Flying Dutchmen Cocktails founders announce professional split
Dutch bartendering duo Tess Posthumus and Timo Janse will go their separate ways after 16 years of working together.
The pair are known for masterminding some of Amsterdam’s best bars: Flying Dutchmen Cocktails, Dutch Courage, and Belly of the Beast, which opened in 2017, 2020, and 2023 respectively.
They first began working together at Amsterdam speakeasy Door 74.
Together, they created Amsterdam Cocktail Week and the Perfect Serve Barshow, widening their influence in the industry and establishing themselves as the Netherlands’ leading bar luminaries.
The working relationship will end on 1 June.
Posthumus and Janse will remain active in the drinks and hospitality industry independently.
Posthumus will continue at Flying Dutchmen Cocktails and Belly of the Beast, as well as focusing on book writing, her role as a board member for the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, and her TV work for Njam. Her most recent work for Njam saw her star in the second season of Foodies & the City, which will air on 18 May.
Meanwhile, Janse will take over leadership at Dutch Courage and will head up Amsterdam Cocktail Week and the Perfect Serve Barshow with their third business partner.
Posthumus will step down from her roles at both shows.
Mutual decision
The decision to part ways is said to have been made in good and mutual agreement. A statement said: ‘Both parties look back with pride on what they have built together and support each other’s future plans’.
The split was pinned down to challenges from the past few years that have had a significant impact on both parties, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and financial stress.
Posthumus and Janse have both become parents since the pandemic, and their views on responsible leadership and their vision for their collaboration have increasingly diverged, it was noted.
Speaking to The Spirits Business, Janse said: “All good things come to an end, and our parting is based on a different view on the role, after a long and successful 16 years. Although I am sad to part ways, I am thrilled to add extra focus and development in Dutch Courage cocktail bar – already an established and much-loved bar of ours that I will be growing further along with its great team, guests and the many local spirits partners.
“In most ways, it is not a farewell at all, but simply a re-divide and repurpose of skills I am truly excited about.”
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