Ketel One is a Dutch vodka brand produced by the Nolet family, who have been distilling in Schiedam since 1691. The story began with Joannes Nolet and the production of genever. Ten generations later, Carel Nolet Sr developed a vodka that combined the family’s distilling heritage with modern production techniques. Ketel One Vodka was introduced in the United States in 1983 and grew from a favourite among cocktail bartenders into an internationally recognised premium brand. Production still takes place at the Nolet Distillery in Schiedam, now led by the eleventh generation.

Ketel One is distilled from grain and owes its character to a combination of column distillation and redistillation in traditional copper pot stills. Distilleerketel No. 1 plays an important role in the process, lending the brand its name and appearing on the label. Different distillates are carefully blended, after which every batch is tasted and approved by a member of the Nolet family. The vodka is known for its crisp, smooth style, with delicate notes of citrus, honey and grain followed by a clean, lingering finish. Ketel One can be enjoyed neat, but is particularly popular as a base for classic cocktails such as the Vodka Martini and Bloody Mary.

Nolet is a Dutch family-owned distillery based in Schiedam, founded by Joannes Nolet in 1691. What began as a genever distillery developed over eleven generations into one of the oldest family businesses in the Netherlands. Distilling knowledge has continually been passed down within the family, while each generation has added new techniques and ideas to its traditional methods.

Nolet became internationally renowned through Ketel One Vodka, created in 1983. Its production combines modern distillation technology with traditional copper pot stills, a heritage also reflected in the Ketel One name. The distillery also produces NOLET’S Gin and, for the Dutch market, spirits including KETEL 1 Original genever and Proosje van Schiedam.

Despite the worldwide recognition of Ketel One, production remains closely connected to Schiedam and the Nolet family. The distillery is known for combining centuries of experience, technical innovation and a consistent house style. Nolet therefore represents more than one type of spirit: it is a broad Dutch distilling house producing genever, vodka, gin and liqueur.