The Van Damme gin distillery in Oosterzele (East Flanders) has opened a new visitor centre. The distillery, known for its Balegemse gin, has converted an old cowshed into a visitor centre where visitors can learn all about the distilling of Balegemse. Information is also provided for tourists eager to explore the famous Flemish Ardennes region popular with cycling enthusiasts.
Balegemse is a variety of genever, sometimes referred to as 'Dutch gin' or 'juniper brandy'.
The Van Damme distillery in Oosterzele is one of the oldest gin distilleries in the Benelux and is located on a farm dating from 1862. The original distillation equipment has been part of a protected heritage site for almost 15 years.
‘The distillery is living heritage, not just a backdrop,’ explains Ilse, who, together with her sisters Sofie and Eva, is the seventh generation at the helm of the distillery.
‘It is a place that is alive and where people are at work. Here, in this section, we have also made our story tangible. Not only can you read up on the story of genever, but you can also smell it, hear it bubbling up and taste it too. You taste it by sipping slowly, just as the distillation process proceeds: slowly.’
The new visitor centre has been named ‘From Grain to Dram’. ‘We have noticed that passers-by and visitors are not always familiar with our entire story. That is why we want visitors to leave the area more enlightened than when they arrived.’
The gin distillery also includes a farm shop, coffee house, function room and a B&B.