Xavier Baker receives ADI’s International Bubble Cap Award

The Isle of Wight Distillery co-founder and Gin Guild member Xavier Baker has accepted the 2026 International Bubble Cap Award from the American Distilling Institute (ADI), recognising the distillery’s contribution to the global craft spirits industry.

The prestigious award was presented to Xavier at the Gala Awards Luncheon of the 23rd annual ADI Craft Spirits Conference & Expo, held in Miami, Florida, on 18 August. The International Bubble Cap Award is ADI’s highest honour for a distillery outside the United States, recognising producers making world-class spirits and having a wider impact on the industry.

Founded in 2015 by Xavier Baker and Conrad Gauntlett, the Isle of Wight Distillery is the home of Mermaid Gin, a brand inspired by the island and the surrounding ocean. The distillery has built its reputation around locally inspired spirits, responsibly sourced and wild-foraged botanicals, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

The award recognises the distillery’s growth and its combination of spirit quality, distinctive branding and authentic connection to place, with Mermaid Gin having established a growing presence in international markets.

The recognition also reflects the Isle of Wight Distillery’s wider approach to sustainability. The business is a certified B Corporation and has adopted a triple-bottom-line philosophy that places people and planet alongside profit.

Speaking after receiving the award, Xavier said:

“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.”

The Gin Guild congratulates Xavier and the whole Isle of Wight Distillery team on this outstanding achievement and on the continued success of Mermaid Gin in international markets.

A very well-deserved recognition of British gin, island provenance and the pioneering spirit behind one of the UK’s most distinctive contemporary gin producers.