OUR STORY

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Great-grandfather Driek Cuyvers, “Den Driek,” was a well-known hitchhiker at the Zonhoven mine. During the occupation, illegally distilling gin was a welcome side income for the large family.

Grandfather Anthony was a coppersmith supplier for many boilers in the region. He was fined by the German occupation forces just before liberation for illegally owning and using a boiler. Grandfather Antoon quit after the war, and for father John Cuyvers, firing is a childhood memory.

But, distilling is in the genes and Thomas Cuyvers took over the craft!

YEAST SPECIALIST

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

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

TAXANDRIA ELIXIRS AND DISTILLATES

With the brand name “Taxandria Elixirs and Distillates,” referring to the name the Romans gave to our Kempen region, local fame was gained.

The elixirs were followed by the distillation of gin and gin.

DISTILLING FOR THIRD PARTIES

When the gin hype erupted, third-party requests came in to help them create their own recipes.

Surprising challenges and flavor combinations came, of which pumpkin seeds, onion, turnip or sansho pepper are just a few examples. By continuing to experiment, Thomas increased his expertise and knowledge as a distiller and became a master of his craft.

CONTRACT DISTILLING

Brewers of the "LowLands', Belgium and the Netherlands,  have a strong reputation for quality beers and spirits. The specific recipes create beers with a unique character. Together, these low alcohol products were converted to a spirit.

We guided the choice of distillation curve, with the respect for the earth and the love and pride of the brewer and winemaker. With this, we chose more or less fruity aromas in the prelude and the strength of the aftertaste. The products usually matured in oak barrels until the moment the desired flavor was formed. These rest in our distillery, or possibly at the customer’s premises.

THE STAR BRAND

In the spring of 2017, “Taxandria Elixirs and Distillates” changed to Sterkstokers Distilleries. With the Thomas Gin No. 21 and both Cameo Vermouths also came new classics

The Thomas Gin No. 21 receives rave reviews from professionals and enthusiasts alike, due to its powerful yet pleasant flavor character.

The Cameo vermouths, both culinary-level, prove the company’s versatility. In late 2017, Thomas reached back to the basic ingredients of the Elixir Suzette and reformed it into the Antwerp Elixirke, a liqueur with a young, fresh character and low alcohol content.

PRIVATE LABEL

Further growth came by working with the hospitality industry and businesses to create their own private label spirits. The value of the restaurant or business translated into a unique product!

A specialist in manufacturing Private Label drinks, Sterkstokers moved to a modern industrial building in the Veilingstraat in Hoogstraten in the spring of 2017.

CRAFT & SPECIALIZATION

Curious as we are, we like nothing better than to experiment. On the advice of international colleagues, we made our first barrel of whiskey in 2013. A barrel that will not be bottled or sold. Perhaps as a visitor you will have the privilege of tasting these in the distillery!

Sterkstokers is the specialist in creating artisanal unique gin, gin, elixir, vermouth, vodka and whiskey of top quality.

THE YEAR 2000

And just as we embarked on our investment, the global pandemic hit. We weren't immune to the economic impact either. However, we quickly found a way to assist the medical community by addressing shortages of disinfectant alcohol. Initially, we used our existing stock. Later, we collaborated with brewers who provided their beers, from which we extracted the alcohol. They had larger fermentation capacity, and we could distill efficiently. It was a challenging time, but it had a silver lining: afterward, we aged the distilled beer in barrels and discovered beer brandy, a spirit with a profile that lies between aged gin and whisky.

P.S.: We still have hand sanitizer alcohol in stock.

OUR NEW DISTILLERY

After years of working at our premises in Hoogstraten, we took the plunge in early 2020. We began construction of our new distillery. (Covid year)

In November 2020, we moved locations!

Next to the canal in Sint-Lenaarts, we are now happy to welcome our visitors.

EXPORT

Proudly we look back, ambitiously we look forward! We recently moved to a new branch, three times the size so with plenty of room for growth!

Our mastery, personality and passion drives us to keep innovating and improving. We like to challenge ourselves!

The first steps toward export have been taken. Foreign clients book a weekend in Antwerp and come here to develop their recipe and then import their own bottles. Thus, we combine our traditional craftsmanship with our own local requirements.

Local Happiness

BOEREMELK LIQUOR

That's how you recognize the moment when everything comes together perfectly. Drawing from my experience as a product developer in the bakery and patisserie world, my background in sales and marketing, and my wife’s deep connection to agriculture as a farmer’s daughter with a love for milk liqueur, we felt inspired to create something special. The result is a unique liqueur made from real milk. And it's so delicious—a true treat.