The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Belgium
Belgium is world-famous for its beers, chocolate, and waffles — but in recent decades, it has also become a strong name in the global gin renaissance. In fact, Belgium has one of the highest per-capita gin consumptions in Europe and is home to a vibrant craft gin scene. Distillers here combine traditional methods with bold creativity, often using local botanicals such as hops, chicory, elderflower, chocolate, and even Belgian beer yeast. Alongside gin, Belgian tonic brands have also gained recognition, making the country a hot spot for gin & tonic culture.
A Short History of Gin in Belgium
Belgium shares deep historical ties with the Netherlands, the birthplace of jenever. In fact, both nations lay claim to jenever’s invention, and Belgium’s distillers have produced it for centuries. But while jenever remained the traditional spirit, modern gin began gaining popularity in the late 20th century, influenced by British and Spanish trends. By the 2010s, Belgium was firmly established as one of Europe’s gin powerhouses, producing both traditional and highly experimental gins.
Famous Belgian Gin Brands
1. Copperhead Gin – The Alchemist’s Gin
Distillery: The Alchemist’s Gin, Belgium
Founded: 2013
Copperhead is one of Belgium’s most iconic gin brands, instantly recognizable for its copper-colored apothecary-style bottle.
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Botanicals: Juniper, cardamom, angelica, orange peel, and coriander.
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Variants:
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Copperhead Original – Smooth and balanced.
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Copperhead Black Batch – Enriched with elderberry and black tea.
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Copperhead Gibson Edition – Created in collaboration with top bartenders.
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Reputation: A luxury gin with strong branding, exported globally.
2. Filliers Dry Gin 28 – The Heritage Classic
Distillery: Filliers Distillery, Deinze (Flanders)
Founded: 1880s (jenever producer; gin line launched later)
Filliers is one of Belgium’s oldest distilleries, famous for its jenever and now for its premium gin.
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Botanicals: 28 ingredients including hops, lavender, citrus, and Belgian roots.
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Variants:
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Filliers Dry Gin 28 – Traditional London Dry style.
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Filliers Barrel-Aged – Aged in oak for added depth.
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Filliers Sloe Gin – Fruit-forward with Belgian berries.
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Reputation: Considered a cornerstone of Belgian gin-making tradition.
3. Blind Tiger Gin – The Bold Innovator
Distillery: Deluxe Distillery, Belgium
Founded: 2013
Blind Tiger is known for its rebellious branding and bold flavor profile.
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Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, ginger, liquorice root, and bitter orange.
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Variants:
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Piper Cubeba – Spicy and peppery.
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Imperial Secrets – Infused with black tea.
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Reputation: Highly popular in Belgian cocktail bars, admired for its strength and complexity.
4. Forest Dry Gin – The Seasonal Spirit
Distillery: Forest Spirits, Antwerp
Founded: 2013
Forest Gin was developed by Belgian sommelier Jurgen Lijcops, reflecting his deep knowledge of flavors.
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Variants: Four seasonal gins — Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter — each with different botanicals.
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Style: Designed for pairing with food and cocktails.
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Reputation: Known as the “sommelier’s gin,” refined and gastronomic.
5. Ginderella – The Organic Rebel
Distillery: De Moor Distillery, Aalst
Founded: 2014
Ginderella is a 100% organic Belgian gin made with wild herbs.
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Botanicals: Juniper, angelica, hops, and unusual local herbs.
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Reputation: Popular among eco-conscious consumers; artisanal and small-batch.
6. Belgian Owl Gin – From Whisky to Gin
Distillery: Belgian Owl, known for whisky production
Profile: Uses malt spirit from whisky-making, blended with juniper and herbs.
Unique Touch: Brings whisky depth into gin, appealing to crossover drinkers.
Famous Belgian Tonic Water Brands
1. Fitch & Leedes (Belgium distribution)
Though originally South African, Fitch & Leedes has become very popular in Belgium thanks to premium imports.
2. Tonic by Erasmus Bond – Belgian Craft Tonic
A premium Belgian tonic brand named after the pharmacist Erasmus Bond, who was one of the first to commercialize tonic water in the 19th century.
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Variants: Classic Dry, Botanical, and Light.
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Reputation: Popular pairing with Copperhead and Blind Tiger.
3. Schweppes Premium Mixer (Spanish-Belgian Market)
The Schweppes Premium line is widespread in Belgium, with flavors like Hibiscus, Pink Pepper, and Ginger & Cardamom.
4. Fever-Tree & Fentimans (Imports)
International tonics like Fever-Tree and Fentimans are staples in Belgian gin bars, especially for pairing with Filliers or Forest Dry Gin.
Belgium’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
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Consumption: Belgium is one of Europe’s highest gin-consuming nations per capita.
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Serving Style: Inspired by Spanish gin-tonic culture, balloon glasses filled with botanicals and garnishes are the norm.
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Garnishes: Citrus zest, rosemary, thyme, chocolate shavings, and even hops reflect Belgium’s culinary creativity.
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Events: Gin festivals are common, with Antwerp, Brussels, and Ghent hosting annual gin celebrations.
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Crossover Culture: Belgian gin often incorporates beer and chocolate influences, linking gin to the country’s iconic products.
Conclusion
Belgium has become a true gin powerhouse in Europe. With heritage brands like Filliers, luxury icons like Copperhead, bold innovators like Blind Tiger, and eco-conscious craft spirits like Ginderella, the Belgian gin scene is diverse and dynamic. Paired with premium tonics such as Erasmus Bond or international leaders like Fever-Tree, Belgian gin & tonics embody creativity, heritage, and culinary passion.
For gin lovers, Belgium is not only about beer and chocolate — it’s also about discovering world-class gins in a glass of tonic, garnished with the flavors of the Low Countries.
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