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Maredsous Distillery-Herbalist Workshop, where plants become elixirs

At the heart of the abbey, the Maredsous Distillery-Herbalist Workshop opens a discreet door to a rare universe where medicinal plants meet artisanal spirits. Here, time seems to slow down. Every gesture is precise, every raw ingredient respected, and each creation tells a story shaped by monastic tradition, curiosity and innovation. From the very first moments, the experience engages both the senses and the mind.

A reinvented monastic craft, unique in Belgium

The distillation takes place on site, within an exceptional monastic setting. This singular alliance between herbalism and artisanal distillation defines the identity of the place. Carefully selected botanicals are worked with patience and precision, respecting traditional recipes and delicate balances.

Visitors discover an authentic world far removed from industrial production. Many are surprised by its depth. Here, ancestral know-how is not frozen in time — it is reimagined, giving rise to refined organic spirits where every note has a purpose.

An immersive visit guided by the senses

The guided visit is a true sensory immersion. As the herbal cabinets open, aromas fill the space: dried plants, botanical macerations, warm honey and subtle spices. The colours also capture attention — the copper of the stills, the deep green of the botanicals, and the golden amber of the elixirs slowly maturing.

Visitors listen to the stories, observe the gestures and discover the distillation process step by step. Each explanation connects the plant to the final spirit, revealing the complexity and elegance of this craft. The place feels alive, breathing with history, giving the impression of stepping into a monks’ laboratory — simple, authentic and deeply inspiring.

Creations rich in history and emotion

One of the highlights of the visit is the discovery of the Elixir of the Monks. Inspired by an ancient recipe found in the abbey’s archives, it was refined over months before reaching its current balance. The creation perfectly embodies the spirit of the place: respect for the past combined with a modern vision.

Many anecdotes illustrate the evocative power of these spirits. One visitor, eyes closed, recognised the herbs from his own garden in the notes of the Gin Aequatis. On another day, the monks themselves stopped by to greet visitors, reminding everyone that this place remains rooted in a living, human story.

The tasting: a suspended moment

The experience concludes with the tasting, often described as the wow moment. Flavours unfold with elegance, revealing refined and balanced spirits where nothing dominates unnecessarily. Visitors taste slowly, exchange impressions and marvel at the complexity.

It is more than a tasting — it becomes a connection to the place, its plants and its craftsmanship. The feeling is calm, almost meditative. Many leave with the sense of having experienced a moment outside of time, warm and sincere, where the magic of plants meets the art of distillation.

The Maredsous Distillery-Herbalist Workshop is an ideal experience for those who appreciate local craftsmanship, places rich in history and deeply sensory discoveries.

Opening times

The herbal distillery is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on public holidays, and during school holidays (Wallonia/Brussels) - except on Mondays and Tuesdays - with guided tours at 11.30 and 15.00. Meet at the visitor centre at Maredsous Abbey (St-Joseph) for the start of the tour.

Price

Adults: €12.50 • Children aged 14 to 17 inclusive: €5 • Free for children under 14

Guided tour

Guided tours in French or English.

Tour length

1 hour and 15 mins with tasting

Group

Price • For groups of fewer than 25 people: flat rate of €150 + €5.50 per person for tasting seven spirits. • For groups of more than 25 people: €10.50 per person. • For those who do not wish to consume alcohol, we also offer botanical infusions.

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