We Tried the Gin with a Special ‘Connection’ to the Royal Family (Exclusive)

Silent Pool Gin is reaping the benefits of its royal connections at this year’s Royal Ascot, the prestigious horse racing event often graced by members of the British monarchy. Known for its unique distillation process and high-quality ingredients, this gin not only has established itself as a favourite among the public but has also secured its status as the official gin of the event since 2025.

The roots of Silent Pool Gin can be traced back to 2019, when Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, officially opened the distillery nestled within the Duke of Northumberland’s Albury Estate in Surrey, which is just a stone’s throw from notable landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The picturesque setting, located alongside the tranquil Silent Pool, captures the essence of the spirit from which it derives its name.

Co-founder Ian McCulloch shared insights into the brand’s connections with royalty, disclosing that the Duke of Northumberland has been a staunch supporter since the inception of the distillery. His ties with King Charles have seen the gin enjoyed at various gatherings among the royal family. Furthermore, McCulloch highlighted a more personal connection, recounting how Prince William and George Percy, Earl of Northumberland, shared experiences at the University of St Andrews. “Silent Pool Gin made quite a few appearances among friends during their university days,” he noted.

Visitors to the Silent Pool distillery can take guided tours to explore the distillation process hands-on. Plaques commemorating royal visits adorn the premises, linking the gin to significant moments in history. McCulloch recalled Sophie’s visit as particularly charming, emphasising her enthusiasm for the gin and its sustainable practices, which include the use of local honey and lavender in the recipe.

An intriguing aspect of the distillery is its on-site beehives, tended by beekeeper Sergio Pignagnoli from Bee Friends. The honey harvested from these hives forms an essential ingredient in the production of Silent Pool Gin, as well as in the creation of several cocktails, such as the popular Bee’s Knees, which incorporates freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey water, and is finished with lemon peel.

At Royal Ascot, it is the Royal Ascot Blush cocktail that stands out as the event’s bestselling signature drink. Combining strawberry syrup and lemonade, garnished with fresh strawberries and a dash of bergamot orange, this refreshing concoction has captured the attention of attendees. It is served in the Royal Enclosure, where the royal family views the races.

The buzz at Royal Ascot is palpable; approximately 7,500 bottles of Silent Pool Gin are sold throughout the five-day event, a substantial figure compared to the 65,000 bottles of champagne consumed at the races each year, as noted by the Ascot website.

In addition to the delightful cocktails, the culinary offerings at Royal Ascot match the event’s glamorous reputation. Guests are treated to an array of dishes, from traditional afternoon tea to elaborate four-course menus. In the private box hosted by Silent Pool Gin, attendees savoured a medley of flavours including cured trout, lamb with smoked tabbouleh, and a passion fruit tart, rounded off with quintessentially British strawberries and cream.

Fortnum & Mason tea was served alongside a selection of decadent pastries, with three-tier cake stands showcasing an assortment of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and rich chocolates from Charbonnel et Walker. Each bite represents not just tradition but an embrace of British culinary heritage.

As Silent Pool Gin continues to grow in popularity, it maintains strong ties to its royal lineage, reflecting a blend of modern distilling techniques and time-honoured British craftsmanship. This connection not only enhances the brand’s profile but also reinforces the drink’s appeal during one of the country’s most watched events, ensuring its place in both the hearts of gin aficionados and the royal family alike.