Crafting my own gin: a journey with Kindred Spirits

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending an inspiring workshop hosted by Kindred Spirits, an exciting new company linked to the Proef! test labs in Ghent. The experience offered a hands-on opportunity to create my very own gin recipe, which was nothing short of fascinating.

The process began with a neutral spirit as our base. From there, we had the chance to enhance it with essences and distillates of carefully sourced botanicals—including herbs, spices, and fruits. Each botanical essence was sourced using the optimal method to extract its purest flavour. In this CSI-style laboratory, we had access to cutting-edge technology, ranging from classic distillation equipment to state-of-the-art devices powered by innovative techniques.

What sets Kindred Spirits apart is their unique approach to crafting bespoke gin. Combining traditional methods with advanced AI and sensor data ensures each recipe achieves a perfect balance of flavour and aroma.

After a brief yet informative introduction to the basics of gin-making, we dove right into experimenting with the lab equipment. Sampling the base botanicals was an eye-opener—it gave us a sensory foundation to build upon. 

Using microliter quantities of botanical essences, we experimented with blending them into the gin base, closely observing how each addition evolved the aroma and flavour profile. While sampling and tasting, some math was required to keep track of our recipes, which added a fun and intellectual challenge to the process. Once satisfied with our creations, we recalculated the recipe proportions and prepared our own personalised bottles of gin.

So, what did I create?
I proudly call it my very own St. Nicholas Gin. It’s a festive, well-balanced blend that received high praise from Maxime Willems, head of the lab, who described it as “tasty and very well-balanced.”

This workshop was not just a lesson in gin-making but a testament to how technology and creativity can come together to craft something truly personal and extraordinary. If you’re a gin enthusiast or just curious about the art of distillation and blending, I highly recommend exploring what Kindred Spirits has to offer.

St-Nicholas Gin
by Double Strainger

500 ml Gin-base
5 ml Juniper 4140
2 ml Mandarin
1 ml Coriander
0,5 ml Angelica root
0,5 ml Cassia bark
0,5 ml All Spice

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

Langlois Crémant de Loire foodpairing dinner

It’s no secret that most people like a good glass of sparkling wine. My favourites? Prosecco and Crémant often top the list—they’re versatile, delightful, and work perfectly in a variety of cocktail recipes. With the holiday season just around the corner, I suspect many sparkling moments ahead as festive bottles are uncorked.

So, when I received an exclusive invitation to a press-only culinary dinner featuring the exceptional Langlois Crémant de Loire sparkling wines, I couldn’t resist. Hosted at the private dining venue of Bistrot De Pottenbrug in Antwerp—just steps away from one of the country’s top cocktail bars—it promised to be a truly memorable evening. While the allure of the cocktail bar was strong, I stayed focused on the main event.

The highlight of the evening was the debut of Langlois' first organic Crémant de Loire Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut. This sparkling masterpiece represents a culmination of meticulous craftsmanship: handpicked grapes, transported in small boxes to preserve quality, gently pressed at 200 kg/100 litres mere hours after harvest, and aged over three years in historic cellars—far exceeding the standard 12-month requirement.

We had the privilege of tasting the Langlois Blanc de Blancs Bio 2020 Extra Brut, a vintage destined to leave its mark. Crafted from Chenin and Chardonnay grapes, its journey began with an unusually early harvest due to a warm, dry summer. 

The result? Wine of extraordinary balance, with a crisp freshness and beautifully expressive fruity aromas that reflect its perfect ripeness.

As I sipped and savoured, I couldn’t help but imagine how this sparkling gem could elevate our upcoming holiday dinners. The evening’s menu, designed to showcase the Crémant’s versatility, offered endless inspiration for festive meals at home.

So this holiday season, why not let a bottle of Langlois Crémant de Loire add a touch of elegance to your celebrations? Cheers to unforgettable moments and sparkling flavours!

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.