Step into the Golden Age

Beer, VOC & Delft Blue

In the Middle Ages beer was one of the largest export products of the city. Hundreds of breweries produced millions of liters of beer a year. During 2019 four beer brewers from Delft will each brew their own unique Golden Age inspired beers.

Hoochbier by De Koperen Kat

White gold by the Bierfabriek

When at the beginning of the 17th century the beer industry collapsed, many buildings along the canals became vacant. During the Golden Age period these vacant buildings became locations for potters to fabricate the now world-famous Delft Blue. In the same period, well-known Dutch masters such as Johannes Vermeer, Pieter de Hooch and Carel Fabritius lived and worked in Delft, the city played an important role in science and Delft was important in the establishment of the VOC (Dutch East India Company) in 1602.

Tablue by Paauw

The first VOC ships, filled with porcelain, returned from the Far East. This porcelain proved immensely popular with wealthy families and the European nobility. When the import of Chinese porcelain became less, enterprising Dutch seized their chance and developed their own variant of this blue and white porcelain. Today Delft Blue is a real Dutch icon.

The taste of gold

VOC-coin by De Lelie

Here you’ll find a sampling of food and beverages inspired by the Golden Age. They tell the story of coffee, tea, beer, meat, cheese, chocolate and the city of Delft, through the ages.

Fortunately, many well-known icons remain in Delft today. Located mostly in small specialty stores along the many canals of Delft, local businesses still make or sell traditional handmade products.

Gouden Eeuw koffieblend by Miss Morrison

Today's gold

Spicy cheese by Boerderijzuivel & Meer

The Golden Age is nowhere more visible and tangible than in Delft, with many historic buildings from that period still remain. While you will also find Delftware porcelain in many places. See, hear, taste and feel the Delft from yesteryear in the Delft of today.

Silk tulips by Pluck

Butter cream biscuits by De Diamanten Ring

Delfts Goud by Verkade & Jacques

Gouden Eeuw Worst by Of Je Worst Lust

Botergoud by Kobus & Saartje

Step into the Golden age and visit Delft!