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True Island Spirit: The History of the Isle of Wight Distillery
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January 2014
Islanders and friends Xavier Baker and Conrad Gauntlett (one a brewer, one a winemaker), begin throwing spirit ideas in the pot and the Isle of Wight Distillery journey begins!
January 2015
Xavier heads to the Institute of Brewers and Distillers to learn the craft of distilling.
June 2015
After much experimentation, the Mermaid Gin recipe is decided with the addition of its star botanical rock samphire. Known in local folklore as ‘mermaid’s kiss’, this fragrant botanical once signalled to lost sailors that they were safe from the raging seas. Originally named ‘Wight Mermaids Gin’, the now multi-award-winning recipe is first sampled by Xavier and his wife Lesley on Boniface Down, while taking in a sunset at Summer Solstice. The response from the island and beyond is phenomenal, with Mermaid awarded best in design at the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition.
October 2015
The recipe for Rock Sea Vodka is finalised. The spirit is shot through with salt from the flood tides off the island post-distillation, which is naturally evaporated with sun and wind, and supplied by island company Wight Salt.
November 2016
The growing team moves to The Wishing Well, Seaview, where they get to work setting up stills, offices, and The Mermaid Bar.
November 2014
Conrad and Malcolm McClellan, newly appointed Sales Director, head to Seattle to learn about distilling. Shortly after, a 100L still arrives – to this day, no one will admit to ordering it! The first still was only 100L and, on cold days, had to be covered in duvets to get it up to the correct temperature.
May 2015
The first and only island distillery is licensed. The team set up at Rosemary Vineyard and prepare to ride the waves of previously uncharted territory.
August 2015
The first case of Mermaid Gin crosses the Solent and is delivered to Portsmouth Gin Festival.
January 2016
HMS Victory Navy Strength Gin is crafted in partnership with the National Museum of the Royal Navy, with a percentage from all sales donated to the ongoing restoration of the iconic warship HMS Victory. To keep up with the growing demand for the distillery’s spirit a 300L still is added to the family.
February 2017
The distillery opens its doors and invites visitors to sample spirits and enjoy cocktails while taking in the views and the distilling process.
November 2017
The team jets off to the American Distilling Institute, where Mermaid is awarded a spirit certification. A new, 1000L still is purchased and construction begins on a distillery extension to house it.
July 2018
HMS Victory Navy Strength Rum is added to the distillery’s collection on July 31st, Black Tot Day, 300 years to the day after Naval Officers were issued with their final rum ration. A bold, strong spirit reminiscent of traditional rum tots.
March 2019
After an 18-month design process, the team relaunches Mermaid in a strikingly sculpted bottle, becoming the first plastic-free brand in the spirits industry. Presented in a brilliant blue, ocean-inspired scaled bottle and with a specially designed, compostable tamperproof seal, Mermaid makes waves and raises the bar for spirit brands worldwide.
August 2019
Mermaid Salt Vodka (formerly Rock Sea Vodka) is relaunched in white, plastic-free livery. Crafted as a cocktail ingredient for adventurous mixologists, it goes down a storm with bartenders.
April 2021
The distillery partners with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, helping to preserve and protect seagrass meadows in the Solent.
June 2019
Following requests from customers and local venues, Mermaid Pink Gin is presented at Summer Solstice in rosy hues. Using wonky strawberries from the Arreton Valley, the aromatic infusion proves a hit on the island and beyond.
March 2020
The Mermaid Bar closes its doors to the public as Covid hits. Nationwide shortages and local demand prompt the team to develop a not-for-profit hand sanitiser.
June 2022
Mermaid Zest Gin hits the bars, infused with coastal rosemary ‘the dew of the sea’, lemons and bergamots from Osborne House, and bright grapefruit.
November 2022
The distillery is the first island company to be awarded B Corporation Certification, joining a family of like-minded organisations balancing purpose with profit.
March 2023
The team launches Mermaid Spiced Rum, inspired by a long history of rum smuggled onto and traded on the island. Blended Caribbean rums are imported and re-distilled with island fruits, local honey, and botanicals.
