A Gin Inspired by One of the ‘Most Haunted’ Lakes in England is Now Available in 50 States

Silent Pool Gin announced on Wednesday that the gin brand's distribution footprint had expanded in the U.S. to all 50 states. This is the latest milestone for the brand after it was acquired by William Grant & Sons for an undisclosed sum in September .

"We are thrilled to introduce the U.S. market to our second gin in our world-class spirits portfolio which also marks our debut in the ultra-premium London Dry Gin market," said Director of Innovation Brands at William Grant & Sons Jefferson Kohler in a statement. "Silent Pool Gin is truly exceptional and distinctly unique, embodying dedication to craftsmanship, storytelling and innovation that aligns seamlessly with William Grant & Sons' ethos and philosophy. Kicking off wide distribution in America marks the next chapter of Silent Pool Gins' story."

The gin brand had a smaller distribution footprint in the U.S. before it was acquired by William Grant & Sons. Its latest move will undoubtedly increase its market foothold in the country. Silent Pool was inspired by the English countryside and was founded by Ian McCulloch and a group of friends. The group visited a natural spring with a notorious history in the Surrey Hills. McCulloch and his friends were captivated by the beauty and historic lore of eerily silent spring, and chose to use the natural landmark as inspiration for the gin brand.

"Ten years ago, we embarked on a journey to capture the beautiful spirit of England's countryside via an ultra-premium London Dry Gin, aiming to share it with the world," McCulloch said in a news release. "It brings us great pride to have integrated Silent Pool Gin into William Grant & Sons' esteemed global luxury spirits portfolio, as we now have the opportunity to continue introducing Silent Pool Gin's rare, complex and captivating flavors with markets worldwide, while also sharing the provenance and beautiful tales at the heart of our gin's origin."

The gin is made through a four-step distilling process, according to the brand. The maceration process occurs with local herbs, water and botanicals for 24 hours. A tea infusion occurs after, with "local floral botanicals." Afterward, a head basket sits atop the pot still, and the alcoholic vapors float through the basket, adding more complexity. The last step involves pot distillation, but three botanicals are added before. Aubrey honey is also added, and the brand claims it imparts the gin with a "rich texture." Silent Pool Gin hosts an ABV of 43% and a suggested retail price of $59.99.

The Lore Behind Silent Pool — One of England's 'Most Haunted' Bodies of Water

The spring has a macabre history behind it, and Surrey Live reports that it is the "most haunted" body of water, with a ghost that makes a nightly visit. Stories claim that birds do not sing at the pool, which earned the pool its slightly sinister name. Legend has it that the pool is haunted by the ghost of a young woman who drowned at the behest of King John. She was swimming in the pool and approached by the lascivious monarch. The maiden retreated into the depths of the pool to avoid his advances and drowned. King John allegedly made no effort to save her. The pool additionally served as inspiration for a novel by the renowned crime writer Agatha Christie . In a further bizarre twist of fate in 1926, the crime writer abandoned her car for ten days at the Silent Pool after she found out her husband was going to divorce her and marry his mistress. Many believed that Christie had suffered a fate similar to the maiden who drowned in the pool. Fortunately, she was found several days later in a nearby hotel, suffering from amnesia. Whether the story of the maiden's ghost is true or fiction, it's no mystery why Silent Pool served as creative inspiration for McCulloch and his team. [botmc-promo]