Xavier Baker

Xavier Baker is a brewer, distiller, and modern-day alchemist whose career has been defined by craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep connection to the ocean. He began brewing commercially at just 17 years old, spending 15 years honing his craft at a local brewery before joining Molson Coors UK, where he worked within the World Drinks division. After relocating to Ireland to establish and lead an independent brewery as Head Brewer, Xavier’s curiosity expanded beyond brewing — and into the art and science of distillation. In 2014, Xavier co-founded Isle of Wight Distillery alongside his longtime friend and winemaker Conrad Gauntlett. Together, they created Mermaid Gin — an ocean-inspired, handcrafted gin that has grown into a globally recognized premium brand. Driven by a commitment to protect the seas that inspire their spirits, Xavier and his team pioneered plastic-free packaging solutions, working collaboratively with suppliers to open-source innovations that are now widely adopted ac