Mermaid London Dry Small Batch Gin

Mermaid Small Batch Gin from the Isle of Wight Distillery is a refreshing, modern London Dry gin that channels coastal character with bright citrus, peppery spice, and a hint of sea air. It’s simultaneously crisp and layered—perfect for a classic G&T yet expressive enough for refined cocktails.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Crafted by the Isle of Wight Distillery—the first legal distillery on England’s Isle of Wight—Mermaid Gin is a small-batch London Dry made with ethically sourced botanicals. Distilled using traditional column methods that focus on collecting the “hearts” of the run for purity and smoothness, the spirit showcases the distillery’s coastal provenance and careful production ethos.

Botanicals include classic aromatics such as juniper and coriander, alongside locally foraged ingredients like rock samphire (a salty coastal herb), organic lemon zest, grains of paradise, elderflower, Boadicea hops, angelica root, licorice root, and orris root—each contributing subtle complexity and balance.

This combination makes Mermaid distinct from more traditional London Dry gins—evoking light herbaceousness and sea-spray freshness without overwhelming sweetness or artificial additives.

Critics Reviews
While this small-batch gin has not been widely scored by major spirits publications such as Whisky Advocate or The Spirits Business, it has garnered industry recognition, including a Gold award at the IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition), underscoring its quality in blind tastings relative to peers.

Tasting Profile
Nose: A lively opening of fresh citrus zest (lemon and orange) and gentle juniper, scented with floral elderflower and a touch of minerality suggestive of sea air.

Palate: Clean and refreshing, with citrus zing and peppery spice from grains of paradise, balanced by earthy sweetness and subtle herbal layers. The rock samphire brings a whisper of coastal salinity that gives the gin personality and depth.

Finish: Long and layered yet crisp, echoing citrus peel and soft spice—with an elegant, slightly savory tail that keeps the finish interesting and versatile.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Mermaid Gin & Tonic

• 2 oz Mermaid Small Batch Gin

• 4–5 oz premium tonic water

• Garnish: Lemon wheel, fresh juniper, or sprig of rosemary
  Method: Build over ice in a tall glass; stir gently to marry aromatics.

Isle of Wight Martini (Herbaceous, Crisp)

• 2 oz Mermaid Small Batch Gin

• 1/2 oz dry vermouth

• Lemon twist or olive garnish
  Method: Stir with ice, strain into a chilled coupe, garnish.

Mermaid’s Kiss (Citrus & Spice Smash)

• 1.75 oz Mermaid Small Batch Gin

• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

• 3/4 oz simple syrup

• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprig
  Method: Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass; garnish with herb sprig.