Silent Pool Gin is a new version of ultra-premium quality London Dry Gin, made with 24 botanicals and local honey. Following the brand's acquisition by William Grant & Sons in the fall of 2023, the product is starting to be distributed widely in Italy.
The gin was created in 2015 by Ian McCulloch together with a group of friends with the aim of handcrafting a London Dry Gin that reflects the extraordinary natural beauty of the English rural landscape.
This desire led them to the shores of the legendary Silent Pool., a charming spring-fed lake nestled in the Surrey Hills. The lake is famous for its beautiful teal colour and its history, which dates back to the last Ice Age.
Inspired by the history and beauty of Silent Pool, Ian has transformed some old farm buildings on the Duke of Northumberland’s Albury Estate into a thriving distillery. Silent Pool Gin was born as a tribute to its place of origin, reflecting its provenance in every aspect: from the distillation of local ingredients to the design of the bottle.
The bottle’s distinctive aquamarine color recalls the lake itself, while the copper decorations with botanical motifs evoke the legends associated with the Silent Pool.
“Ten years ago we began a journey to capture the enchanting spirit of the English countryside in an ultra-premium London Dry Gin, with the intention of sharing it with the world,” says Ian McCulloch. “We are delighted to see Silent Pool Gin join the prestigious global portfolio of luxury spirits William Grant & Sons. This gives us the opportunity to introduce the complex and fascinating flavours of our gin to an international audience, along with the stories and heritage that surround it.“
Silent Pool Gin is crafted with great care, using a combination of botanicals inspired by the flowers of the village of Albury, such as lavender, chamomile, elderflower and lime. This careful selection perfectly captures the essence of Silent Pool and the picturesque Surrey Hills, with a process that combines the skill of the perfumery to create a balanced and refined flavour profile.
Silent Pool Gin's complex flavour profile is the result of a meticulous four-stage distillation process and individual, detailed attention to detail at every stage, setting it apart from other London Dry Gins.:
- The maceration: First, local herbs and spicy botanicals are macerated in a tank with neutral grain spirit and water for 24 hours, thus releasing their aromas into the liqueur.
- Plant infusion: The local floral botanicals are then macerated separately to extract the delicate floral notes, this is a key step in the creation of Silent Pool Gin.
- Steam basket: Before distillation, a basket is installed in the neck of the still, allowing the alcohol vapours to pass through the botanicals and enrich the complexity of the gin.
- Pot still: Before the distillation process begins, three more botanicals are added directly into the pot still to further enhance the flavour, along with a generous helping of local Albury honey. Sourced from the hives just behind the distillery, this honey is the key botanical that gives Silent Pool Gin its unique, rich texture. The end of this process is a blend of flavours characterised by floral aromas, dominant juniper and herbal notes, and a finish highlighted by rounded pear flavours and a subtle hint of honey.
Silent Pool Gin also relies on a meticulously restored vintage wood-fired boiler to power its unique copper still. Complementing this crucial element are custom-built stainless steel tanks sourced from Slovenia, ensuring precision and quality in every aspect of the production process.
The result is a symphony of flavors that makes it ideal for the preparation of a wide range of sophisticated cocktails. Robust and rich in nuances, the gin boasts a great depth of flavor dominated by juniper.
On the nose, Silent Pool Gin presents delicate floral notes. On the palate, juniper takes over, accompanied by lively herbal aromas. A persistent and rounded sweetness, reminiscent of pear and giving way to notes of honey.
Each batch of Silent Pool Gin It is a testament to the provenance and rigorous craftsmanship translated into a spirit that stands out in the world of gin.
