The Isle of Wight Distillery – home of Mermaid Gin – has scooped a prestigious international accolade after being named International Distillery of the Year by the American Distilling Institute.
The Isle of Wight business has been presented with the International Bubble Cap Award, the American Distilling Institute’s (ADI) highest honour, at its 23rd annual Craft Spirits Conference and Expo in Miami, Florida.
Co-founder Xavier Baker received the award on stage from ADI President Erik Owens.
The International Distillery of the Year Award was introduced in 2025 as an extension of the organisation’s 23-year-running Distillery of the Year Award, affectionately known as the Bubble Cap Award.
It is presented to distilleries outside the United States which are producing world-class spirits and have made an impact on the industry as a whole.
Mermaid Gin’s international growth, branding and connection to the Isle of Wight were all singled out for praise.
Erik Owens, President of the American Distilling Institute, has said:
“From humble beginnings on a small island off the coast of England, Isle of Wight Distillery has developed its Mermaid Gin brand to be one of the fastest-growing gins in the world.
Article continues below this advertisement “This company exemplifies what can be achieved when exceptional liquids are paired with outstanding bottle design and branding, and rooted in an authentic connection to place.”
The latest recognition follows a string of accolades for the Isle of Wight Distillery’s spirits, including dozens of medals at the ADI International Spirits Competition.
The company is also a certified B-Corp and has committed to a ‘triple-bottom-line’ approach which prioritises people and the planet alongside profit.
Its environmental work includes working with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to monitor and restore seagrass meadows in the waters surrounding the Isle of Wight.
The habitats provide a home for wildlife and also sequester carbon.
In 2019, the brand unveiled totally sustainable packaging and the company says it is continuing to work towards net zero and plastic-free operations across its supply chain.
Erik added:
“Craft spirits has always been about people, and Isle of Wight Distillery’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact while uplifting its island community exemplifies the attitude that sets this industry apart.”
Xavier Baker, Co-founder of Isle of Wight Distillery, has said:
“We are truly over the moon and incredibly honored to be named International Distillery of the Year, it means so much to all of us.
“From our beginnings on the Isle of Wight, we’ve come a long way, but we’ve always believed that great spirits are about more than what’s in the bottle – they’re about the people, the Island and the friendships we build along the way.
“This award belongs to our fantastic team and to everyone who has supported us on our journey so far.
“To receive this recognition from the American Distilling Institute is a very special moment for us, particularly as Mermaid Gin travels further from the Island than we ever imagined.
“We’re immensely proud of where we come from, incredibly excited about where we’re going, and very grateful to everyone who is joining us on the journey.”
