OUR STORY

Grandfather Driek Cuyvers, ‘Den Driek’, was a well-known lift man in the Zonhoven mine. During the occupation, illegally distilling jenever was a welcome source of income for the large family.

Grandfather Antoon was a copper-smith supplier for many distilling boilers in the region. Just before the liberation, he was fined by the German occupier for the illegal possession and use of a distilling boiler.

Grandfather Antoon stopped after the war, and for father John Cuyvers, distilling is a childhood memory. But, distilling is in the genes, and Thomas Cuyvers took over the craft!

Thomas started experimenting. As a specialist in yeast for the bakery, it was a challenge to experiment with the same yeast for fermentation of beer, wine and distillation. After all, it is the same wheat that gives the taste to delicious bread or spirits!

The first products were mainly liqueurs and elixirs, inspired by classic desserts such as Suzette, frangipane and honeycake. After family, friends and acquaintances, there was soon a modest demand for more. In 2011, everything was put in place for official sales! 

The brand name ‘Taxandria Elixirs en Distillaten’, referring to the name that the Romans gave to our Kempen region, gained local fame.

After the elixirs followed the distilling of jenever and gin. 

When the gin hype broke loose, we were asked by third parties to help them create their own recipes.

There were surprising challenges and flavour combinations, of which pumpkin seeds, onion, turnip and sansho pepper are just a few examples. By continuing to experiment, Thomas increased his expertise and knowledge as a distiller and became a master in his profession. 

Brewers in the Low Countries have a strong reputation for high-quality beers and wines. The specific recipes produce beers with a unique character.

Together, these low-alcohol products have been converted into spirits. We guide the choice of the distillation curve, with respect for the earth and the love and pride of the brewer and vintner. With this, we opt for more or less fruity aromas with the first fraction and fullness with the last fraction. The products are usually matured in oak barrels until the desired flavour is achieved. These age in our distillery, or possibly with the customer.

In the spring of 2017, ‘Taxandria Elixirs and Distillates’ became Sterkstokers Distilleries. With the Thomas Gin no. 21 and both Cameo Vermouths, the new classics also arrived. Thomas Gin no. 21 earns praise from both professionals and enthusiasts, due to its powerful but pleasant flavour profile.

The Cameo vermouths, both of culinary level, prove the versatility of the company. At the end of 2017, Thomas adjusted the basic ingredients of the Elixir Suzette and reformed it into the Antwerps Elixirke, a liqueur with a young, fresh character and low alcohol percentage.

Further growth came through the creation of private label spirits together with restaurants and companies. The value of the restaurant or company translated into a unique product!

As a specialist in the production of Private Label beverages, Sterkstokers moved to a modern industrial building in the Veilingstraat in Hoogstraten in the spring of 2017. 

Curious as we are, we love nothing more than experimenting. On the advice of international colleagues, we made our first barrel of whisky in 2013. A barrel that will not be bottled or sold.

Perhaps as a visitor you will have the privilege of tasting it in the distillery! Sterkstokers is the specialist in creating artisanal, unique gin, gin, elixir, vermouth, vodka and high-quality whisky.

We look back proudly; we look ahead ambitiously! Soon we will move to a new location, three times the size, so with plenty of space for growth! Our mastery, personality and passion drive us to continue to innovate and improve. We like to challenge ourselves!

The first steps to export have been taken. Foreign customers book a weekend in Antwerp and come here to develop their recipe and then import their own bottles. That is how we combine our traditional craftsmanship with the customer’s own local wishes.

Local Happiness

After years of working in our premises in Hoogstraten, we took the plunge a few months ago.

We started building our new distillery. In the week of November 2, 2020, we relocated! Moving everything is a complex process.

We are convinced that we can create fantastic new beverages In this unique new location on the waterfront in Sint-Lenaerts.