As Mermaid celebrates its tenth anniversary, co-founder Xavier Baker displays on a decade of craft, sustainability, and evolution within the spirits world.
From its roots on the Isle of Wight to changing into a staple on again bars throughout the UK and past, as Mermaid turns 10, Baker displays on the model’s first profitable decade, and appears forward to the subsequent, sharing particulars of the model’s unique anniversary launch and providing a glimpse into what company can anticipate finding on the Mermaid terrace expertise in London this summer season.
How does this version differ from the unique Mermaid Gin?
The restricted version tenth Anniversary Gin is a reimagined tackle our authentic – a deeper, extra expressive model that also carries the essence of Mermaid, however with an elevated twist with the usage of enhanced rock samphire. We’ve launched foraged coastal fig leaves, sourced from one of many UK’s oldest fig bushes at Ventnor Botanic Backyard, to carry a delicate, rounded depth to the spirit.
These fig leaves add delicate Mediterranean heat – sun-drenched, with notes of citrus and coconut that evoke the island’s distinctive coastal local weather.
What does this version signify when it comes to Mermaid’s journey over the previous decade?
Prior to now decade, we’ve learnt loads, and the journey has made us recognise that the basics firstly – utilizing native substances and championing the varied biodiversity of the island – have remained our guiding thought all through all our selections as a model. We have been and nonetheless are impressed by the coastal life that we infuse into each drop.
The selection of flavours and botanicals for this celebratory second got here simply as a result of Ventnor Botanic Gardens has been such a wealthy supply of inspiration and substances over time – the figs particularly. Having a fruiting tree within the UK is one factor, however having edible leaves that carry that style of citrus is a distillers dream.
How does this 10th anniversary version seize the essence of the Isle of Wight, and the way has the island itself influenced the spirit?
The Isle of Wight is woven into the material of every part we create, and this version is a real reflection of that. From the wild-foraged botanicals to the island-grown substances, it’s a celebration of the landscapes, micro-climate, and pure magnificence that proceed to encourage us.
Sustainability is core to Mermaid’s values – how has that ethos formed the creation and packaging of your bottles?
Sustainability has at all times been one among our core pillars. It’s not only a worth, however the spine behind each determination we make. It begins with the way in which we ethically supply our substances. Every botanical tells a narrative of care, connection and duty towards our surroundings. And that is mirrored in how we elevate the consuming expertise.
However it goes far past what’s contained in the bottle. In 2019, we made a significant step by relaunching Mermaid Gin in our plastic-free bottle, a transfer that earned us accreditation from ‘A Plastic Planet’. Each factor of our packaging is designed with sustainability in thoughts: from the recyclable glass bottle, to the sustainably sourced cork, and the biodegradable neck seal produced from corn and potato starch.
That dedication was additional cemented once we grew to become a licensed B Company in 2022 – a milestone that recognised not simply what we do, however how we do it. It’s our method of making certain that each side of our model – from liquid to bottle – is held to the very best requirements of environmental and social influence.
What can guests count on from the terrace expertise at Wright Brothers Battersea this summer season, and why was this location chosen?
We needed to carry a style of coastal life to the town. The Wright Brothers Battersea has been a accomplice for a very long time, and its riverside terrace has a vibrant environment and views of the Thames, it felt like the proper spot. This summer season, guests can take pleasure in a full Mermaid takeover, full with a curated cocktail menu and accompanied by scrumptious seafood.
Anticipate recent, coastal-inspired serves – from our signature excellent serve with lemon-infused olives, to unique anniversary cocktails crafted to evoke sun-drenched shores and sea breeze.
What does this milestone imply for Mermaid as a model?
Reaching our tenth anniversary is a massively significant second for all of us. It’s an opportunity to pause, have fun and mirror on simply how far we’ve come – from a small island distillery with an enormous imaginative and prescient, to a model that’s now present in 52 international locations throughout each continent. That’s one thing we’re extremely happy with. This milestone isn’t nearly longevity, it’s about resilience, development and staying true to our values.
Wanting forward, what excites you most in regards to the subsequent chapter for Mermaid, and what can shoppers count on from the model?
For us, the exploration of flavours hasn’t stopped – we’re so fortunate to have unbelievable produce proper right here on our doorstep. The thrilling half is how the Isle of Wight’s distinctive microclimate provides us a particular edge to guide tendencies, permitting us to discover botanicals that really resonate with our followers, outdated and new. Every creation is deeply impressed by nature, firmly rooted within the Island, and completely in tune with future tendencies in spirits.
Wanting forward, we’re staying sharp, conserving our model constant, related and thrilling, and ensuring we proceed to attach with and encourage our viewers. After an unbelievable first decade, we’re consolidating our story right into a model with actual longevity, making it ripe for discovery with our goal shoppers.
Only one,500 bottles of the restricted version tenth anniversary Mermaid Gin have been produced, and can be found on-line at isleofwightdistillery.com priced at RRP £79 (US$107).
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