Delhaize Belgium Launched its Own Gin "BelGin" Made From Chicory Root

For two years, Gin, especially served as Gin & Tonic, has knowed unprecedented enthusiasm and attracts more and more fans. Faced with this comeback, Delhaize creates the event by launching the BelGin an upscale Belgian gin, with ingredients from home and an elaborate collaboration of experts: the Filliers distiller and mixologist Manuel Wouters.

A unique product in the world thanks to the surprising use of chicory root, which gives a special flavor to this premium gin. Available from November 21 in stores.

Belgian gin made from chicory root
Gin is everywhere! After years of vodka, it is the turn of the alcohol-based juniper berries to hold the top of the poster. Results are in the multiplication of references from around the world and each with its own character. Delhaize now offers its range in a wide assortment of 14 gins (including 5 exclusive and premium gins) and premium destonics. A strong tendency resulted in sales growth of over 20% for gins, including a very strong attraction for premium gins, and a growth of 15% for tonics and bitters. Faced with this enthusiasm for G & T, Delhaize launches a real innovation with its BelGin gin, complementing its range of premium gins and will be on sale from 21 November.

Creating an authentic and high quality gin that puts the spotlight on Belgian soil and its know-how, this is the challenge that was stated by Delhaize creating new gin "BelGin." In fact, the ingredients that are added to the juniper berry, the base of any gin, are original 100% Belgian and offer an original taste palette to the new gin. It contains chicory root, proposed by Manuel Wouters which gives the gin a complex flavor ranging from a smell of earth and fresh lemon sole ingredient. A first in the world of gin! It is also found in the BelGin racinede rhubarb (fresh and acidity) of lemon balm (pronounced notes of lemon), dandelion (floral and earthy accent), the angelica root (bitter-sweet taste, without dominating), elder brings fresh floral notes and finally the nettle leaf for a spicy finish.

This unique combination of Belgian spices and herbs was worked with great care by the Delhaize teams, Filliers, Manuel Wouters and gives birth to a robust and full-flavored gin from juniper berries and dried herbs. The gin with the Belgian chicory root brings an almost earthy bitterness, combined with a freshness reminiscent of young spring vegetables. All is done by discrete floral touches.

Manuel Wouters: the best way to appreciate this is to serve gin with Fentimanslight tonic and a fresh bay leaf and lemon zest.

A unique collaboration between Delhaize, Filliers and Manuel Wouters
Unique is the word that might best characterizes the new BelGin because, in addition to containing an original ingredient, chicory root, it is the result of the first collaboration of its kind in Belgium. "Given the enthusiasm for gin facing our country lately, Delhaize wanted to innovate by offering a new product with quality, originality and 100% Belgian clients" , explains Jerome Lachaert, Buying Manager for Delhaize Beverages. "To achieve such a project, we decided to surround ourselves with two gin experts: the Filliers distiller and mixologist Manuel Wouters, our cocktails ambassador".

Filliers and Manuel Wouters have emerged as essentials for the development of this product, first and foremost for their in-depth knowledge of gin but also to the relationship they have built around this eau-de-vie. Indeed, Filliers, traditionally gin producer since 1880 launched a year ago its own gin, Filliers Dry Gin 28, which was the culmination of intensive research for two years! The product quality has attracted Manuel Wouters who has therefore decided to work with the distiller to produce its own gin, Gin Spring.

Manuel Wouters, one of the most talented Belgian bartenders and whose expertise is recognized internationally, is a connoisseur of gin. Passionate about it, he pays homage everyday through serving cocktails in the bar "Sips" at Anversou in the world but also in the book "It's Gin O'Clock" that he has fully produced. Since this summer, Manuel Wouters became the new ambassador of Delhaize cocktails. It is through this shared passion between Delhaize, Manuel and Filliers that BelGin could see the day, the meeting between authenticity, creativity and expertise.

To create BelGin Manuel Wouters has worked with the master distiller Filliers Pedro Saez del Burgo, under the auspices of Delhaize. They trust Delhaize with their impressions: "Finding a delicate balance between the various ingredients of our land was exciting work and contribution of the chicory root gives a unique and amazing BelGin flavor. We are very happy with the result, a high-end gin that will appeal to both connoisseurs and beginners alike".

Product limited edition to 5000 bottles to discover only at Delhaize price 28.49 € / 70cl. Alc.41.3%.

Fentimans, the perfect ally for BelGin Gin & Tonic
In preparing the Gin & Tonic, tonic, like gin, plays an essential role in the success of the cocktail. Originally, the Gin & Tonic was invented by the English East India Company in the 18th century. Indeed, the only then known remedy against malaria was tonic water, quinine, extremely bitter drink. To hide the unpleasant taste, the English soldiers improved it by adding water and sugar and a little gin to make the drink we know today.

In line with the British tradition of this drink, Delhaize exclusively presents the Fentimans tonic water (normal and light), of the famous English brand Fentimans. Fentimans drinks are produced solely from organic ingredients natural cereals, quinine bark and crushed lemongrass and sugar cane. Its citrus taste is slightly bitter with a woody aroma characteristic of quinine, but that does not leave much metallic aftertaste. Less sweet than industrial tonics, which no longer use sugar cane, Fentimans tonic water mixes particularly well with spicier gins as BelGin. Enfin, the blend of herbal infusions and extracts of lemongrass present in tonic is particularly valued in the light version, which contains 30% fewer calories than regular Fentimans tonic, without using any artificial sweetener. Its unique freshness, the unprecedented complexity of its flavor make it a "mix" ideal to accompany BelGin.

Fentimans regular or light can be discovered exclusively at Delhaize with a special edition pack of 4 bottles of 200 ml at a price of € 6.75.

Gins and art of cocktail at Delhaize
There are now at Delhaize no less than 14 different gins including 6 exclusive and premium gins such the Bombay Saphhire East, London Dry Gin No. 3, The Botanist and the last born, the BelGin: products of superior quality and aromatically very different, that will delight connoisseurs as well as enthusiasts who want to develop their knowledge of the world of gin.

In this range you can add a range of products used by bartenders around the world: Monin syrups (exclusive): grapefruit, mojito, violet, macaron, bitter ... and even rum taste to create mocktails, fruit nectars original (guava, mango, litchi, raspberry ...) as well as high end tonics (Fentimans and Fever tree) and finally bitters.

Here is a list of currently available gins at Delhaize (price 7/11/2013)
Belgin, € 28.49 / 70 cl 41.3% alc.
Gordon's Crisp Cucumber, € 15.99 / 70 cl - 37.5% alc.
The Botanist, € 29.49 / 70 cl - 46% alc.
No. 3 London Dry Gin, € 31.99 / 70 cl 46% alc.
Bombay Sapphire East, € 24.49 / 70 cl 42% alc.
Hendrick's Gin, € 35.99 / 70 cl 41.4% alc.

Cocktails created by Manuel Wouters BelGin based
Belgin & Fentimans light: in a large balloon glass filled with ice, pour 4.5 cl BelGin and a bottle of Fentimans fresh light. Garnish with a bay leaf and lemon zest.
Belgian Pride: 3 cl BelGin, 2cl Roomer (elderflower liqueur Belgian), 2 cl fresh lemon juice 2 cl liquid cane sugar. Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lemon zest.
Spirit of gin: 2 cl BelGin, 3 cl Spirit of june, 8 cl cranberry juice. Pour all ingredients into a Collins glass filled with ice and garnish with a blackberry and a sprig of mint.