The Hague’s historic jenever distillery is fighting for its life

The historic Van Kleef Distillery in The Hague, dating back to 1776, is facing challenges that could lead to its closure or a significant transformation. The iconic distillery, known for producing unique liqueurs and genever, has been a staple in the city for over two centuries. Now, it's contending with a series of setbacks, including a recent decision to impose a flat €50-a-day parking fee by the city.

This policy has been widely criticized and even featured in The Guardian in 2023. Kruyt, the current owner, is also dealing with soaring energy bills, increased costs, and the aftermath of her husband's sudden death in 2015. Despite these challenges, Kruyt remains determined to keep the distillery operational and has launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund expansion plans.