IOW Distillery have made quite the name for themselves in the gin world with their signature bottles, made from recycled glass, plastic free with all natural cork stopper and plant based, biodegradable seal.
The launch of the new bottle for Mermaid Gin, featuring beautiful scale detail sculptured in blue green glass, went down a treat with consumers. And soon after, their ‘pink gin’ made from locally farmed strawberries deemed too ugly to sell, though just as juicy, featured in a red pink version. Now the relaunch has extended further through the range, with the relaunch of Mermaid Salt Vodka in a pristine, white bottle. Plus, the vodka is available nationally for the first time.
IOW’s press release states “Now bottled in a white version of the striking bottle used for both gins, the 40% vodka is infused post-distillation with locally sourced sea salt that enhances its smoothness and flavour. Mermaid’s savoury and ‘adult’ flavour is in contrast to many in the fruit-dominated flavoured vodka category and is described as
being ‘like the subtle kiss of a mermaid’.
With salt’s ability to enhance other flavours, the vodka had already gained something of a cult following amongst island bartenders for use in cocktails. Now the Distillery believes this can be repeated on the mainland and in what it calls the ‘In-trade’ – people staying at home, but having a go at making the kind of creative cocktails they used to drink in bars pre-COVID.
The salt comes from local supplier ‘Wight Salt’ and is harvested from water collected in the flood tide off the island’s southern coast – an area prone to extreme storms that churn up the ocean floor, releasing huge amounts of flavour-packed nutrients. Naturally evaporated by sun and wind, the resultant sea salt retains a depth of flavour and distinct sweetness.”
Xavier Baker, Co-founder of the Isle of Wight Distillery, said “This island is rich in amazing ingredients which we love to use – whether it’s the rock samphire and Boadicea hops in our signature gin, or the addition of local strawberries to Mermaid Pink. This, however, was the first time we ventured into the surrounding seas for an ingredient. Perfect on its own over ice or with a mixer, it also really layers on a unique savoury element for cocktails that you just can’t get with other vodkas.“
As with the distillery’s gins, the bottle is plastic-free, with an all-natural cork and wooden top, complemented with a plant-based, biodegradable seal.
Mermaid Salt Vodka. 40% ABV. RRP: £40.00/70cl. John Lewis is the first mainland retail stockist. Wholesalers: Nectar Drinks, Tolchards, Master of Malt, The Drinks Club and GB Exchange.
Style: Smooth, subtle and contemporary.
Nose: Fresh sea air on the nose.
Taste: Subtly flavoured with a salt vein savoury note.
Finish: Clean and long.
