Hidden in the Veluwe Village of Stroe Stands an Old Seed Kiln.

At this historic location, Staatsbosbeheer collected for years pine cones. These pine cones (cones) went into the cone sheds to be dried. The conessprang open and with the released seed was used to plant forests. This process is called kilning, and was necessary, because forests were needed.

This Was in the Early 1900s.

In various parts of the Netherlands, especially in the Veluwe and the dune region, drifting sand became a danger to the environment and coastal defense. It was necessary to quickly plant forests. Seeds were needed. For decades, the Seed Kiln operated at full capacity. The dried seeds were of high quality, and went all over the world. In the 1970s, the Rijkszaadeest closed its doors. For years, no one came no one anymore.

Until Now.

The doors are open again, the light shines in again. The craft is being revived. Pine cones are drying again, the seeds are collected, forests are planted again. Because, although for different reasons, new forests are desperately needed today.

And what about that leftover cone? It finds its destination in the bottle of this pure gin.Kegel. A local drink based on the elements of Veluwe nature. Wood-fired, on-site at the Rijkszaadeest. A new cycle begins: for every bottle of gin, again one m2 of forest land is planted.

The Circle is Complete.