Lussa

Introduction:

Lussa Distillery is situated in the remote hamlet of Ardlussa, accessible only by a one – lane road that is approximately 40 kilometers from the nearest ferry. The distillery benefits from the Isle of Jura’s temperate maritime climate, which provides ideal conditions for growing the botanicals used in Lussa Gin.

Botanical Ingredients:

Lussa Gin incorporates fifteen botanical ingredients, some of which are cultivated on the Isle of Jura. These botanicals are sourced from the surrounding hills, valleys, lakes, moors, forests, and sea. Any ingredients not available on the island are grown in the distillery’s gardens. The botanical list includes lemon thyme, coriander, rose hips, rose petals, lemon balm, lime blossom, elderflower, honeysuckle, bog myrtle, iris root, juniper, water mint, sea lettuce (Ulva seaweed), pine needles, and ground elder. Due to the juniper plant’s current susceptibility to disease in Scotland, the distillery team is actively cultivating young juniper plants around Lussa Glen, with hopes of a harvest in 2022.

Production:

Lussa Gin is crafted using a traditional Portuguese handmade copper still named “Jim”. The still is filled with the botanical ingredients, along with neutral alcohol and clear spring water sourced from the hills of Ardlussa. Flowers and petals are placed in an aroma basket above the kettle to infuse their scents into the steam. The mixture is heated in a water bath and gently distilled over the course of a day. The final product is bottled at 42 percent alcohol. A second still, called “Hamish”, has been added to the production process.

Each bottle is individually numbered and adorned with a collar made of Lussa tweed, specially produced at the Islay Woolen Mill. As Lussa Gin is handmade in small batches, the presence of vegetable oils in the bottle may vary and become visible as a faint haze, particularly in cooler temperatures. Adding tonic water may even cause them to shimmer.

History:

The concept of Lussa Gin originated from a chance conversation among the distillery’s three founders in the early summer of 2015. Inspired by their shared love for Jura, they combined their interests, skills, and passion to turn the idea into reality.

Visitor Centre:

Lussa Distillery offers distillery tours for visitors, featuring a shop where small samples are served. It is recommended to book tours in advance, as guided tours are not conducted during distillation.

Visitor information:

Lussa Gin Distillery
The Stables
Ardlussa
Isle of Jura
Argyll PA60 7XW
Tel: +44 1496 820196
Email: contact@lussagin.com