Working in collaboration with master chocolateer Matthias Sleijpen and the historic Wynand Fockink distillery, I have created a delicacy that captures the unique spirit of Amsterdam.

For inspiration we need to go back to the 17^th century and the Dutch Golden Age. Amsterdam was booming, with trade ships returning to port from distant parts of the world, loaded with herbs, spices, sugar and, of course, cocoa beans.

It wasn’t long before distilleries were using these exotic new ingredients to concoct delicious liqueurs on a large scale. Wynand Fockink, whose artisanal business dates back to 1679, was such a producer. And the distillery is still going strong, situated on the Pijlsteeg in Amsterdam’s old center, where it continues to create exceptionally refined liqueurs and spirits.

Several years ago, I had the idea to incorporate these spirits in a bonbon. So I reached out to master chocolateer Matthias Sleijpen, who combines carefully selected premium cocoa with a special fluid filling whose consistency best retains the wonderful flavors found in the spirits of Wynand Fockink.

I hope you enjoy this Amsterdam delicacy!