The Nolet Distillery in Schiedam, Holland has been producing the highest quality spirits for ten generations. Ketel One Vodka is inspired by over 300 years of family distilling expertise.
1691
The Inspiration for Ketel One Vodka
Joannes Nolet, after perfecting his unique distillation method, founded a distillery in Schiedam, Holland. He chose a location close to the North Sea and its large grain auctions.
1794
The Whale
Four generations later, with the Distillery under the control of Jacobus Nolet, family members build the Nolet Distillery windmill, known as 'The Whale,' a magnificent landmark that remains today in the Schiedam town center.
1867
The Nolets Look Westward
The family acquires an interest in shipping and begins focusing on exporting its spirits.
1902
Sowing the Seeds of Success at the Turn of the Century
The Nolet family opens a distillery in Maryland, U.S.A., but later withdraws from the American market during Prohibition. Needless to say, they would come back with a flourish.
1979
A Proud Milestone
The seventies closed with a new beginning, as 10th generation Nolet, Carolus Nolet, Sr., assumes control of the Nolet Distillery.
1983
Onward and Upward
In this year, Carolus Nolet, Sr. develops the Ketel One Vodka recipe and launches it in the U.S.
1991
A New Frontier
With the momentum created by the popularity of Ketel One Vodka, Nolet Spirits USA is founded. It was during this year that Carl Nolet, Jr. made the decision to move to the United States, dedicating himself to the growth of the company.
2000
The Fruits of Our Labor
With the new millennium comes new ideas, and the Nolet Distillery produces a super-premium, flavored vodka, Ketel One Citroen. It launches in the U.S.
2002
The Million Case Mark
Ketel One Vodka celebrates as annual sales reach 1,000,000 cases; a remarkable accomplishment considering advertising was done by word-of-mouth.
2003
The Ketel One Brand Finds Its Voice
The first national Ketel One print advertising campaign, "Dear Ketel One Drinker," launches in the U.S.
2010
The Debut of Ketel One Oranje
We launch a new, orange-flavored vodka in the U.S., Ketel One Oranje.
