In 1872 Simon Rutte, born into a family of distillers, took over a liquor store in the historic centre of Dordrecht, Holland. In this old house Simon started his own distillery. Recipes of gins, liqueurs and eau-de vie were handed down from generation to generation. The last Rutte to lead the company, John Rutte, who died in 2003, was an exceptional craftsman. Not only did he possess an enormous knowledge of the art of distilling, he was also creative and had a deep love of nature. John Rutte combined all these elements when creating old and new products. He consistently opposed the use of artificial additives, a practice which became widespread in the industry during his lifetime. His “rebellion” against these practices means that the Rutte recipes have remained unchanged over the years and are still the reason that our spirits are unique.
After 6 generations, the management of Rutte, is now in the hands of a group of enthusiastic professionals who treasure John’s legacy. The distillery is lead today by a woman with a fresh, innovative perspective on the business. However John’s passion is still present every day, in every spirit we make.
Rutte’s products are known and appreciated by the finest connoisseurs and lovers of liqueurs in Holland. Rutte is sold all over the country in liquor stores, top restaurants and hotels. The distillery is still situated in its original home. The old shop with it’s art deco facade is authentic. The distillates are still made in the copper stills behind the office. There is now a tasting room in the original living quarters on the first floor. Thousands of visitors come here every year to taste and enjoy real craftsmanship.
Rutte Classics and Rutte Spirits
The jenevers (gins), classic liqueurs and eaux-de-vie are sold under the Rutte & Sn brand: www.rutte.nl. Rutte Spirits is a completely new group of distillates, composed and created with the same passion and attention to detail. They use the same high quality natural ingredients, as well as answering to the demands of a new generation of cosmopolitan lovers of fine products.