During World War I, Charles Rubbens distilled fine Flemish ‘gin’ in his famous distillery. This exceptional drink was made only with the excellent grains. Its distinctive flavour was the result of a refined balance of selected spices revealed to him by a British soldier. The recipe is still kept secret by the Rubbens family and its descendants, master distillers. This gin, now called ‘Poppies Gin’ in tribute to the warriors, was a favourite refreshment for British soldiers and their officers behind the front lines. It gave them strength and courage, and let them forget for a moment the hard and cruel war