Nestled round the corner from the Rijksmuseum Twenthe in Enschede’s trendy Roombeek district is what is said to be the Netherlands’ most exclusive whisky retailer.

Housed in an unprepossessing brick building, from the outside it is difficult to see just how many different bottles are on sale inside. But once the door has opened the choice is dazzling.

Berendsen’s, now being run by the third generation, attracts customers from all over Europe with its stock of some 1,400 different bottles.

It started started in 1958 when Piet Berendsen, a pub landlord at the time and the current owner’s grandfather, decided to diversify. “The shop was initially on Kuipersdijk, but when my father, Hennie took over in 1991, we moved to our current location on Deurningerstraat,” says current owner Robin.

In 2007, the business passed again from father to son. With Robin now at the helm, the business currently stocks over 1400 different whiskies, 500 different wines and over 1600 varieties of craft beer from all over Europe and beyond.

“Over the years we have worked hard to foster relations with leading producers of whisky from all over the world,” says Robin. “We are now the place to go to in the Netherlands for those most exclusive bottles, purchased both as something to enjoy, but also as an investment.

While countries now such as Japan, India, the US, and even the Netherlands, produce exceptional quality liquor, connoisseurs still look north to the crystal-clear waters of the Scottish Highlands whose distilleries continue to produce whiskies of the finest quality.

“Special whisky and specific vintages are an important and significant part of our business,” says Robin. “If we don’t have the vintage you’re looking for, we will find it. Many highly sought-after bottles are usually released on a strictly limited basis.”

In 2023, a rare 1926 Macallan with a very special label was up for auction at Sotherby’s, London, eventually selling for €2.53 million. Disappointed Dutch customers, however, were able to purchase a similarly rare 1969 Macallan single malt from Berendsen for a whopping €100,000.

As well as traditional Scottish whiskys, the shop has a wide selection from other parts of the world. “Japanese whiskies are also an interesting choice,” says Robin. He recommends Hibiki Suntory Harmony, made with Scottish barley and a little bit of peat, at €128.99 a bottle.

The Dutch have also got in on the act. “For something a little more complex, try a Millstone Peated PX made by Zuidam Distilleries near Baarle-Nassau on the Dutch-Belgian border,” he suggests.

“My father wanted to pass on his love of the business and whisky, so he gave me my first bottle of whisky for my 18th birthday — a bottle of Lagavulin,” says Robin.  “Whisky keeps for years, and I’ve still got half of the bottle!”