The arrival of the Queen's cousin at Silent Pool Distillery was announced by blasts on the old steam whistle traditionally sounded on the day when gin is made. The Duke of Kent, accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More Molyneux, was given a guided tour of the still house and a chance to try some of the company's hand-crafted spirits.
Distiller Tom Hutchings took his guests through the three stages of distilling, showing them the copper cauldron and swirling pipework and explaining the significance of the different fruits and botanicals that go into Silent Pool Gin.
“The Duke asked about the different junipers,” said Tom, “He seemed very interested in all the botanicals.”
Co-founders of the distillery, James Shelbourne and Ian McCulloch, explained how the company was set up from scratch just over a year ago and is now winning international awards. The Duke heard how the gin is rolling out across the UK and exporting to Europe. Soon, it will be available in the USA.
He was also told about the under-wraps project to create a limited run Rose Gin to commemorate the Queens 90th birthday, which will be available within the next few weeks and in time for World Gin Day on the 11th June, coinciding with the Queen's official birthday.
After chatting with guests including the design teams who created the Silent Pool brand and distinctive teal and bronze Silent Pool Gin bottle, the Duke unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit.
He was presented with a bottle of Gold Award winning Quince Eau de Vie, Silent Pool Gin and Albury Limited Release Vodka.
Guests were also able to inspect the restoration work being carried out on the pool by the distillery. A special membrane has been laid to suppress the spread of invasive Australian stone crop weed.
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Tags: Duke of Kent
Royal visit
Silent Pool gin
