Overview: Isle of Wight producers celebrated major successes at the 2026 Great British Food Awards, with Isle of Wight Distillery leading the way. The distillery claimed gold for its Mermaid Salt Vodka and silver for its Mermaid Gin in one of the UK’s most prestigious food and drink competitions.
The Full Story
TV drinks expert and broadcaster Tom Surgey praised the award-winning vodka’s brilliant packaging design, describing it as a very well made, balanced vodka throughout with a long, clean finish. The profile is enhanced by a carefully judged level of salt. Merlin Griffiths, drinks expert and bartender on Channel 4’s First Dates, awarded Mermaid Gin a silver medal, calling the brand always stylish and a bar essential.
This follows the distillery’s success in August when it was named the American Distilling Institute’s International Distillery of the Year 2026. Island businesses also enjoyed further success, with Isle of Wight Tomatoes winning gold for its Sweet Cherry Tomato Sauce in the Cooking Kits and Cooking Sauces category.
Production & Profile
The Mermaid Salt Vodka features a carefully judged level of salt that enhances the profile. Tasting notes describe a long, clean finish alongside the balanced vodka throughout.
Brand & Industry History
The distillery recently secured recognition from the American Distilling Institute as International Distillery of the Year 2026 in August.
What This Means
Jenny O’Neill, head of the awards, noted competition standards were higher than ever after a record number of entries in 2026. She congratulated all winners and encouraged shoppers to support producers whose passion and dedication were reflected in the quality of their products.
Consumer Takeaway
The award-winning vodka offers a very well made, balanced experience with a long, clean finish enhanced by a carefully judged level of salt.
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