Legacy
Generations
10th Generation
Carolus Henricus Joannes
NOLET
As tenth generation owner and current day head of the Nolet family, Carolus fell deeply in love with the art of distilling. He introduced Ketel One® Vodka to America in 1983 and set up a sales and marketing operation there, though unlike his grandfather, he decided to remain in Schiedam. His passion for spirits is evident in the forty years it took him to craft a brand so close to his heart, NOLET’S Finest Gins.
9th Generation
Paulus Maria Antonius
Nolet
Despite the shifting economic markets and the misfortune that Holland suffered during World War II, the Nolet Distillery survived under Paulus’ leadership. Of the 40 distillers in Schiedam that were still up and running after the war, only four remained – and Nolet Distillery was one of them. Like his predecessors, Paulus was able to pass on his family business to his son, Carolus.
8th Generation
Joannes Albertus Jacobus
Nolet
With Nolet’s specially prepared and aged distillates known around the world, Joannes decided to set up a distillery on the shores of Baltimore, Maryland USA, to best serve his American customers. Unfortunately, the Prohibition disrupted the success of the distillery and forced it to close, at which point Joannes returned to Schiedam.
7th Generation
Jacobus Joannes Gerardus
Nolet
In a time of increasing industrialization, Jacobus kept his family’s business rooted in artisanship by staying true to traditional distilling methods. He did, however, reap the benefits that industrialization brought by investing heavily in steam-powered equipment that simplified production at the distillery.
6th Generation
Joannes Albertus Jacobus
Nolet
Joannes is credited with purchasing the land on which the current day Nolet Distillery is situated. It was a profitable move, as was his decision to buy several more shares in Schiedam windmills to ensure the centuries-old trade would safely grow.
5th Generation
Jacobus Janszoon
Nolet
The authoritative, dedicated Jacobus kept the Nolet brand moving forward despite the trials of the French Revolution. Like his father, Jacobus proved his versatility by growing the company while also admirably serving the townspeople as a doctor.
4th Generation
Joannes Jacobszoon
Nolet
Not only did fourth generation Joannes Nolet carry on the tradition of distiller, but he also became the Mayor of Schiedam. The company continued to thrive under his leadership and barrels of Nolet spirits left the city daily.
3rd Generation
Joannes Jacobszoon
Nolet
Nolet Distillery gained even more acclaim under the leadership of third generation owner Joannes Nolet. His efforts to further expand the business included renovating the distillery to make room for additional equipment and improving the distillery’s infrastructure to ensure better access to water needed for distillation.
2nd Generation
Jacobus Janszoon
Nolet
Inheriting Nolet Distillery from his father Joannes, Jacobus expanded the business to serve its increasingly loyal clientele. By purchasing a flourmill in 1735, the hardworking Jacobus ensured that the distillery always had wheat at its disposal for distillation.
1st Generation
Jan Lucasse (Joannes)
Nolet
As founder of Nolet Distillery in Schiedam, Holland, Joannes was a visionary responsible for launching a remarkable family business and for passing his skills onto his son, in turn establishing what would become a rich family legacy.
