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About us

Carl Van Droogenbroeck

FOUNDER - In his third year of law school, it became clear to Carl: "This is not what I want to do all my life." So he ended up in the hospitality industry - on the professional side of the bar - and discovered that that's where his passion lay: in hospitality and cocktails.

Carl decided to immerse himself in that passion and traveled to London. The Shaker Bar School laid the foundation for him to have a thorough knowledge of all things cocktail related, in addition Carl obtained Level 2 Spirits and Wines from Wine&Spirits Education Trust

The ultimate trial by fire was his start at Cocktails at Nine, the leading bar in the shadow of Antwerp Cathedral, where he rose to manager in 2011. Two years later, Carl won World Class Belgium and was able to participate in the World Class Global Finals. A unique experience.

Passing on knowledge and experience became a new challenge for him. The creation of Nine-X, which organized the first WSET level 2 course in Belgium with Carl as a teacher, was a great lead-up to a new professional turn. Diageo Reserve engaged him as Brand Ambassador in 2014. In addition to being responsible for the luxury portfolio and the training and consultancy of partners, Carl was also given responsibility for the organization of World Class Belgium. This included guiding and coaching the winners during World Class Global Finals: in 2014 he did so together with Hannah Van Ongevalle, in 2015 with Jurgen Nobels and in 2016 with Dries Botty.

In 2017, a new opportunity came his way. CCEP Premium Spirits entrusted him with the task of Brand Ambassador for their single malt portfolio: the top brands The Macallan, Highland Park and The Glenrothes. Providing training and consultancy to the partners was daily business for Carl, along with Master Classes Whisky, tastings and dinners. Not only an excellent opportunity to pass on knowledge, but also the ideal environment to further refine his hospitality skills. This now results in the training he provides to up-and-coming talents at the School for Butlers & Hospitality.

Cocktails are and remain the common thread and it now continues in his life as a partner of Craftails. With all the experience and know-how they have gained over the past years, he is ready, together with Yannick, Sofian and Naushad, to turn the world of cocktails pretty much upside down!

Interested in our cocktails?