Amstel

The brewery was established on the Mauritskade in Amsterdam on 11 June 1870 by Charles de Pesters and Johannes van Marwijk Kooy, and named after the Amstel River that runs through the city. The first brew was completed on 25 October 1871, with the brewery officially opened on 15 January 1872 with an annual brewing capacity of 10,000 hectolitres. Originally selling mostly in Amsterdam, Amstel began exporting to Great Britain and the Dutch East Indies in 1883. It was the first Dutch brewery to export beer in cans. By 1915 production had grown twenty-fold, and by 1926 the brand accounted for a third of Dutch beer exports. Heineken acquired Amstel in 1968, and production moved from Amsterdam to the Heineken plant at Zoeterwoude in 1972. Annual sales today exceed 35 million litres per year.

The alcohol-free lagers are produced through a natural slow alcohol evaporation process, meaning the alcohol is gently evaporated off after brewing. They are made from light pilsner malt, hops, yeast and water. One of the brand's alcohol-free drinks has picked up awards.

Amstel is marketed towards men aged 22-44 and is the official sponsor of the UEFA Europa League. Its alcohol-free range is available through mainstream retail across multiple markets.