Nestled in the lush, rolling hills of Pajottenland in Pepingen, Belgium, De Cort Distillery embodies a rare harmony between tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Founded in 2013 by Manu De Cort and his family, the distillery operates on a century-old farm whose agricultural past has been carefully transformed into a home for modern Belgian distilling. What began as a family vision has evolved into one of Europe’s most respected small-scale producers, known for its integrity, craftsmanship, and deep respect for the land.
De Cort Distillery : A Farm Reborn into a Distillery
The property where De Cort Distillery now thrives has a long and varied agricultural history. Once dedicated to vegetable and flower cultivation, it later became an apple and pear orchard in the 1960s. When Manu De Cort acquired the farm in 2011, his goal was not to erase the past but to preserve it. He envisioned a place where farm-to-bottle distillation could capture the flavor and character of Pajottenland’s fertile soil. Two years later, that vision became reality, as the old barns and fields gave way to copper stills and fermenters that would produce some of Belgium’s most distinctive spirits.
The Philosophy of Short Circuit Production
At the heart of De Cort’s philosophy lies the idea of short circuit production, a model rooted in sustainability and self-sufficiency. Ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, often grown directly on the family’s own land. The distillery’s grains, fruits, and botanicals come from nearby farmers who share their commitment to quality and ecology. This closed-loop approach minimizes transport, reduces waste, and ensures that every bottle reflects the unique terroir of Pajottenland. The result is a range of spirits that feel grounded in place and purpose, expressing the land in both flavor and philosophy.
Precision and Patience in Every Drop
Production at De Cort Distillery remains a patient, hands-on process. Two handcrafted copper stills built by Arnold Holstein in Germany form the heart of the operation, a 500-liter still for experimental batches and a larger 5,000-liter version for full-scale production. Each distillation runs for over eight hours, using gentle steam heating to preserve the purity and aromatic integrity of the spirit. Every decision, from fermentation temperature to cut point, is made by hand. In an industry dominated by speed and volume, De Cort’s meticulous, slow approach stands as a testament to true craftsmanship.
The Spirit Range of De Cort Distillery
The distillery’s portfolio showcases remarkable creativity and diversity. Its London Dry Bio Gin, distilled entirely from organic botanicals, delivers vibrant layers of citrus, spice, and herbal depth. The Oude Pajotse Jenever, made from locally grown grains, celebrates the proud Belgian genever tradition. The Pastis Grand Cru Bio reimagines the classic anise spirit with organic finesse, while the Belgian Beer Brandy Blond, distilled from a regional Tripel beer and aged in bourbon barrels, reveals warmth and complexity rarely found in young brandies. The Belgian Vodka, produced from both grains and potatoes, is distilled to exceptional purity while retaining the subtle flavors of its raw ingredients. Seasonal editions such as the Jonagold Apple Brandy tie the spirits directly to the farm’s orchard roots, completing a circle between harvest and glass.
Partnership, Sustainability, and Shared Energy
True to its values, De Cort Distillery operates in collaboration with De Brouwerij VAN ’T Pajottenland, a nearby brewery with which it shares resources and infrastructure. Waste heat from distillation supports the brewing process, and bourbon barrels from the distillery are reused to age specialty beers. This symbiotic system exemplifies sustainable thinking in action, one craft reinforcing another, minimizing energy loss, and creating an ecosystem of mutual benefit.
Wild Site 1670: A New Chapter
In 2020, the distillery moved to a new, purpose-built site known as Wild Site 1670, located just 200 meters from the original farm. The eco-designed complex unites distillation, brewing, malting, a tasting bar, and a visitor center under one roof. Every detail reflects the De Cort family’s respect for the environment, from energy-efficient systems to reclaimed materials. Today, Wild Site 1670 has become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. Thousands visit each year to tour the facility, taste the spirits, and experience firsthand the philosophy that defines the brand.
Recognition Beyond Pajottenland
De Cort’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. The distillery has earned numerous international distinctions, including multiple gold medals at the World Spirits Trophy. Each award affirms its place among Europe’s leading craft distillers, yet the family remains humble, viewing every accolade as encouragement rather than validation. For them, the true reward lies in creating spirits that honor both nature and tradition.
A Distillery Rooted in Purpose
Sustainability, community, and hospitality form the foundation of De Cort Distillery’s identity. Every visitor is welcomed like a guest of the family, invited not only to taste but to learn, to see how integrity shapes every stage of production. In a world where authenticity is often compromised for speed, De Cort remains steadfast in its approach, careful, local, and proud of its heritage.
For the Barlist community, De Cort Distillery represents the modern face of European craft distilling: respectful of the past, ambitious for the future, and grounded in the values of sustainability, quality, and family. It is a reminder that when passion meets purpose, even the smallest farm can shape the future of fine spirits.
