Mermaid Zest Gin

Mermaid Zest Gin is a vibrant, citrus-led expression from the Isle of Wight, blending sun-bright grapefruit, island bergamot and lemon zest with wild-foraged coastal botanicals and a gentle maritime freshness. Built on the smooth, complex character of Mermaid Gin, it balances lively citrus with juniper, herbs and subtle hop bitterness. Presented in its striking emerald bottle, it is a refreshing, distinctive gin for summer sipping, elegant gifting and contemporary cocktails.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Bright and aromatic on the nose, Mermaid Zest opens with grapefruit, lemon zest and fragrant bergamot, lifted by gentle juniper and the resinous warmth of coastal rosemary. The palate is fresh, smooth and layered, with vibrant citrus sweetness meeting piney juniper, delicate herbs and a subtle earthy bitterness from Cascade hops. A clean, lingering finish brings rosemary, soft coastal freshness and crisp citrus together in an elegant, refreshing close.

Key Details

• Distillery: Isle of Wight Distillery
• Type: Contemporary Gin
• Region: Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
• ABV: 40%
• Volume: 700ml
• Botanicals: Grapefruit • Island Bergamot • Lemon Zest • Cascade Hops • Coastal Rosemary • Rock Samphire • Elderflower • Juniper & More
• Other: B Corp Certified Distillery • Vegan-Friendly • Gluten-Free • Plastic-Free Presentation
• Signature Serve: Mediterranean tonic over ice with fresh lemon and a sprig of rosemary

Craftsmanship & Story

The Isle of Wight Distillery was founded in 2014 by long-time friends Xavier Baker and Conrad Gauntlett, bringing together brewing and winemaking expertise with a shared ambition to capture the character of their island home in premium spirits. As the Isle of Wight’s first and only legal distillery, it has built its reputation around thoughtful small-batch production, distinctive local botanicals and an unusually strong connection to place. Mermaid Gin is slowly distilled in column stills to create a smooth, refined base, with botanicals selected for both aromatic complexity and regional identity. Rock samphire, coastal rosemary, elderflower and locally sourced hops sit alongside traditional gin botanicals, creating a style that feels recognisably British yet unmistakably coastal. This combination of craftsmanship, provenance and environmental responsibility has helped establish the distillery as one of the most distinctive names in modern British gin.

Special Features

Mermaid Zest Gin stands apart through its vivid celebration of island citrus and coastal botanicals. Grapefruit and island-grown bergamot provide an immediate burst of brightness, while lemon zest brings freshness and wild-foraged rosemary adds aromatic depth. Cascade hops introduce a subtle, structured bitterness that balances the citrus sweetness, while rock samphire contributes a delicate suggestion of sea air. The presentation is equally distinctive: the gin is housed in an emerald, scale-textured glass bottle inspired by the surrounding marine landscape, finished with a sustainably sourced natural cork and compostable tamper-proof seal. Produced by a certified B Corp distillery and presented entirely plastic-free, Mermaid Zest combines contemporary flavour, striking design and genuine sustainability in one beautifully considered bottle.

Recognition & Accolades

Mermaid Zest Gin has earned impressive international recognition for both its vibrant citrus-led character and distinctive sustainable presentation. Its combination of island botanicals, contemporary flavour and thoughtful design has been celebrated by leading spirits competitions around the world.

• Gold Medal – International Wine & Spirit Competition (2026)
• Gold Medal • 92/100 Points – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2024)
• Gold • Best of Category – International Flavoured Gin – American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Awards (2023)
• Gold • Excellence in Packaging – American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Awards (2023)
• Gold • Brand Identity – American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Awards (2023)
• Gold Medal – International Wine & Spirit Competition (2022)
• Bronze Medal • 87/100 Points – International Wine & Spirit Competition (2025)

Together, these accolades reinforce Mermaid Zest as much more than a beautifully presented gin — its fresh coastal personality and accomplished spirit quality have earned sustained recognition on the international stage.

Perfect Serve & Cocktail Pairings

Grapefruit, bergamot and aromatic coastal herbs make Mermaid Zest wonderfully versatile, bringing sun-bright citrus and savoury freshness to everything from a simple tonic serve to elegant celebratory cocktails.

• Mermaid Zest G&T: Mediterranean tonic, plenty of ice, fresh lemon and rosemary create a crisp, aromatic serve that lets grapefruit and coastal herbs shine.
• Zest Spritz: Sparkling wine and soda lift the gin’s bergamot and citrus into a light, effervescent aperitif made for warm afternoons and summer entertaining.
• Coastal Tom Collins: Fresh lemon and soda amplify the gin’s citrus oils while juniper, rosemary and subtle hop bitterness provide a beautifully refreshing backbone.
• Isle of Wight Gimlet: Lime cordial meets grapefruit, bergamot and juniper in a sharply elegant short serve with a clean, mouth-watering citrus finish.
• Zesty French 75: Champagne brings finesse and celebratory sparkle to the gin’s bright lemon, grapefruit and juniper character.
• Coastal Herb Southside: Fresh mint and lime intertwine with rosemary and coastal botanicals for a vibrant, herbaceous cocktail with exceptional freshness.

Whether served simply with Mediterranean tonic or transformed into a sparkling French 75, Mermaid Zest retains the bright citrus and distinctive island character that make it such an engaging contemporary gin.

Food Pairings

Mermaid Zest Gin’s bright citrus and coastal botanicals are a natural match for fresh seafood. Try freshly shucked oysters with lemon, grilled sea bass and herbs, or smoked salmon blinis, where grapefruit and bergamot cut beautifully through richer textures. Creamy crab risotto complements its subtle maritime character, while lemon tart mirrors the gin’s vivid citrus freshness. For something more delicate, rosemary panna cotta draws out its savoury herbal notes and leaves the palate wonderfully refreshed.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Mermaid Zest Gin is an inspired gift for gin enthusiasts, coastal lovers and anyone who appreciates beautiful design with genuine substance behind it. Its vibrant island citrus and unusual combination of bergamot, rosemary, rock samphire and hops offer something distinctly different from a conventional London Dry, while its international awards provide impressive credentials.

The scale-textured emerald bottle adds immediate gifting appeal, reflecting the marine landscape that inspires the Mermaid range while embodying the distillery’s commitment to more sustainable luxury. Serve with Mediterranean tonic for an effortlessly elegant sundowner, pour a refreshing spritz for summer entertaining, or explore its citrus and herbal complexity through contemporary cocktails.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order Mermaid Zest Gin online for fast, secure NZ-wide delivery. Every bottle is carefully packed, with premium gift packaging and a personalised message available from COVE 27.