Mermaid Original Gin (75cl, 42%)

Mermaid Original Gin is a small-batch English gin distilled on the Isle of Wight at 42% ABV. It is made by the Isle of Wight Distillery using copper pot distillation, with each run yielding around 420 bottles. The botanical bill includes juniper, coriander seed, fresh lemon zest, grains of paradise, Boadicea hops, angelica, liquorice, orris and elderflower. Hand-foraged rock samphire, known locally as "mermaid's kiss", is the defining ingredient and gives the gin a briny, maritime character. On the nose, clean juniper leads, followed by briny, herbaceous rock samphire, citrus peel and peppery warmth. The palate brings bright lemon zest, crisp juniper, a savory mineral quality and a smooth, slightly oily mouthfeel, finishing dry and peppery with lingering coastal salinity.