Mermaid Original GIn 750ML

Mermaid Original Gin 750ML is a small-batch English gin distilled by the Isle of Wight Distillery using hand-foraged rock samphire and locally grown botanicals. Launched as the flagship spirit from the first and only distillery on the Isle of Wight, Mermaid Gin carries an unmistakable coastal character shaped by the island's shoreline ingredients. The botanical bill includes juniper, coriander seed, fresh lemon zest, grains of paradise, and Boadicea hops cultivated on the island — making this a gin with genuine terroir. Bottled at 42% ABV, Mermaid Original Gin stands apart from conventional London Dry styles with its layered, saline-tinged complexity.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Clean juniper leads the nose, followed immediately by a briny, herbaceous lift from the rock samphire — think sea air and coastal greenery. Underneath, citrus peel and a faint peppery warmth from the grains of paradise add depth and keep the nose lively.

Taste: The palate opens with bright lemon zest and crisp juniper before the mid-palate introduces a savory, almost mineral quality driven by the samphire. Texture is medium-bodied with a smooth, slightly oily mouthfeel. The Boadicea hops contribute a subtle earthy bitterness that balances the citrus notes without overpowering them.

Finish: Medium-length finish with lingering white pepper and a gentle saline note that recalls the coastal origin of the botanicals. Dry and clean, with no harsh alcohol burn despite the 42% ABV.

How to Drink Mermaid Original Gin:

The coastal botanical profile shines brightest in a simple gin and tonic — use a premium Indian tonic and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a slice of grapefruit to amplify the herbal and citrus dimensions. For a classic Martini, the savory samphire notes add unexpected depth when paired with a dry vermouth and a lemon twist. Mermaid Gin also makes an outstanding Tom Collins, where its citrus-forward character and medium body hold up well against fresh lemon juice and soda. A Gimlet with fresh lime juice and a touch of simple syrup highlights the gin's natural sweetness and peppery backbone.

Best For:

• Gin and tonics with a coastal botanical twist
• Craft gin enthusiasts exploring English distillers beyond London Dry
• Gifting to someone who appreciates small-batch spirits
• Classic Martinis and Gimlets with added complexity

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does Mermaid Original Gin taste like? Mermaid Original Gin delivers bright juniper and lemon zest up front, followed by a distinctive savory, mineral quality from hand-foraged rock samphire. The finish is dry and peppery with a gentle coastal salinity that sets it apart from standard London Dry gins.

How does Mermaid Gin compare to Hendrick's Gin? While Hendrick's is defined by its signature cucumber and rose petal infusion, Mermaid Gin leans into savory, coastal botanicals — particularly rock samphire — giving it a more saline and herbaceous profile. Both are premium small-batch gins priced similarly, but Mermaid's flavor leans maritime while Hendrick's stays floral and garden-fresh.

Is Mermaid Gin good for cocktails? Mermaid Gin works exceptionally well in cocktails because its botanical complexity and medium body hold their own against mixers without disappearing. It is particularly well suited to gin and tonics, Martinis, and citrus-forward drinks like the Tom Collins or Gimlet.

Where is Mermaid Gin made? Mermaid Gin is distilled at the Isle of Wight Distillery on the Isle of Wight, a small island off the southern coast of England. Founded in 2014 by Xavier Baker and Conrad Mayfield, it is the island's first-ever distillery, and key botanicals like rock samphire are foraged directly from the local coastline.

What foods pair well with Mermaid Gin? The coastal, herbaceous profile of Mermaid Gin pairs naturally with fresh oysters, smoked salmon canapés, seared scallops with lemon butter, grilled prawns, and light goat cheese salads. Its saline edge complements seafood particularly well.

Why Buy Mermaid?

The Isle of Wight Distillery was the first distillery established on the Isle of Wight, founded in 2014 with a commitment to using locally sourced and foraged ingredients. Rock samphire — the botanical that defines Mermaid Gin — is hand-collected from the island's coastline, creating a flavor profile genuinely rooted in place. The distillery produces spirits in small batches and packages Mermaid Gin in bottles made from recycled glass, reflecting a broader environmental ethos. The brand has earned recognition at international spirits competitions and has become one of the most distinctive craft gins produced in England.