Lussa
The three founders of Lussa Distillery grow all the botanicals they need themselves on the Isle of Jura or harvest them on the island and surrounding coastline.
| Information about the Distillery | |
|---|---|
| Scotland, Islands | |
| -5.774701 56.025800 | |
| Active | |
| 2015 | |
| Alicia MacInnes, Claire Fletcher, Georgina Kitching | |
| https://www.lussagin.com/ |
| Average tasting notes Tasting notes |
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Nosing
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Tasting
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Lime:
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The Gin
The Lussa distillery is quite remotely located in the hamlet of Ardlussa. From the ferry you have to drive about 40 kilometres and the distillery can only be reached by a one-lane road. On the other hand, the island with its temperate maritime climate offers ideal conditions for the growth of the botanicals needed for Lussa Gin.
The fifteen botanical ingredients for Lussa Gin are partly grown on the Isle of Jura before they are collected and distilled. They come from the nearby hills, valleys, lakes and moors, as well as from forests and the sea. What does not already grow on the island is grown in the distillery's gardens. Lussa Gin contains: Lemon thyme, coriander, rose hips, rose petals, lemon balm, lime blossom, elderflower, honeysuckle, bog myrtle, iris root, juniper, water mint, sea lettuce (the bright green seaweed Ulva), pine needles and the meadow herb ground elder. As juniper is currently under threat from disease in Scotland, the distillery team is growing young plants extensively around the Lussa Glen. With a bit of luck, the first hoped-for harvest should take place in 2022.
In addition to Lussa Gin, the distillery also produces the limited edition Bramble Gin Liqueur, where each blackberry is handpicked on Jura.
The Production
Lussa Gin is distilled in the traditional Portuguese handmade copper still called 'Jim'. Together with neutral alcohol and soft, clear spring water from the hills of Ardlussa, the leaves, needles, cones, seeds and roots are poured into the still. Flowers and petals find their place in an aroma basket above the kettle and release their scents into the steam flowing through. The mixture is then heated in a water bath and the spirit is gently distilled over the course of a day and bottled at 42 percent alcohol.
In the meantime, a second still has been added, which has been named 'Hamish'.
Each bottle is numbered by hand and comes with a collar made of Lussa tweed, which is specially produced in the Islay Woolen Mill.
As each batch is handmade, the temperature at which the vegetable oils become visible in the bottle can vary. If the temperatures are cooler, they become visible as a faint haze. If you are lucky, you may even see them light up a little when tonic water is added.
The History
The idea for making Lussa Gin came to the three founders during a random conversation at the beginning of summer 2015. After many more conversations, the three ladies finally put it into practice, combining their interests and skills as well as their love for Jura in the best possible way.
The Visitor Centre
Lussa distillery offers distillery tours for visitors. There is also a shop where small samples are served. It is advisable to request a tour in advance, as no guided tours can be conducted during distillation.
Lussa Gin Distillery
The Stables
Ardlussa
Isle of Jura
Argyll PA60 7XW
Tel: +44 1496 820196
Email: contact@lussagin.com
User Notes about the Distillery
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