Isle of Wight Distillery Raises a Glass
The Isle of Wight Distillery has been named Best Drinks Producer 2023 at the prestigious BBC Food and Farming Awards, held on 25th October. The results of the BBC Food and Farming Awards were made public on BBC Radio 4’s Food Programme on Sunday 29th October.
Xavier Baker, co-founder of Isle of Wight Distillery was presented with the Award by brewer and broadcaster Jaega Wise who commented not only on the Distillery’s excellent drinks, but the work the Distillery does across the local community and for the environment and the infectious energy among the team.
The BBC Food and Farming Awards champion and highlight the people who, through food, are changing Britain for the better. The Best Drinks Producer celebrates, according to category judge Jaega Wise, "the best of the UK’s drinks producers. People who aren’t just making incredible drinks but are doing things a bit differently."
The Isle of Wight Distillery was initially nominated by members of the public and then went on to be judged by Jaega Wise, who visited the distillery in August. The distillery was shortlisted, before being named the winner at the Awards ceremony.
Xavier Baker, Co-founder, Isle of Wight Distillery said, “We are delighted to be named the UK’s Best Drinks Producer by the BBC. To reach the final was an amazing feat and it doesn’t get much better than top spot on the podium especially considering the calibre of our fellow finalists. This Award recognises the hard work and passion of the whole team and we are all just over the moon."
The Isle of Wight Distillery was founded in 2014 by Xavier Baker and Conrad Gauntlett. Their small team distil spirits shaped by the stunning surroundings and unique character of the island. All who work at the distillery are committed to the environmentally friendly production of spirits and the preservation of the island and marine environment. They minimise waste, using ethically sourced and often local ingredients to craft a range of smooth, complex spirits - these include the first Mermaid Gin, a small batch, beach to bottle London Dry Gin with a hint of sea air from the locally foraged, fragrant rock samphire.. In November 2022 they were the first business on the Isle of Wight to achieve B Corp accreditation for their commitment to operate in a way that has a positive impact on the planet.
Interested to read more about BBC Food & Farming Awards? You may be interested to know that the winner of Best Drinks Producer last year was another Hampshire Fare member - Summerdown, for their Peppermint Tea. Read more HERE.