Filliers Distillery
History of Filliers Distillery
Founding and Early Years
Filliers Distillery, with a legacy of six generations, was founded by Karel Lodewijk Filliers in 1869. Initially focused on agriculture, the foundation for grain genever was laid, marking the beginning of a long-standing tradition in distilling.
By 1880, under Kamiel Filliers, the distillery saw its first professionalization with the installation of a steam engine, accelerating the distillation process and obtaining its distilling license.
Expansion and Innovation
In the early 1900s, grain genever from Filliers became highly popular, and the distillery was one of the few warm distilleries in Belgium.
The 1920s brought further innovation with Firmin Filliers developing the first Belgian gin recipe in 1928, which is still the basis for Filliers Dry Gin 28. The distillery faced challenges during the World Wars but managed to restart production post-1945 by selling some land.
Modernization and Diversification
The 1960s marked a new direction under Carlos and Louis Filliers, focusing more on grain genever and phasing out agriculture. The introduction of barrel aging in 1967 and the launch of farm-fresh advocaat in 1970 showcased their innovative spirit.
The 1980s saw further expansion with the fifth generation introducing fruit genevers and cream liqueurs in the late nineties.
Recent Developments of Filliers Distillery
The 21st century has been a period of significant growth and diversification for Filliers Distillery. In 2006, they acquired Van Hoorebeke, the oldest distillery in Belgium, and launched the first Belgian whisky, Goldlys.
The expansion continued with the introduction of Sunken Still, the first Belgian rye whisky, in 2016, and the Barrel Aged Genever range in 2018. The distillery now houses three distilleries on one site, with a focus on Single Malt Whisky.
Current Era of Filliers Distillery
In 2020, responding to the COVID-19 crisis, Filliers Distillery began producing disinfectant hand gels under the Naturales brand.
The recent launch of Filliers Rye Whisky in 2023 and the appointment of Benoit Filliers as the 6th Generation Master Distiller mark the latest chapters in the distillery’s rich history, blending tradition with innovation.
Awards Won by Filliers Distillery
- World Whiskies Awards: Filliers Distillery’s excellence in whisky production was acknowledged with the “Best Belgian Single Malt” title, underscoring their artistry in crafting high-quality spirits.
- World Vodka Awards: The distillery’s Pure Grain Vodka won “Best Belgian Pure,” while their Lemon Grain Vodka and Strawberry Grain Vodka also received awards, reflecting their innovative approach to flavored vodkas.
- World Gin Awards: Their Classic Dry Gin was awarded a Silver medal, a testament to their skillful blend of botanicals.
- International Wine & Spirits Competition: The distillery secured Silver for both Pure and Wild Strawberry Vodka, as well as Bronze for Lemon Vodka and Tribute Gin.
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition: A highly successful event for Filliers, their 10-year-old Single Malt Whisky won Double Gold. Their vodkas in various flavors also received Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
- International Spirits Challenge: The Tribute Gin won Silver, while the 10-year-old Single Malt Whisky earned a Bronze medal.
- Sip Awards: The distillery’s products were highly successful, with the Tribute Gin and 10-year-old Single Malt Whisky both securing Double Gold medals. Their vodkas also won Gold medals, and the distillery was honored with the “Innovation Award.”
- Other Awards (2020-2021): Additional accolades include Double Gold in SIP Awards, Consumers’ Choice Award in SIP Awards, Gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Silver in the London Spirits Competition, Master Design from The Spirit Business, and various design-related awards from the World Whiskies Awards and International Spirits Challenge.
Filliers Distillery Tour Information and Experience
Tour Details
The tour is available daily by appointment, except on Sundays and public holidays. It runs from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The tour lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, including a tasting session.
The tour costs €375 for groups with less than 15 people, €25 per adult and €15 per child for larger groups. Guides are available in Dutch, French, and English. Payment can be made via Bancontact, VISA, or invoice for businesses.
Tour Experience
The tour provides an in-depth look into the distillery and aging warehouse, led by an experienced guide. Visitors can explore the distillery’s history, observe the distillation process, and admire the barrels where spirits mature.
The tour concludes with a tasting session of Filliers’ spirits and a special gift for each visitor. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to purchase spirits in their bar.
Workshops
Filliers Distillery also offers specialized workshops like “The Secret of Genever” and “The Perfect Serve.” These workshops include a distillery tour, guided tasting sessions, and hands-on activities like making your own genever blend or the perfect Gin & Tonic.
Workshops are available for groups of 8 to 18 people, cost €45 per person, and last about 3 hours.
Conference Room
For business meetings, Filliers provides a meeting center in Bachten-Maria-Leerne, near Ghent. The center, set in a beautiful natural landscape, offers a unique atmosphere and modern facilities, including air conditioning, internet access, and audio-visual equipment.
The center caters to groups starting from 8 people and offers a modular setup to suit various needs.
Flask & Barrel Review of Filliers Distillery
Visiting Filliers Distillery was an absolute delight for a whiskey enthusiast like me. Having toured numerous distilleries, I must say, Filliers stands out with its unique charm and impressive craftsmanship.
First off, the tour was fascinating. It offered an insightful peek into their distilling process, which blends traditional methods with modern innovation. As a collector, I appreciated the depth of knowledge shared by our guide, who was both engaging and informative.
The tasting experience was top-notch. Each whiskey had its distinct character, and I was particularly impressed by the smoothness and rich flavors that were a testament to their quality aging process. It’s evident that Filliers takes great pride in their product, and it shows in every sip.
The ambiance of the distillery adds to the experience. It’s nestled in a picturesque setting that just enhances the whole vibe of the tour.
In summary, Filliers Distillery earns a solid 4.7 out of 5 from me. It’s a must-visit for any whiskey aficionado. The only reason I’m holding back that 0.3 is that I believe there’s always room for something unexpected, something that pushes the experience from great to unforgettable. But make no mistake, Filliers is pretty close to perfection!
What To Do Nearby Filliers Distillery
- The Castle of Ooidonk: Located just 2.99 km from the distillery, this historic castle offers a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Its impressive architecture and beautiful surroundings make it a popular tourist attraction.
- De Brielmeersen Urban Recreation Park: Only 1.67 km away, this park is perfect for a relaxing stroll or family outing. Its lush green spaces and recreational facilities provide a great opportunity to unwind.
- Museum van Deinze en de Leiestreek (Museum of Deinze and the Leie Region): At a distance of 1.72 km, this art museum showcases the cultural history and artistic legacy of the Deinze region. It’s an ideal spot for art enthusiasts.
- Sint Canarus Brewery: Beer lovers can visit this brewery, located 6.4 km from the distillery. It offers a chance to taste local brews and learn about the brewing process.
- Beacons of Art Along the Leie River Bicycle Trail: For outdoor enthusiasts, this hiking trail provides a scenic route along the Leie River. It’s perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of the area and discovering various art installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Filliers Distillery?
- Belchicken Deinze | Finest Fried Chicken & More: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Kortrijkstraat 30, 9800 Deinze, Belgium.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +32485271007.
- Smokey Yef’s: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Tolpoortstraat 7, 9800 Deinze, Belgium.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +32472098821.
- Foodbart: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Kortrijkstraat 4, 9800 Deinze, Belgium.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +3293735752.
What hotels are near Filliers Distillery?
- Van der Valk Hotel Nazareth – Gent: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Autosnelweg E-17 Gent, 9810 Nazareth, Belgium.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +3293822828.
- B&B of vakantiewoning Het Eycken Huys: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Beekstraat 5, 9880 Aalter, Belgium.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +32499616038.
- Boldershof: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Dorpsstraat 37, 9831 Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +3292827545.