People Doing Things - Mermaid Gin - Xavier Baker

Sep 10 2023 45 mins

Introducing Xavier Baker on the show. He runs the Isle of Wight Distillery, home to their signature Mermaid Gin in original, pink and zest formats - as well as newly launched Spiced Rum and Salted Vodka to keep your taste buds refreshed.

If you thought their bottles were the only things filled with spirit you’d be wrong. Xavier is unstoppable. He’s not only a self-taught brewer and distiller but an avid environmentalist, adventurer and athlete. He’s rowing across the Atlantic to raise awareness for the preservation of ocean habits and raise funds for marine-focused charities. The SeaHorse Trust, Surfers Against Sewage and the Hampshire Wildlife trust. Taking on the challenge with two friends of his.

It’s not only he himself bucking the booze founder stereotype but his brand is too. In the UK gin sales have been on the decline over the last few years while Mermaid Gin has been on the up. A staple of the South Coast of England, making its way into bars and bottle shops. As one of the first BCorp spirits brands they join the likes of Bruichladdich, SipSmith and Warner’s Distillery who care deeply about the environment, looking to create more sustainable ways for us to enjoy our favourite cocktails.

In this episode we get to know the spirit fuelling Xavier, discuss the kinship between distillers and nature and explore why the US gin market is exploding.