NOSE, SAMPLE, TASTE, AND ADMIRE
The artisan base distillate is distilled in an authentic 19th century steam powered installation, which provides a full and intense flavour. The fermentation in open vessels adds a unique character to this gin. The well-balanced use of several carefully selected herbs and spices, in perfect harmony with different types of citrus, result in specific aroma and flavour characteristics. Linden blossom, cornflower, and quince are harvested on the farm. Coriander seed, cardamom, and a mixture of peppers, complete the palate.
Steam Gin is a supple gin, which combines different flavour sensations, topped off with a delicious, long, and subtle aftertaste.
Our Story
The distinctive flavour and refinement of Steam Gin are the result of a unique collaboration between Small Distillery and the Van Damme (Balegem) and VdS (Aalst) distilleries. Passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship transform the grain into a sensational and full flavoured gin in the bottle.
World Gin Awards
At the prestigious World Gin Awards 2019 held in London, Steam Gin was awarded the title of Best Belgian Contemporary Gin by a panel of over 100 gin professionals. As category winner, Steam Gin triumphed over one gold, one silver and three bronze winners. The jury praised the ‘big initial
aroma of orange zest citrus’ and its ‘nice texture’. With this award, Steam Gin is now one of the 27 best contemporary-style gins in the world.
International Wine and Spirit Competition
Steam Gin was awarded a gold medal in the IWSC International Wine and Spirit Competition 2019 with a score of 95 points. The IWSC is one of the oldest international competitions in the world and just celebrated its 50 th anniversary. The jury of professional judges names Steam Gin ‘bright, vibrant, and exciting’ and praised its great complexity and intensity. With this score, the IWSC places Steam Gin among the 32 best gins in the world and only awarded one gin a higher score.
SMALL DISTILLERY AND TASTEFUL PASSION
The story starts with Small Distillery and its founders, Lu Putteman and Kurt De Smet. They can both boast lengthy experience in the hospitality industry, and in the organisation of different sorts of tastings. Because of their strong interest in flavours, tasting, and improving recipes, they came up with the perfect gin and tonic combinations for over one hundred different gins. Their experiments with artisan produced extracts and macerations of fruits, herbs, and spices eventually resulted in the creation of Steam Gin.
DISTILLERY VAN DAMME, A CASK FULL OF AUTHENTICITY
The base distillate which forms the heart of Steam Gin is distilled in the Van Damme distillery in Balegem, the only remaining farm distillery in Flanders. The grain is grown, milled, fermented, and distilled into alcohol on the farm. The original distillation installation dates from 1862 and is powered by a coal-fuelled steam engine. Van Damme is one of the last “hot farm distillers”. The use of artisanal 19th century distillation methods guarantees the authentic character and full flavour of Steam Gin.
DISTILLERY VAN DER SCHUEREN AND PASSIONATE CRAFTSMANSHIP
Distillery VdS was founded in 1928 in Aalst and has since specialised in the artisan distillation and production of liqueurs. At VdS, they are proud of their traditional and artisanal production methods. VdS produces liqueurs on a small scale, with close attention to quality. It is here that Steam Gin is finally blended and bottled.
Recipes
STEAM GIN & SCHWEPPES PREMIUM MIXER ORIGINAL TONIC
STEAM + ORANGE ZEST
Sweet and smooth, with a full flavour and hints of spice. The most accessible Steam Gin & Tonic.
STEAM + LEMON ZEST
Very fresh, with a powerful zip of citrus. A refreshing Steam Gin.
STEAM + LIME ZEST
Exotic and fresh, but supple and mild. Steam Gin with an exotic freshness.
STEAM + PINK GRAPEFRUIT ZEST
Smooth, with delicious bitters. Steam Gin with a full and velvety body.
STEAM GIN & SCHWEPPES HIBISCUS TONIC
STEAM + PINK POMELO WHEEL
Subtle bitters. Steam Gin, smooth, floral, and fruity.
STEAM GIN & SCHWEPPES GINGER ALE TONIC
STEAM + LIME WHEEL
Smooth and sweet. Steam Gin served subtle and sweet.