On the trail of mermaids: 7 authentic tastes on the Isle of Wight

According to seafarers’ legend, it was once believed a mermaid’s kiss could rescue sailors from stormy seas. But it was actually rock samphire – clinging to the cliffs just above the high tide line – that truly lit their path to safety. Known locally today as ‘mermaid’s kiss’, the coastal plant is the inspiration behind Mermaid, distilled on the Isle of Wight. Each natural botanical used in its spirits are locally sourced, capturing enchanting tales of the island in every sip. Here’s how to explore the flavours for yourself…

Mermaid wouldn’t be the same without its distinctive, fragrant core botanical. Rock samphire is a sage green, antler-like edible plant that is wild foraged from the Isle of Wight’s shoreline, bringing a hint of sea air to every bottle. Find the coastal plant yourself on the south side of the island in places such as Freshwater Bay, where rock samphire was historically harvested, pickled and shipped to London. From here, follow the clifftop trail towards the iconic Needles, another spot where clusters of rock samphire can be seen. For guidance and safety (never eat anything without 100% certainty), book a foraging tour with local experts, such as Wild Island Food.

Perfect Pairing: Mermaid Gin

Boadicea hops are another important ingredient used in Mermaid, bringing spicy and woody notes to the signature spirit. The distillery sources these floral aromatic hops from Ventnor Botanic Garden, dubbed ‘Britain’s hottest garden’ thanks to its unique undercliff microclimate (weather here is comparable to the Mediterranean). The sub-tropical haven spans 22 acres and is home to more than 6,000 plant species, including exotic flowers, rare trees and the garden’s self-named ‘rockstar’ plants (the most impressive of all). The gardens are open all year round for wandering the grounds, dining at one of its onsite eateries – or even for an overnight stay in a lodge or cabin.

Perfect Pairing: Mermaid Gin

Just a sip of Mermaid Salt Vodka will transport your tastebuds to the seaside – more specifically to Ventnor Beach on the Isle of Wight’s southern coastline. This is where the rock sea salt that the distillery uses to flavour the spirits originates. The mineral is harvested naturally from the saltwater using solar-powered science. Ventnor is also a treasured Victorian seaside resort, popular with local and visiting holidaymakers who enjoy balmy summer days on its red pebble and ochre sand beach. Vintage beach huts and deckchairs adorn the shingle, while the historic outdoor paddling pool nearby is perfect for families. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the sea salt harvesting in action.

Perfect Pairing: Mermaid Salt Vodka

For Mermaid Zest Gin, lemon and bergamot are incorporated into the signature recipe for a refreshing citrusy twist. These ingredients are hand-picked from the walled gardens of Osborne House – Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s summer home in East Cowes. The main building was constructed in the mid-19th century in Italianate Style, due to the Isle of Wight’s mild climate and sea views evoking memories of the Bay of Naples – according to Albert. Today, the estate is open to the public, with its elegant interiors, art collections and ornate gardens continuing to tell the story of the long-reining queen and her family.

Perfect Pairing: Mermaid Zest Gin

Nothing tastes more like summer than Mermaid Pink Gin, a spirit that combines the smooth, earthy notes of the signature spirit with the sweetness of the island’s succulent strawberries. The berries are lovingly grown in Arreton Valley – the rural heart of the Isle of Wight well-known for its agricultural heritage. Beyond its fertile land, the region attracts visitors with its historic manor and cottage stays, charming village with a 12th-century Norman church, and array of local businesses including farm shops, pubs and the largest arts and crafts centre in the Isle of Wight, Arreton Barns.

Perfect Pairing: Mermaid Pink Gin

Mermaid Spiced Rum is infused with a blend of cherry, apricot and honey: each one of these ingredients sourced from family-run Godshill Orchards to the south of the island. The fruit-growing business began as a cherry enterprise, but expanded to include other produce – including honey, made by the same bees which pollinate the fruit trees. Visitors can take part in the orchard’s newly launched Bee Therapy, a two-hour sensory experience where participants can feel the therapeutic benefits of bees, such as listening to their harmonious, zen-like hum and tasting their freshly made honey.

Perfect Pairing: Mermaid Spiced Rum

For the ultimate gin-lover’s experience, head to the Isle of Wight Distillery near Ryde, home of Mermaid. Here, visitors can learn the story of the spirit producer, understanding how nature, adventure and sustainability has shaped the brand into what it is today. Settle down at the distillery’s onsite bar – on the terrace or beside the fireplace – and try out a variety of Mermaid’s offerings with a tasting board. Alternatively, dive straight into a cocktail or two: whether a Sea View Sour or a Bramble (the inventor of which lived here and foraged the local bramble bushes) takes your fancy, there’s guaranteed to be a Mermaid for everyone. Cheers!

Perfect Pairing: Mermaid Pink Gin