Elixir d'Anvers' Emile de Beukelaer Turns 100: 'I Still Regularly Drink an Elixir'

Emile de Beukelaer, the man synonymous with the iconic Belgian herbal liqueur Elixir d'Anvers, celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by friends, family, and former colleagues at the De Beukelaer distillery in Antwerp. The company, though now owned by the Nolet family since 2008, maintains the original recipe and production methods.

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I still regularly drink a little elixir. It's a very tasty digestif. It's the reason I'm still alive.

Elixir d'Anvers holds the distinction of being Belgium's oldest registered brand, first introduced in 1863 by François-Xavier de Beukelaer, Emile's great-grandfather. Initially conceived by a trainee pharmacist, it was marketed not as medicine but as a delightful beverage, quickly capturing the public's imagination with its distinctive octagonal bottle and elegant label.

Now a centenarian, Emile de Beukelaer shared his secrets to a long life, attributing it to his wife's optimism and a cautious approach to medication. "People take too many medicines these days, I think," he remarked. His most cherished remedy, however, remains his own creation. "I still regularly drink a little elixir. It's a very tasty digestif. It's the reason I'm still alive," he stated.

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People take too many medicines these days, I think.

The Nolet family, who have been distilling spirits since 1691, took over the distillery in 2008, ensuring the preservation of the Elixir d'Anvers' heritage. Carl-Ivan Nolet, the current manager and 11th generation distiller, emphasized their commitment to tradition. "We make Elixir d'Anvers exactly as we did 163 years ago. We use the same stills and the same barrels as before," he assured, highlighting that the production process has remained unchanged since the acquisition.

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We make Elixir d'Anvers exactly as we did 163 years ago. We use the same stills and the same barrels as before.