Isle of Wight

Introduction:

Mermaid Gin takes pride in sourcing its botanicals locally and sustainably from the Isle of Wight. One key ingredient is Rock Samphire, which is harvested from the island’s coastal areas. This aromatic succulent grows on the cliffs and is rich in vitamin C, historically used by sailors to combat scurvy. Locally known as “mermaid’s kiss”, Rock Samphire lends its name to Mermaid Gin.

The Isle of Wight distillery also obtains Boadicea, a dwarf hop variety resistant to aphids, from Ventnor Botanic Gardens on the island. Elderflowers are sourced from nearby fields. Other botanicals used in Mermaid Gin include grains of paradise, organic lemon peel, iris, liquorice, angelica root, English coriander, and, naturally, juniper, which serves as the main ingredient in any gin.

Mermaid Pink Gin, another offering from the distillery, incorporates strawberries grown in the sunny Arreton Valley. These strawberries are soaked in the gin liquid for four days before undergoing distillation. Notably, Mermaid Pink Gin is less sweet compared to most other pink gins and does not contain any added sugar.

In addition to the Mermaid Gin range, the Isle of Wight distillery produces HMS Victory Navy Strength Gin. Named after the world’s oldest serving warship, HMS Victory, this gin is produced at a robust 57% ABV under a special license. The distillery donates one percent of all sales of this gin to support the ongoing restoration of HMS Victory. Built around 1760 and famously serving as Admiral Nelson’s flagship during the naval battle of Trafalgar, HMS Victory is now a museum ship permanently berthed at Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.

Production:

The Isle of Wight distillery holds a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, particularly in regard to protecting the oceans surrounding the island. As part of their efforts, they are actively working towards reducing plastic usage in their packaging and supply chains. They aim to gradually eliminate plastic materials and instead incorporate biodegradable alternatives whenever possible. By taking these steps, the distillery aims to minimize its environmental impact and contribute to a cleaner, healthier ecosystem.

In terms of their distillation process, the distillery employs column stills. These stills are designed to separate the different components of the distillate, allowing the distillers to focus on utilizing only the “heart” of each batch. The heart, which contains the desired flavors and aromas, is carefully extracted, while the undesirable components, such as the heads and tails, are separated and discarded. This meticulous process ensures that the resulting spirits maintain the desired quality and character.

The History:

The Isle of Wight distillery was founded in 2014 by friends Xavier Baker and Conrad Gauntlett, both possessing significant expertise in the spirits industry. Xavier has dedicated most of his adult life to brewing and currently holds the position of director at Goddards Ales, a brewery located on the Isle of Wight. Conrad, on the other hand, brings a winemaking background and has previously founded his own winery.

The process of establishing the distillery was not a quick one, as it required obtaining various licenses and permissions. It took approximately a year for Xavier and Conrad to secure all the necessary approvals to operate the island’s first and only distillery. Finally, on August 1, 2015, they successfully launched Mermaid Gin, marking the beginning of their gin production journey on the Isle of Wight.

The Visitor Centre:

Due to the limited size of the premises, the Isle of Wight distillery does not offer tours. However, visitors have the opportunity to view the distillery through a glass wall, providing a glimpse into the production process and the distillery’s operations. This allows enthusiasts to observe the distillation equipment and techniques from a designated viewing area.

Adjacent to the distillery, the Mermaid Bar provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to sample and enjoy the distillery’s own products. In the bar, a range of their spirits can be tasted, allowing guests to experience the flavors and craftsmanship firsthand. This on-site bar serves as a convenient and accessible location to appreciate the distillery’s offerings in a relaxed atmosphere.

Visitor information:

Isle of Wight Distillery
Pondwell Hill
Ryde
PO33 1PX
Tel: +44 1983 613 653
Email: info@isleofwightdistillery.com