Since premiering in the United States in 1992, Ketel One has proven that single, independent super premium brand can achieve success in a highly competitive market. Ketel One is produced at the Nolet Distillery in Schiedam, Holland, from wheat grown in the fields of northern France and southern Holland. It is handcrafted according to the same proprietary recipes and techniques established more than 300 years ago by the distillery’s founder Joannes Nolet.
Spurred by the success of the original Ketel One product, Nolet Spirits U.S.A. launched Ketel One Citroen in the United States in 2000.
About Ketel One:
- Made from 100% wheat.
- Named after the original, copper pot still, "Distilleer Ketel #1"
- Handcrafted in small batches using traditional alembic, copper pot stills.
- The master distiller oversees the process of creating a handcrafted product in the copper pot stills. This expertise lends to the verification that all distillation standards are met.
- The first and last 100 gallons of each distillate are discarded for being either too harsh or too weak. Only the core of each distillate is kept to provide consumers the finest, smoothest, ultra-premium product.
- Each batch of vodka is tasted by a member of the Nolet family to approve the product’s right to bear the Ketel One name.
About the Nolet Family
In 1691, Joannes Nolet settled in Schiedam, Holland, a small exporting town near the mouth of the river Maas on the North Sea. Being a man of foresight, he knew this was a perfect place to open a distillery. It was close to major grain auctions and ports were readily accessible to transport cargo. He proved to be successful – Schiedam later emerged as the center of Holland’s distilled spirits industry and the Nolet Distillery legacy was born.
Settling for nothing less than perfection, Joannes sought the finest raw materials, the best distilling equipment, and the most skillful master distillers. With each success obtained, he transcribed them in a journal to pass on to future generations.
As each generation of Nolets led the distillery to new heights, the reputation of excellence was not only sustained, but was strengthened. Confronted with challenges in the late 18th century of an increasingly competitive marketplace, the Nolet family expanded their commercial interests by building glass and cork factories and acquiring a printing company. Jacobus Nolet, fifth generation, extended the family’s business influence by building a windmill named “The Whale.” It is still the tallest grain-milling structure in the world today.
Capitalizing on opportunities abroad kept the Nolet family’s business prosperous. In the 19th century, the Nolet family acquired its own fleet of fast sailing clipper ships to allow for overseas distribution. At this time, the family first launched its products in the United States and enjoyed great success until the onset of Prohibition closed off that market.
In the wake of the Second World War, the Nolet Distillery faced obstacles that were prevalent throughout Europe, but as history would dictate, the company’s resourcefulness prevailed. Under the leadership of Paulus Nolet, ninth generation, the company gradually returned to pre-war levels of production.
Carl Nolet, Sr., 10th generation, assumed the role of chairman in 1979. He foresaw that the success and independence of the Nolet Distillery relied on the ability to develop a distinctive product that is uniquely marketed and has the growth potential to continue the family tradition in an ambitious market. Carl, Sr. resolved that the future of the company lay in quality over quantity. Having sole access to Joannes Nolet’s secret journal, he revived the original recipes and techniques of his ancestors. Thus, Ketel One was born.
Today, the Nolet Distillery is one of the oldest family-operated companies in Holland.
The Nolet family has an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and is dedicated to its heritage. Their continued use of the family’s secret recipes is what makes Ketel One the best vodka in the market today. |
