solenthandbook.com 30 ADVERTISING FEATURE Rooted in the natural landscape of a unique island, the Isle of Wight Distillery creates coastal, hand-crafted spirits, working in balance with nature to inspire a new way of living. Working with a small team, founders Xavier Baker (above) and Conrad Gauntlett distil spirits shaped by their stunning surroundings and the unique character of the island. Doing things differently, they minimise waste, using ethically sourced and often local, foraged ingredients to craft a range of smooth, complex spirits. Sustainable Spirits The Isle of Wight Distillery’s 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 wild-foraged, fragrant rock samphire – known locally as ‘mermaid’s kiss’. Subtly sweet and naturally flavoured, Mermaid Pink Gin is infused with fresh island strawberries grown in the rich and fertile microclimate of the Arreton Valley while Mermaid Zest Gin is a citrussy and herbaceous blend of island bergamot, grapefruit and wild-foraged coastal rosemary. A favourite with mixologists, Mermaid Salt Vodka is subtly enhanced with salt harvested from the flood tide off the island’s southern coast. Inspired by a shipwreck that carried rum cargo to the island in 1836, Mermaid Spiced Rum blends Caribbean rums with island fruits and spices, including fresh white cherries from Godshill Orchards and honey from the distillery’s beehives. Protecting the Planet The team are passionate about protecting their island and the planet. As part of their commitment to sustainability, conservation and a circular economy, they’re proactive in helping to protect the environment, actively working to reduce their carbon footprint and supporting seagrass meadow restoration projects. Awarded first place in the IWSC Design Awards and plastic-free at point of purchase, the Mermaid collection is crafted from recyclable glass, with a sustainably sourced natural cork and compostable tamper-proof seal. In 2022, the Isle of Wight Distillery 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. THE ISLE OF WIGHT DISTILLERY, HOME OF MERMAID GIN Adrift Visuals Adrift Visuals