Brussels Airlines has unveiled Heritage, a new signature Belgian aperitif created exclusively for Business Class passengers on its long-haul flights. Developed in collaboration with renowned Belgian mixologist Manuel Wouters and historic distillery Filliers, the drink celebrates Belgium’s rich culinary and distilling traditions.
The launch is part of the airline’s ongoing strategy to enhance its premium onboard experience and reinforce its distinctive “Boutique Hotel” approach to hospitality.
A Tribute to Belgian Flavours
Heritage has been crafted using ingredients closely associated with Belgium’s agricultural heritage, including Belgian apples, Pica pears and elderflower. The liqueur is produced using a Belgian grain spirit and was designed to capture the country’s distinctive flavours in a single aperitif.
The recipe took nearly ten months to perfect. Since September 2025, Manuel Wouters and Filliers developed and tested eight different versions before selecting the final blend.
According to Wouters, Heritage is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed over ice or mixed with tonic, ginger beer or even Champagne. Following its launch with Brussels Airlines, the aperitif will also be served at his own bistro and cocktail bar.
Longstanding Belgian Partnership
Manuel Wouters is one of Belgium’s best-known mixologists, founder of Antwerp cocktail bar Sips and the recently opened Mill Hill in Kasterlee. He is also the creator of several premium Belgian gins and author of multiple cocktail books.
Heritage has been produced by Filliers, the family-owned distillery founded in 1880 in Deinze, East Flanders. Brussels Airlines has partnered with Filliers for several years, with Filliers Classic Gin 28 already available in both Business Class and through the airline’s buy-on-board menu in Economy Class.
Exclusive Onboard Experience
Initially, Heritage will only be available onboard Brussels Airlines’ long-haul Business Class flights, in the airline’s lounges and at Manuel Wouters’ own establishment.
Brussels Airlines also plans to introduce a non-alcoholic version of Heritage in the future.
Further Premium Upgrades Planned
The new aperitif is part of a broader investment in customer experience. During 2026, Brussels Airlines plans to introduce Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi across its fleet, open a fully renovated lounge at Brussels Airport and continue enhancing its premium cabins following the introduction of new Premium Economy tableware earlier this year.
Looking ahead, the airline is scheduled to unveil completely redesigned cabins across its long-haul fleet in 2027, further upgrading the onboard experience for international travellers.
