Mermaid Gin is one of those bottles that catches your eye long before you've had a chance to pour it. At 42% ABV, it sits right in that sweet spot for a London Dry — enough strength to carry its botanicals with conviction, yet approachable enough to sip without flinching. It's a gin that seems designed to invite curiosity, and I think that's rather the point.
Style & Character
As a London Dry, Mermaid Gin follows the most traditional and arguably most demanding style of gin production. The London Dry designation tells us something important: all the botanical flavour here comes from the distillation process itself, with no flavourings or colour added after the fact. That's a commitment to craft that I always respect. It means what you taste in the glass is a genuine reflection of the distiller's skill in balancing juniper with their chosen supporting cast of botanicals.
What I find compelling about Mermaid Gin is the way it presents itself within the London Dry framework — clean, confident, and with a sense of identity that goes beyond simply ticking the juniper box. At its price point of £42.50, it positions itself in the premium tier, and there's a polish to the spirit that suggests real care has been taken during production. The 42% ABV allows the botanical profile to express itself fully without overwhelming the palate, which is a balance not every distiller manages to achieve.
Best Served
I'd reach for Mermaid Gin in a classic G&T with a quality Indian tonic — Fever-Tree works beautifully here. Keep the garnish elegant: a twist of grapefruit peel and perhaps a sprig of fresh rosemary to complement the London Dry character. For cocktails, this is a gin I'd happily shake into a Southside, where the clean distillation style lets mint and citrus sing alongside the juniper. Use good ice — large, clear cubes that melt slowly and keep everything crisp.
