Pieter Baan

When Pieter Baan started as a freelancer at Onder De Boompjes, he never expected to still be working there today. Years later, the designer in the broadest sense happily commutes between his home in Rotterdam and his “home” in Schiedam. Because distillery Onder De Boompjes is more than just a workplace for Pieter. It’s a place where passion and expertise come together. Just like in his latest master creation: STIRR Hard Seltzer. Today, we’re proud to share his story.

LOOKING FOR A DESIGNER

Jean-Paul Batenburg, owner of the distillery in Schiedam, once asked Pieter to design a label, “for a good client of his.” It turned out to be a success. Even though they hadn’t worked together before, Jean-Paul was extremely enthusiastic. He immediately said, “I’m still looking for a designer.” Most designers are hired externally, but Jean-Paul had different plans. He wanted someone in-house who could do much more for him. And that’s exactly how it happened.

ALWAYS IN CLOSE CONTACT

To this day, Pieter is the creative mind behind many successful bottles. He designs their labels and is also involved in brand marketing. In doing so, he stays in close contact with partners such as printers and bottle manufacturers, as well as with customers. “For me, that’s what makes it so special, you can really go in all directions. There’s a lot of creativity involved,” he says. “Within the Netherlands, but also from America all the way to India. What I love most is that no matter how far away a client is, you’re always working in close connection.”

No matter how far away the client is, you’re always in close contact.

Maurice Konings, Founder

A MIX OF YOUNG AND OLD

At the moment, Pieter is focused on STIRR Hard Seltzer, the newest drink to come from the iconic stills of Onder De Boompjes. What appeals to him most about this project is the blend of young and old. A refreshing new drink, created using original distillation methods. Gluten-free, with no added sugars. Available in Raspberry & Apple, Orange & Cardamom, and Lime & Jasmine, all developed in the historic stills. A modern application of cultural heritage.

PRESERVING THE HERITAGE

“What we find extremely important as a distillery is preserving this heritage. We see that traditional distillation in the Netherlands is largely disappearing. That’s why we do everything we can to keep it alive. Using old techniques to create drinks that belong to the present, like STIRR Hard Seltzer, that’s what it’s all about.”