Rooted in the natural landscape of a unique island, we are the Isle of Wight’s first and only distillery. Our founders Xavier and Conrad and our small team distil spirits shaped by our stunning surroundings and the unique character of our island. Doing things differently, minimising waste, using ethically sourced and often local, foraged ingredients to craft a range of smooth, complex spirits.
Our signature spirit Mermaid Gin delivers a smooth yet complex blend of fresh organic lemon zest and peppery grains of paradise, with a hint of sea air from locally foraged, fragrant rock samphire – a refreshing and invigorating serve. Mermaid’s name was inspired by its lead botanical rock samphire, known locally as ‘mermaid’s kiss’. This aromatic succulent clings to the cliffs surrounding the island and marks the high tide line on its majestic beaches. Like the kiss of a mythical mermaid, saving sailors lost at sea, the rock samphire signalled to shipwrecked sailors and smugglers that they were safe from the raging seas.
Alongside Mermaid Gin, we produce subtly sweet, naturally flavoured Mermaid Pink Gin, infused with fresh Island strawberries grown in the rich and fertile microclimate of the Arreton valley and Mermaid Zest Gin, a citrussy and herbaceous blend of Mermaid with island bergamot, grapefruit and wild-foraged coastal rosemary. Mermaid Salt Vodka (a favourite with mixologists), is crafted using salt harvested from the flood tide off the island’s southern coast, while our latest addition, Mermaid Spiced Rum, blends Caribbean rums with local fruits and spices, including honey from our beehives and fresh white cherries from Godshill Orchards.
Our spirit range also includes HMS Victory-branded Navy Strength Barrel-aged Gin and Rum, which incorporates real oak from the famous warship, in a unique and exclusive partnership with the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
We blend traditional methods with contemporary techniques, hand-crafting our spirits in small batches and slow distilling before cutting with local spring water and bottling on the island. The result is an award-winning range of spirits with a contemporary style, layered complexity and signature smooth delivery.
We are passionate about protecting our island and the planet. As part of our commitment to sustainability, conservation and a circular economy, we’re proactive in helping to protect the environment, actively working to reduce our carbon footprint and supporting reforestation and seagrass meadow restoration projects.
Awarded first place in the IWSC Design Awards and certified as plastic-free, our Mermaid range is crafted from recyclable glass, with a sustainably sourced natural cork and compostable tamper-proof seal. In 2022, we achieved another sustainability goal of becoming a B Corporation, joining a global, progressive community of organisations using business as a force for good, balancing profit with purpose and people. We are a purpose-driven distillery; inspired by the natural world to create premium, hand-crafted spirits, working in connection with nature.
Contact:
office@isleofwightdistillery.com
+44 (0)1983 613653
Web: www.isleofwightdistillery.com
Social: Facebook: @iowdistillery | @mermaidgin
Instagram: @isleofwightdistillery | @mermaidgin
LinkedIn: Isle of Wight Distillery