In the heart of Belgium’s rolling Hesbaye region, better known for golden barley fields than bold spirits, something extraordinary has taken flight — quite literally. Belgian Owl, the country’s flagship whisky distillery, has just earned a remarkable accolade: its special release « Golden Diamond » has been ranked 5th best whisky in the world in the 2023 edition of the whisky world’s most respected guide. For founder and master distiller Etienne Bouillon, this isn’t just a win — it’s a validation of a vision rooted in soil, tradition, and quiet defiance.
Long before Belgian Owl gained global prestige, the idea of Belgian whisky seemed nearly implausible. Whisky was the domain of Scotland, Ireland, and, increasingly, Japan and the U.S. But Etienne Bouillon had a different perspective. In 2004, he saw promise in the limestone-rich terroir of Hesbaye, a region known more for wheat and sugar beet than spirits. With passion, patience, and a fierce commitment to local sourcing, he founded Belgian Owl and began distilling whisky using only barley grown within a few kilometers of the distillery.
What sets Belgian Owl apart is its radical transparency and hyper-local approach. Everything — from the field to the still — is meticulously managed. The distillery uses spring water from a nearby natural reserve and operates a traditional, low-intervention production process. And perhaps most significantly, it matures its whisky in first-fill American oak casks, which impart a rich vanilla and honeyed complexity to the spirit — a nod to both tradition and innovation.
Over the years, Belgian Owl quietly accumulated awards. But 2023’s recognition, with « Golden Diamond » entering the global top 5, marks a new chapter. It’s the distillery’s first-ever special edition, and it reflects Etienne Bouillon’s lifelong dedication to his craft. Created from a selection of standout barrels, « Golden Diamond » is not only a symbol of excellence — it’s a declaration: Belgian whisky has arrived.
The joy within the Belgian Owl team is palpable — and deeply deserved. For a small distillery nestled between farms and forests, this achievement brings global eyes to a quiet corner of Europe where tradition, terroir, and tenacity meet.
So next time you raise a glass of whisky, consider reaching for a dram from Hesbaye. With each sip of Belgian Owl, you’re not just tasting an award-winning spirit — you’re experiencing the essence of Belgian soil, and the dream of a master distiller who dared to soar. Let it inspire you to explore this rising star of the whisky world.
