Brouwerij de Hemel is widely regarded as the oldest craft brewery in the Netherlands, founded in 1996 in the historic city of Nijmegen. The brewery is housed within the Commanderie van Sint Jan, a medieval complex in the heart of the city, giving it a unique character that blends centuries of history with the art of artisan brewing. From the very beginning, De Hemel has been committed to crafting independent, locally rooted beer with consistent styles and ideals that have remained unchanged since its founding. The brewery produces a range of ambachtelijke (craft) beers, brewed with a focus on quality and local identity. Owner Thieu Hegger has long championed the philosophy that De Hemel's beers are best enjoyed fresh from the tap at the brewery itself — a testament to the live, unfiltered character of their brews. The portfolio spans various specialty beer styles that pair naturally with the culinary offerings of the adjacent restaurant, De Hemel Nijmegen. Visitors to the brewery can experience guided tours that include tastings of six beers, priced at €17.50 per person, offering an immersive look into the world of specialty beer and the brewing process. De Hemel holds a strong reputation in Nijmegen and beyond, consistently ranked among the top breweries in the region and recognized as a defining part of the city's beer culture.