Nestled in the lush, rolling hills of Pajottenland in Pepingen, Belgium, De Cort Distillery is a remarkable example of how tradition, craftsmanship, and sustainability can be blended to create exceptional spirits. Founded in 2013 by Manu De Cort and his family, the distillery operates on the grounds of a century-old farm, repurposing its rich agricultural heritage into a modern craft distillery.

The land on which De Cort Distillery now stands has a long agricultural history. Originally used for vegetable and flower farming, it later became a thriving apple and pear orchard in the 1960s. When Manu De Cort acquired the property in 2011, his vision was clear: to transform this historic farm into a small-scale, artisanal distillery that honors the land’s legacy while producing high-quality spirits from locally grown raw materials.

At the heart of De Cort’s philosophy is the concept of short circuit production—a farm-to-bottle approach that minimizes environmental impact by sourcing ingredients as locally as possible. Much of the grain, fruit, and botanicals used in production are cultivated on-site or sourced from nearby farmers. This closed-loop system allows the distillery to maintain full control over the quality of its ingredients, ensuring that every bottle reflects the unique terroir of Pajottenland.

Production at De Cort is both art and science. The distillery employs two copper stills, handcrafted in Germany by Arnold Holstein: one 500-liter still and a larger 5,000-liter version. Using steam distillation, each batch is processed slowly, often taking eight hours or more, to ensure purity, complexity, and a rich aromatic profile. This careful, hands-on approach sets De Cort apart in an industry increasingly dominated by industrial-scale production.

The distillery’s product range is impressively diverse, showcasing the family’s creativity and dedication to quality. Among its signature products is the London Dry Bio Gin, a botanically rich spirit made from organic ingredients without artificial additives. The Oude Pajotse Jenever, made from locally sourced grains, pays homage to traditional Belgian genever. Pastis Grand Cru Bio offers a refined take on the classic anise-flavored spirit. De Cort also produces a unique Belgian Beer Brandy Blond, distilled from a local Tripel beer and aged in bourbon barrels to create a smooth, complex spirit. Another standout is their Belgian Vodka, crafted both from grains and potatoes, distilled up to 96% purity while retaining subtle flavor nuances. Seasonal products like Jonagold Apple Brandy further reflect the distillery’s farm roots.

De Cort Distillery also shares its site with De Brouwerij VAN ’T Pajottenland, a brewery with which it has developed a close symbiotic relationship. Waste heat from distillation is reused to support the brewing process, while retired bourbon barrels are repurposed to age specialty beers. This creative integration reflects the team’s broader commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.

In 2020, the distillery moved operations to a new, purpose-built facility just 200 meters from its original site, now known as Wild Site 1670. This eco-designed complex includes the distillery, brewery, maltery, tasting bar, and visitor center. Wild Site 1670 has quickly become a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering guided tours, tastings, and events that attract thousands of visitors each year.

Recognition for De Cort’s craftsmanship has come from far beyond Pajottenland. The distillery has received numerous international awards, including several gold medals at the World Spirits Trophy. These accolades affirm the quality of their work and have helped establish De Cort Distillery as one of Belgium’s most respected craft spirit producers.

Sustainability, community, and hospitality are central to the De Cort experience. From eco-conscious production practices to welcoming public tours, the distillery is deeply rooted in both its environment and its local community. Visitors not only get to taste world-class spirits but also learn about the passion and precision that go into every bottle.

In a world where authenticity is increasingly rare, De Cort Distillery stands out. It is a place where tradition meets innovation, where family heritage informs every step, and where the rich land of Pajottenland is captured in every drop of spirit. Whether it’s sipping their award-winning vodka, savoring a glass of genever, or exploring their unique beer brandy, visitors leave with more than just a taste—they leave with a story.