OUR STORY
ONCE UPON A TIME...
THE STORY OF GIN
Let’s start with a brief reminder of the history of gin, where it all began...
Gin traces its origins back to the 17th century in the Spanish Netherlands, where it was known as "jenever." It was popularized in England after the Glorious Revolution with the arrival of William III of Orange and became iconic in the 18th century during the "Gin Craze," a period marked by high consumption and social issues.
Different variations emerged, such as the lighter London Dry Gin and the stronger Dutch jenever. Today, gin is produced and enjoyed worldwide, with a wide variety of aromas and styles.
SUMMER 2022
THE IDEA OF CREATING A GIN
How did Tcharbon, the only company producing and selling 100% Belgian charcoal, decide to create its own gin? The answer is very simple... togetherness! After a business collaboration with several breweries, Bertinchamps invited us to visit their facilities and enjoy a great moment of sharing.
On that day, we discovered that Bertinchamps Brewery also had its own distillation workshop. After a few conversations, the idea of making our own gin seemed like fun. During this first experience, one ingredient immediately caught our attention: wood bark. In addition to that, the desire to associate Tcharbon with this venture became an essential part of the project. So, we decided to add activated charcoal to our gin.
But this was just the beginning of a long process...
2022 - 2024
FINDING THE RIGHT RECIPE
Making gin is one thing. Having the right recipe is another! In addition to the essentials of gin (juniper, coriander, and angelica), we wanted to find the perfect combination.
On the advice of our friends at Bertinchamps, the base of our recipe would be fir. Over the months, no fewer than 8 different recipes were tested. After experimenting with fir buds and Canadian fir needles, we eventually returned to our Ardennes roots by using Scots pine needles, which we harvest in Manhay.
But our gin still lacked that extra kick. That’s when dried lemon peel came into play. And finally, our recipe was perfected!
FINDING A NAME
All that was left was to find a name. We started brainstorming... Tcharbon has created a gin. Tcharbon, gin... Why not call it "TCHIN"?
A name, a logo based on the Tcharbon one. Tchin is ready to be launched!
27/06/2024
LAUNCH OF THE FIRST BOTTLE OF TCHIN!
It’s official, it’s here! At the end of June 2024, Tchin is officially launched! We are overjoyed to see gin lovers discovering our creation and to have our first retail partners on board. Plus, the initial feedback is very positive!
The adventure is just beginning, but it’s already looking incredible!
2024
TCHIN IS GROWING
Over the months, Tchin is making a name for itself, and more and more customers and partners are trusting our gin. We regularly have the pleasure of introducing our creation at tastings with our various partners. We also take part in several events, such as Do You Speak Gin at the Fort of Huy and various Christmas markets.
As a result, you can now find Tchin at over 100 retail partners (breweries, restaurants, grocery stores, wine shops, liquor stores, etc.).
FEBRUARY 2025
LAUNCH OF TCHIN NON-ALCOHOLIC!
February 2025 marks a major milestone for Tchin with the launch of Tchin 0%.
Distilled with the same craftsmanship as our alcoholic version, always in collaboration with Bertinchamps, Tchin 0% offers an intense and unique tasting experience.
A 100% natural gin that contains up to four times less sugar than the market average.
A refined alternative for those who want to enjoy the flavors of Tchin, in a different way.
CONQUERING THE WORLD!
In 2025, Tchin embarks on an international adventure by participating in prestigious events like Wine Paris and Foodex in Tokyo!
Popular with Belgians, our gin now deserves to conquer the taste buds of the world. Let’s not keep it to ourselves!
TO BE CONTINUED...