American Distilling Institute Names Isle of Wight Distillery "2026 International Distillery of the Year"

The 2nd Annual Prestigious International Bubble Cap Award Recognizes Pioneering UK Distillery

MIAMI, FLORIDA (August 18, 2026) – On Monday August 18, 2026, the American Distilling Institute (ADI) awarded its highest honor, the prestigious International Bubble Cap Award, to The Isle of Wight Distillery, home of Mermaid Gin. The award was announced during the Gala Awards Luncheon at the 23rd annual ADI Craft Spirits Conference & Expo, which took place this year in Miami, Florida. ADI president Erik Owens presented the award on stage to Isle of Wight’s co-founder, Xavier Baker.

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. 

“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,” said ADI President Erik Owens. “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.” 

Isle of Wight’s spirits have earned top awards at many of the world’s most important competitions, including dozens of medals at the ADI International Spirits Competition. A certified B-Corp, Isle of Wight has also committed to a triple-bottom-line philosophy prioritizing people and planet alongside profit. The company works with the Hampshire & 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. “Craft spirits has always been about people, and Isle of Wight’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact while uplifting its island community exemplifies the attitude that sets this industry apart,” said Erik. 

“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,” said Xavier Baker.

About American Distilling Institute 

American Distilling Institute (ADI) is the largest small-batch, independently owned craft distillery association in the world. Founded in 2003, ADI has become a beacon for the diverse and inclusive craft distilling community — serving as the go-to source for all information on the craft of distilling. Our mission is to foster growth and success of craft spirit producers through hosting best-in-class conferences, providing comprehensive educational services, offering networking opportunities and connecting producers with top-tier solutions providers. Go to distilling.com for more information.

About Mermaid Gin and the Isle of Wight Distillery

Inspired by island life and the ocean that surrounds it, Mermaid was founded in 2015 by Xavier Baker and Conrad Gauntlett at the Isle of Wight Distillery. With a wealth of knowledge in brewing and winemaking, Xavier and Conrad set about combining their experience to embark on a passion project – hand-crafted spirits, made on a unique UNESCO island, using wild-foraged and responsibly sourced ingredients. Isle of Wight Distillery is certified B Corp reflecting a deep commitment to social responsibility, environmental stewardship and community. 

Their small team distills award-winning spirits shaped by their stunning surroundings and rich provenance. Each bottle, endowed with shimmering sea-glass scales to make it unmistakably Mermaid, offers a taste of the island, created with care to minimise waste and using local ingredients to produce a range of smooth, complex spirits. At the heart of every batch is their signature botanical, rock samphire, foraged from the shoreline and known locally as Mermaid’s Kiss. Since Mermaid’s inception, the ocean has been the team’s greatest inspiration. From sea to serve, a Mermaid Moment awaits.