its distinct character. Legends even suggest that gagel could have mild hallucinogenic effects if picked incorrectly—though don’t worry, Jopen follows the safest brewing practices!

Economic & Social Importance

Brewers in Haarlem were legally required to buy their gruit from a gruiter, a person or office controlling the herb mixture. This ensured consistent quality and also contributed to the city’s economy. Haarlem’s Koyt was so popular that it was widely consumed even outside the city, including places like Antwerp.

Rediscovery & Revival

In 1992, the Stichting Haarlems Biergenootschap (Haarlem Beer Society) was founded to resurrect old Haarlem beers. Researchers dug into city archives and found old brewing ordinances—including the 1407 recipe for Koyt. Historians and archaeologists verified the authenticity, and the University of Leuven helped recreate the beer using modern brewing techniques.

The name “Jopen” itself comes from medieval 112-litre barrels, called Jopen, historically used for beer transport in Haarlem.

Why the Modern Koyt (and the 780-Year Special Edition) Is So Special

Authenticity & Craftsmanship: This is a rare attempt to recreate a documented medieval beer recipe.
Unique Flavor Profile: The gruit beer combines dark malt, sweetness from wheat and oats, and an herbal kick. Jopen describes aromas of eucalyptus and menthol with a soft sweet base.
Limited Edition Appeal: The Koyt Special Edition was brewed only once, making it a collector’s item.
Cultural Connection: It’s a tribute to Haarlem’s centuries-old brewing tradition, perfectly timed for the city’s 780th anniversary.

Jopen x Haarlem 780 Years Event Details

In honor of Haarlem’s 780-year existence, Jopen brewed the Koyt Special Edition. The launch event is a chance to taste history in a glass—beer of the city, for the city.

Date: Saturday, 15 November
Time: 14:30 – 17:30
Location: Jopenkerk, Haarlem
Price: Free tasting

Why the Modern Koyt (and the 780-Year Special Edition) Is So Special

Authenticity & Craftsmanship: The modern Koyt isn’t just inspired by history — it’s a deliberate attempt to re-create a beer from a documented medieval recipe. That’s rare.
Unique Flavor Profile: Because it’s a gruit beer, its flavor is layered and complex: dark malt from barley, sweetness from wheat and oats, and an herbal kick. Jopen describes its aroma as having “eucalyptus and menthol” notes, with a soft sweet base. Jopenbier.nl

Jopen x Haarlem 780 Years

In honor of Haarlem’s 780‑year existence, we’ve brewed a Koyt Special Edition. We’d love for you to taste it. Beer of the city, for the city. Haarlem, this beer is yours.

In the run-up to Haarlem’s birthday celebrations, we’re kicking things off with the launch of the Koyt Special Edition. For this special edition, Michel Ordeman looked back at the old recipe from 1407. He gave it a modern twist, creating a unique beer that brings together tradition and innovation. The beer was brewed only once — a tribute to Haarlem and to centuries-old brewing craftsmanship.

You can come and taste Jopen Koyt Special Edition for free on Saturday afternoon — you’ll get a sample glass, and of course you can also buy the bottle. Haarlem, this beer is yours.

Date & Time
Saturday, 15 November
14:30 – 17:30
Jopenkerk, Haarlem

Price
Free

[Sources: Wikipedia, Biljartvereniging ‘T ZWAANTJE, Jopenbier.nl]