De Proefkelder was a unique escape room in an authentic medieval cellar beneath the Oudegracht in the heart of Utrecht, with a lunch café above. The story centered on a vengeful ex-chef who perfected the 'Ultimate Taste Combination' in the cellar — a flavor experience that brings the taster to ecstasy but permanently destroys their sense of taste — and players had to find and destroy it. The distinguishing concept: all senses were needed, with puzzles requiring tasting and smelling, which visitors remembered far more vividly than padlocks. With 8.4 out of 31 reviews on Escaperoomsnederland, the original story, sensory integration, and historic location were particularly praised; the room was considered challenging. De Proefkelder has since permanently closed; no public reason was ever given.