Brouwerij De Molen was founded in 2004 by Menno Olivier in Bodegraven, Netherlands, making it one of the early pioneers of the Dutch craft beer movement. Located in a historic setting in the town of Bodegraven, De Molen quickly established itself as a trailblazer in the Netherlands, helping to put ambitious, barrel-aged and high-gravity beers firmly on the map for Dutch beer lovers and international enthusiasts alike. De Molen is best known for its bold and complex beer portfolio, with a particular focus on imperial stouts, barley wines, and barrel-aged specialties. Menno Olivier became especially renowned for his barrel-aged imperial porters and stouts, pushing the boundaries of Dutch brewing craft. The brewery's range spans a wide variety of styles, from hop-forward IPAs such as Hip Hip HIPA! to rich, malt-driven creations like the smoked barley wine Groot & Sterk, brewed with three varieties of chillies. Among the brewery's most celebrated beers is Hel & Verdoemenis, a Russian imperial stout that has earned widespread critical acclaim and a devoted following among craft beer collectors worldwide. De Molen's reputation grew to such prominence that it was eventually acquired by Swinkels Family Brewers, whose portfolio of 26 brands now includes this iconic Bodegraven brewery.