Tips
Katrien
June 8, 2025
Hiking
In 1947, Gerard Smeets built a contemporary distillery here, under the impetus of his son Louis, with equipment that was particularly modern for the time. Louis Smeets was 25 at the time: “I will always remember that period: I had only been married for fourteen days and was in the distillery every evening until two or three in the morning.” The construction of the distillery did not always go smoothly, but thanks to her persistent efforts, Smeets finally received an official permit to start distilling in 1950.
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•🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën
October 14, 2025
Hiking
The large orange brick building, "Brandewynketel," had been a distillery since the 18th century. The dilapidated buildings were renovated in 1885 and converted into a malthouse. The Smeets Jenever Distillery later became the owner. The building is a prime example of 19th-century industrial architecture.
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Routes here
Best routes to Old Smeets gin distillery
4.3
(29)
349
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Moderate
4.3
(29)
349
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Moderate
4.7
(7)
152
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Easy
Details
Informations
Elevation 130 m