The History of the Nolet Family & Nolet Distillery

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 after 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 Nolets acquired its own fleet of fast sailing clipper ships to allow for overseas distribution..

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 Vodka was born.

Today, the Nolet Distillery remains encompassed in tradition and is one of the oldest family-operated companies in Holland.

The Nolet family has an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and is dedicated to their heritage. Their continued use of the family’s secret recipes is what makes Ketel One the best vodka in the market today.