Whilst we are unable to get our clients out on the water we have been looking into ways of making our events safe when the social distancing restrictions are eased. As face coverings become the ‘new normal’, hand sanitising is also going to continue to be a priority for some time to come.
When stocks of this essential liquid became increasingly difficult to source due to demand, rather than look further afield, a solution was actually right on our doorstep! The Isle of Wight Distillery are better known for their award winning small batch Gin, Wight Mermaid but have put their stills to good use during the pandemic to produce a high strength alcohol based hand rub with the catchy name Wight Wash! This product has been produced to comply with a World Health Organisation formula to ensure its effectiveness against the virus.
The distillery have been supplying the local community, with special priority being given to key workers, schools, residential homes, hospices and postal workers. This project will be working with the local council to supply the sanitiser on a not-for-profit basis to those in need and will also be making donations to vulnerable individuals and institutions doing critical work to support the local community.
Creator of the distillery’s signature spirit Mermaid Gin, Xavier Baker, said: ‘We’re seeing many Island businesses responding to the crisis with generosity, ingenuity and community spirit. We hope to be of service to our local community at this challenging time’. Isle of Wight Distillery co-founder, Conrad Gauntlett, commented: ‘Putting something back locally has always been part of our motivation for building the distillery and our brands – in these difficult times, we’re glad we can do something so immediate and critical to the health of the Island’.
Our intention going forward will be to supply not only the Wight Wash hand sanitiser, but also Wight Mermaid Gin onboard our luxury Power Boat and Sailing Events (in moderation of course!). The Gin is described as smooth, easy drinking & refreshing with vibrant citrus, warm peppery spice and a hint of sea air! The sea air comes from the nearby picturesque coastline of Appley and Seaview on the Island’s North Eastern tip. Botanicals that feature in this Gin include Rock Samphire, Boadicea Hops, Angelica Root, Organic Lemon Zest, Elderflower, Coriander, Liquorice Root, Orris Root and the obligatory Juniper Berries!
When things return to ‘normal’, why not make a ‘Gin pilgrimage’ to the Island to see the small batch production underway. The distillery has The Mermaid Bar on site with opportunities to sample their Gins (including the new Pink Mermaid), Salt Vodka and Rum as well as local ales, and have a bite to eat in their restaurant. We love that they do things differently, minimising waste, using ethically sourced and often local ingredients.
Making the perfect Isle of Wight Mermaid G&T couldn’t be simpler. Fill a glass with ice, a generous measure of Mermaid Gin and a splash of Fever-Tree tonic. Garnish with juniper berries or a ribbon of cucumber to let the flavours shine through. To purchase online, click here or you can also visit your local Waitrose or Majestic as well as many good off-licences.
