In 2015, three friends, Alicia Macinnes, Claire Fletcher and Georgina Kitching, decided the time was right to start a new business venture on the remote Scottish Island of Jura. The Isle of Jura can only be accessed by ferry when the weather is favourable, it has one road, a population of 200 people and over 6,000 deer. Every day on the island can feel like an adventure, never mind trying to launch a new business located at the end of a 25 mile single-track road.
All three friends share a love of the island, with each drawn to its majestic, tranquil beauty and peaceful way of life. Naturally, they also share a love of gin. Witnessing other distilleries popping up around various island communities, Alicia, Claire and Georgina knew they wanted to establish a distillery that would produce Scottish Gin and spirits that honoured the island and incorporated local botanicals – an authentic taste of Jura.
Lussa Gin features fifteen botanicals, and many are grown locally thanks to friends and neighbours lending their polytunnels, greenhouses and plots for growing the botanicals, including lemon thyme, coriander seed, lemon balm and orris root. Other botanicals are sensibly foraged around the island, including honeysuckle flowers, water mint, sea lettuce, ground elder, scots pine, rose hips, rose petals and lime flowers. The flavour profile is deep and complex yet beautifully balanced, with fresh piney juniper, mint notes, citrus and rich aromatics and a bright, refreshing finish.
Key Botanical(s): Sea Lettuce, Scots Pine, Water Mint
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 42% vol
Goes great with: A slice of lemon, sprig of rosemary, tonic and ice.
A visit to the Lussa Gin Distillery is a true Scottish Gin adventure. Once you depart from the ferry, you’ll drive 25 miles along a single track road to reach the distillery, which is located in Ardlussa at the north end of the Isle of Jura. The distillery can be found in a converted stable block that is home to Hamish, the Lussa Gin still.
Tour: Yes
Shop: Yes
Booking: Monday to Friday at 11.30am and 2.30pm. Must be booked in advance. For availability call 01496 820196 or email tours@lussagin.com.
You can learn more about the maker by clicking the links below.
