A golf club’s own limited-edition gin, which was created to mark the opening of its coastal-inspired golf hole, has won an award at the World Gin Awards.
Prince’s Golf Club in Kent’s Smugglers Landing Gin has been awarded the title of Best in England – Matured Gin at the 2025 World Gin Awards, even though you can only buy it from the club’s pro shop.
Crafted in partnership with a local Kent-based distillery, the gin was created to mark the opening of the Smugglers Landing hole in 2020. This limited-edition release has not only been a hit with members and guests but has now earned national acclaim within one of the spirits industry’s most respected global awards programmes.
The concept behind the gin was born from a conversation between the club and the distiller, inspired by the smuggling heritage associated with the coastline surrounding Prince’s. The gin was aged in a Gamecock rum barrel, previously used to mature the distiller’s award-winning premium rum.
Originally intended to rest for just three months due to the delicacy of gin, the spirit was ultimately aged for longer as the flavours continued to evolve. The result was a gin of unexpected complexity and balance.
“This one turned out to be something really special,” said Jon Mills, director at Canterbury Brewers and Distillers. “I’m not someone who usually drinks gin neat, but this one – with the richness from the rum barrel – I happily do. We made it exclusively for Prince’s, and it turns out we made the best in England.”
The botanical blend behind Smugglers Landing Gin includes sea buckthorn, a native plant that grows wild on the Prince’s course, offering a true connection to its surroundings. Other botanicals include juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, orris root, lemon peel, ginger, and a touch of pepper, lending the gin its smooth, distinctive flavour profile.
Prince’s Gin – and the Smugglers Landing edition – whilst not commercially available can still be purchased from the pro shop at Prince’s Golf Club. This custom approach adds to the product’s uniqueness and further enhances the premium experience offered at Prince’s.
“This is a wonderful result and a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and creativity,” said Rob McGuirk, general manager at Prince’s Golf Club. “Our gin reflects the spirit of the club – distinctive, proudly local, and of the highest quality. We’re proud to share it with our members and guests.”
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