Nestled in an industrial estate on the outskirts of Byron Bay, Lord Byron Distillery embodies the region's commitment to sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship. Lord Byron utilise molasses to distil their rum (as does around 95% of the rum industry) - making it an interesting contrast to nearby Husk Distillery who utilise cane juice.
Lord Byron's copper pot stills were imported from Portugal, and include two Olympic pot stills and a hybrid-still with a pot base and column head. The onion-shaped stills have a 400-litre capacity, and the condensers feature approximately 8 meters of piping. The first distillation produces low wines of around 50% ABV, while the second distillation usually ends up at around 80% ABV, thought it can go as high as 90% ABV at different times of the year (Byron has a considerably variable climate, which you'll hear more about later).
The Lord Byron Distillery bar serves up some fabulous cocktails - we highly recommend the Pina Colada, made with Lord Byron Silver Cane Spirit and served in a frozen pineapple.
Lord Byron Distillery's Bar and Bar Managers
Where is Lord Byron Distillery
Lord Byron Distillery is located at 4 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay, NSW. Lord Byron are by far the easiest distillery to access via public transport or taxi/uber as they're on the main road into Byron Bay and there is a bus stop nearby. The Otherside Cafe across the road is a great spot for breakfast or lunch.
Lord Byron Distillery Tours and Tastings
The Lord Byron Distillery cellar door (and bar) is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
Lord Byron Distillery Tour and Tasting
Lord Byron Distillery Tours run from Tuesday to Saturday, cost $25.00 per person, and are approximately 20 Minutes duration. This includes a guided tour of the Lord Byron Distillery rum production area, and a tutored tasting of any three products from the Lord Byron Distillery cellar door range (15ml samples). Online advanced bookings for the Lord Byron Tour are recommended.
Gin Distilling Class
Lord Byron Gin Making Classes run from Tuesday to Saturday, cost $149.00 per person, and are approximately 2-3 hours duration. Craft your own bottle of with guidance from Lord Byron's expert team. After a complimentary drink on arrival, select your unique blend of botanicals, distil, bottle and label a 500ml bottle of gin for you to keep, made by you, to your taste. Online advanced bookings are essential.
Gin making and tasting classes are available at Lord Byron Distillery.
Lord Byron Distillery Image Gallery
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Lord Byron's operations are centred on a commitment to traditional methods, while also using 100% renewable energy and embracing zero-waste practices. The fermentation process, which can last up to 10 days, is carefully monitored to achieve the desired alcohol by volume (ABV) of 10%, with Byron's variable climate playing a considerable role in the fermentation time required. Longer fermentation allows the yeast more time to convert the sugars in the molasses, contributing to the rich flavours of the spirit.
Lord Byron is a relatively small distillery, and it takes around around 2.5 weeks to complete the cycle from molasses fermentation to the final double distillation of the cane spirit before it is put into casks. They fill between one and two barrels a week, producing roughly 10,000 litres of cane spirit per annum.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the distillery's operations. The water used in production is sourced from the family's farm and delivered on the back of a ute. The spent grains (draff created during Highwayman production) and dunder (molasses residue) from the distillation process are repurposed as cattle feed, embodying a closed-loop approach to resource management.
Lord Byron Distillery's commitment to environmental responsibility extends to the cleaning process, where citric acid, an environmentally friendly and edible substance, is used to maintain the stills' pristine condition.
The result is a range of exceptional beverages, including their Pure Single Rum (cask strength - bourbon or wine cask finish), and array of cane spirits and liqueurs (Amanda is rather partial to the Kokomo Toasted Coconut Cane Spirit).
Maturing rum cask at Lord Byron Distillery.
Where to Stay in Byron Bay
We prefer to stay in the areas surrounding Byron Bay (such as in Brunswick Heads or Mullumbimby) as Byron town is incredibly popular and usually swarming with tourists, however, staying in Byron gives you the broadest range of accommodation and entertainment options.
Things to Do in Byron Bay
Cape Byron Distillery is a 10 minute drive from Lord Byron Distillery, though you should to book your visit in advance as they are very popular. For a comprehensive list of other distilleries you must visit while in Byron, see our Spirit Lover's Guide to Byron Bay.
Byron is home to some amazing beaches and wildlife - why not explore the area in a kayak or head out on a whale watching cruise?