Since 1817 the Claeyssens distillery, classified as a historical monument, has been producing a well-known Genever alcohol. It is one of the last 3 distilleries of this alcohol in France.
Since 1817 the Claeyssens distillery, classified as a historical monument, has been producing a well-known Genever alcohol. It is one of the last 3 distilleries of this alcohol in France.
In 1789, the Claeyssens family left Belgium to settle in Wambrechies.
They first bought an oil mill and then turned it into a much more profitable genever distillery. The installation was completed in 1817.
As working conditions were difficult at that time, alcohol consumption increased and the distillery needed to be expanded to meet demand. Work was carried out and in 1850 and the distillery became what it is today.
The current machinery, mostly of origin, contributed in classifying the building in the Heritage Inventory in 1999.
Genever, also known as "French gin", is a typical alcohol found in northern Europe made with juniper berries. It was the favourite drink of textile workers and miners, many in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. Mixed with coffee, it formed "the bistouille." It was also a digestive much appreciated by the bourgeoisie. Its consumption dropped with the decline of the textile industries and mining, leading to the gradual closure of many distilleries in Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
In 1998 the Claeyssens distillery, whose Genever received an award at the Brussels International Exhibition in 1935, was bought by the Depasse family, who diversified its production by launching Wambrechies Whisky.
Today the distillery still produces different spirits and offers tours to discover the many stages of their manufacture. And to finish off in style, a tasting is offered at the end of the visit (in moderation of course)!
To go there:
Distillerie Claeyssens
1 rue de la Distillerie
59118 Wambrechies
Find out more.
Jessica from Comme des Français
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Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Consume in moderation.
