Brussels Airlines serves up exclusive Belgian aperitif in Business Class
Created with renowned mixologist Manuel Wouters and distillery Filliers, Heritage showcases Belgian apples, pears and elderflower as part of the airline’s boutique onboard experience
Brussels Airlines has teamed up with Belgian mixologist Manuel Wouters and distillery Filliers to create “Heritage," a signature aperitif that is now exclusively available on long-haul Business Class flights. Heritage pays homage to Belgium’s emblematic flavors: elderflower, apple and pear. This signature drink underscores the unique “Boutique Hotel” approach Brussels Airlines offers its passengers.
Wouters is one of Belgium’s most renowned mixologists. He founded Sips, one of Antwerp’s leading cocktail bars, and recently opened Mill Hill in Kasterlee, also in the province of Antwerp. He hosts a TV show, has authored several cocktail books and has developed his own range of premium Belgian gins.
Filliers is a Belgian distillery based in Deinze (East Flanders) founded in 1880. For six generations, the Filliers family has crafted high-quality spirits while continuing its long-standing tradition of distilling excellence. Brussels Airlines and Filliers have been long-time partners. Filliers Classic Gin 28 is available both in Business Class and through the buy-on-board menu in Economy Class.
Now, Wouters and Filliers have teamed up to create a signature aperitif built around one clear ambition: to create a flavor that reflects Belgium. Ingredients were deliberately chosen for the close connection to Belgian fruit growing and distilling traditions. Belgian apples, Pica pears and elderflower form the foundation of the liqueur, complemented by a grain spirit of Belgian origin.
The development of Heritage took nearly 10 months, according to the July 13 press release. Since September 2025, Wouters and Filliers worked together to perfect the recipe. In total, eight different recipes were developed and tasted before the final blend was selected.
“In general, I am not a fan of pre-mixed cocktails. I agreed to work on this project with Brussels Airlines, but I was only willing to launch a product once I was 100 percent satisfied with the result. It took me months to find the perfect recipe, and I am very happy with the outcome. We created a highly versatile drink that can be enjoyed on the rocks or mixed with tonic, ginger beer or even Champagne. I am so excited about Heritage that I have decided to add it to the menu at my own bistro and bar as well," said Wouters.
“Heritage is another way of showcasing our Belgitude. All ingredients are sourced in Belgium, Heritage is distilled in Belgium and it is exclusively available onboard Brussels Airlines flights, in our lounges or at Manuel’s own bar. We are confident that our passengers will enjoy this aperitif and that Heritage will help set the tone for an exceptional inflight experience," said Steven Descamps, Inflight Product Manager, Brussels Airlines.
Over time, Brussels Airlines aims to expand the Heritage range with a non-alcoholic alternative.
Investments in passenger experience
Brussels Airlines is making significant investments to further enhance its passenger experience. In 2026, the airline will introduce Starlink Wi-Fi and open a fully renovated lounge at Brussels Airport. Earlier this year, introduced new tableware in Premium Economy.
In 2027, Brussels Airlines will introduce brand-new cabins across its long-haul fleet, further improving the passenger experience.
