Major Belgian distillery in financial turmoil: will it have to shut its doors for good?

Worldwide, whisky sales have dipped somewhat in recent times. As a result, some distilleries, both small and large, are finding it tough. In Belgium, a major distillery has run into trouble: Belgian Owl in Fexhe-le-Haut-Clocher has officially entered liquidation.

The news about the Belgian distillery appears on the Belgian website Sudinfo, which reports that the distillery is 'officially facing financial difficulties'. The distillery has halted operations or must restructure them under the supervision of a court-appointed administrator.

The Belgian Owl case is being handled by administrator François Ancion. He has been tasked with assessing the whisky maker’s financial position and finding new investors.

According to Ancion, liquidation doesn’t have to be the end of the story. He still sees potential for a relaunch—but only if the right investors step forward.

A takeover is being explored as one of the options. Ancion stresses that it’s important the current operations can continue. Another possibility is a completely new structure for the distillery, though details have not been disclosed.

Belgian Owl is one of Belgium’s best-known distilleries. In 2023, the whisky maker was ranked among the best in the world—thanks in part to locally grown barley and the distillery’s meticulous approach.

The business model behind that success has apparently been under strain for some time, though the exact reasons remain unclear. Rising costs and tough market conditions are being cited as likely culprits.

Whether Belgian Owl will close for good or find a way to restart remains to be seen.

Other whisky producers around the world are also facing headwinds. For instance, Ireland’s Teeling recently reported a sharp drop in profits—down 91 percent year over year.

Whisky Monkeys has reached out to Belgian Owl for comment.