World Duty Free has partnered with award-winning distillery Silent Pool to celebrate summer with a Gatwick Airport-exclusive gin bottling: Silent Pool English Garden Expression. Words: Ian Hill

The release comes as part of the airport’s Wonderful World summer campaign. Just 7,000 bottles have been released, only available at World Duty Free’s Gatwick North and South Terminal stores.

Described as “uniquely floral”,  the gin is inspired by the stunning gardens of the Surrey Hills, where the distillery is based. Its Albury Estate home is just 21 miles from Gatwick Airport.

Silent Pool English Garden Expression is based on the distillery’s 24-botanical core gin recipe. Peach and apricot have been added, along with aromatic lavender, chamomile, rose and honey, all sourced locally.

Tasting notes include florals, peach and apricot on the nose, and vetiver, cardamon, lemon, grapefruit and gentle spices on the palate. The finish is piney and fruity, with a juniper backbone.

The water used in the recipe comes from a nearby local aquifer and is naturally a teal colour. The hue inspired the design of Silent Pool’s gin bottle.

TRBusiness was on location at Silent Pool, alongside representatives from Gatwick Airport and Dufry, for a launch event.

Silent Pool English Garden Expression: ‘Big summer vibes’

Head distiller Marzio di Rocco and distiller Harry Keene spoke of the “big summer vibes” that inspired the expression. Keene said peaches from a relative’s garden were influential on the expression.

Guests also enjoyed a tour of the Silent Pool distillery, hosted by guide Lizzie Buchhaus.

“Silent Pool Distillers has consistently been at the forefront of gin distillation innovation,” said Rhian Billington, Marketing Director of Silent Pool Distillers. 

“Our partnership with World Duty Free and London Gatwick has enabled us to produce this new, exclusive expression to harness the wonder of an English summer.

“We are really looking forward to travellers journeying near and far bringing a taste of the English garden wherever they may be.

“It’s one of our superpowers as a distillery that we can access these delicate floral flavours and highlight some of the botanicals such as in Silent Pool Kaffir Lime.”.

Aisha Dad, Dufry’s Category Manager for Liquor in the UK, added: “At World Duty Free we are constantly seeking new and exclusive products for our customers to discover and enjoy.

“This unique gin, produced by a local English supplier, ticks all the boxes in terms of delivering a ‘sense of place’ and offering a product that simply can’t be found on the high street. 

“We’re confident it will prove to be extremely popular with our customers.”

Nick Williams, Head of Retail, London Gatwick, commented: “This summer, we are excited to be able to offer London Gatwick passengers this unique product from a fantastic local gin distillery, Silent Pool, in partnership with World Duty Free.

“We are fortunate to be in a wonderful region, surrounded by outstanding independent businesses such as Silent Pool, so we are delighted to bring this to the airport and showcase some of the produce the South East has to offer.”

Earlier this year, Silent Pool launched ultra-premium expression Silent Pool Black Juniper Gin into travel retail.