Isle of Wight Distillery, home of Mermaid Gin, has been awarded the prestigious International Bubble Cap Award by the American Distilling Institute (ADI).
The institute’s highest honour was announced at its 23rd annual ADI Craft Spirits Conference and Expo, which recently took place in Miami, Florida with ADI’s president Erik Owens presenting the award on stage to Isle of Wight Distillery’s co-founder, Xavier Baker.
What the Bubble Cap Award is
ADI introduced its International Distillery of the Year Award in 2025 as an extension of its 23-year-running Distillery of the Year Award, which is affectionately known as the Bubble Cap Award. It is given to distilleries outside of the United States that are making world-class spirits and have made an impact on the industry as a whole.
Owens: One of the fastest-growing gins in the world
ADI President Erik Owens, 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.
“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.”
Seagrass, B-Corp status and net zero
Isle of Wight Distillery’s spirits have earned top awards across the world, including dozens of medals at the ADI International Spirits Competition. A certified B-Corp, Isle of Wight Distillery has also committed to a triple-bottom-line philosophy prioritising people and planet alongside profit.
The company works with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to monitor and restore seagrass meadows, a key ecosystem feature in the waters surrounding the Isle of Wight that provides habitat and sequesters carbon.
In 2019, the brand unveiled totally sustainable packaging, and is continuing to work towards net zero, plastic-free operations across its supply chain.
Erik said,
“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.”
Baker: This award belongs to our fantastic team
Xavier Baker, Isle of Wight Distillery’s co-founder 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.”
For more information on Mermaid Gin, visit https://isleofwightdistillery.com/pages/mermaid-gin
News shared by Ollie on behalf of Isle of Wight Distillery. Ed
