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History

Est. 1897

THE MESSAGE IS THE BOTTLE

Not so long ago, a mysterious bottle was found in the catacombs of a church in Rotterdam. It turned out that that bottle used to belong to Dr. Hendrik Nicolaas van Teutem, obit. 1889.

The bottle contained a remarkable symbol that had an association with the legendary Order of the Knights Templar, which was active during the Crusades of the 12th and 13th centuries. According to legends, the Order looted all kinds of mythical objects in the Holy Land, including the Holy Grail, the cup in which Jesus’ blood was caught during the crucifixion.

ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

In the 19th century, Van Teutem was a preacher for the Arminian community. They were turbulent and dizzying times. The industrialization had taken hold all over the world, the World Exhibition in Paris showed the latest technological developments. Darwinism was broadly supported and Freud’s theories were leading in psychiatry and psychology. They were all inspired by religion, but they also doubted it. No wonder Hendrik Nicolaas had doubts of his own. He started his own exploration, about which little was known until the bottle was found.

The Holy Grail

Supernatural forces were ascribed to this Holy Grail. The medieval legend of the Grail may have been inspired by horns of plenty and magical cauldrons.

The location of the Holy Grail has always remained a mystery. Some believe it was hidden in the Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland. Another story has it that the Holy Grail was brought to the south of France, to the Languedoc, while others felt that the Holy Grail was brought to the mouth of the river Meuse on the Low Countries.

A Secret Room

The legend was reinforced when a secret compartment was discovered in the basement of a church shortly after it was renovated. It turned out to be the remains of a mysterious research room, which was filled with bottles with the strange symbol, distillation cauldrons and alchemy tools.

Writings and notes were found and handwriting analysis made it possible to ascertain that they were written by Hendrik Nicolaas van Teutem.

No trace of the Holy Grail, but the bottles contain fantastic alcohol blends of outstanding quality; ‘The Holy’ spirits.

After this discovery, ‘The Holy’ spirits were brought back to life, allowing other people to acquaint themselves with the exceptional flavors.

Watch the movie

THE QUEST

A mysterious bottle was recently discovered in the secret catacombs of a church in Rotterdam. The symbol on the bottle suggests that the item belongs to the legendary Knights Templar order…

The journey

An exceptional history

templars

The Order of the Knights Templar waged a Holy War in the Holy land

1118

UNDERGROUND

The Order of the Knights Templar was disbanded, many members and possessions vanished to unknown locations

1314

ARMINIUS

Jacobus Arminius was a Dutch preacher and Bible scholar at the start of the Eighty Years War

1560

HENDRIK NICOLAS VAN TEUTEM

(1802-1889) was a Protestant preacher and researcher. The final years of his life were dedicated to a scientific explanation of Alchemy.

1802

THE CHURCH

Henri Evers (1855-1929), architect of the Rotterdam town hall, was asked to design the new church. On May 23, 1897, it was festively inaugurated.

1894

RESTAURATION

The 19th century church is restored in all its detail and fitted out for multiple use.

2013

SECRET ROOM

Discovery of a hidden room with writings, alchemy laboratory and exceptional elixirs

2014

'THE HOLY' SPIRITS

Messrs Groeneweg & Van Schaik decide to share the recipes of the elixirs with the public at large. The original name ‘The Holy’ Spirits is restored.

2021

Free spirits

Our origins

The founders van the ‘The Holy’ Spirits Cocktails and Workshops are free spirits with a love of style and cocktails. Started as a charity where we joined forces. A great example of entrepreneurship designed to enrich the world with fantastic flavors, great cocktails and sublime experiences. Their many years’ of experience in (digital) media and creating authentic experiences means that they place the greatest value on quality and experience.

Experience the sensation of secret passwords, underground basements and a hint of the outlaw. The underground bar is tucked away in the center of Rotterdam and is known for the quality and artistry of its cocktails. Pay us a visit and experience the atmosphere of a speakeasy from the Roaring Twenties. he style of the Roaring Twenties. Experience the forgotten sensation of secret passwords, underground basements and a mere hint of lawlessness. So mum’s the word!

The secret location of the Speakeasy is near the Witte de Withstraat in the center of Rotterdam. You will receive your password after you make your reservation.

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    KEEP IN TOUCH

    You can visit us. However, in true Speakeasy tradition, our location is a secret. If you want to get in touch, you can do so via shakeit@theholy.shop

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