A large gnarled mastic tree with green leaves and a thick, twisted trunk is cut out against a transparent background

Our commitment
to sustainability

A large gnarled mastic tree with green leaves and a thick, twisted trunk is cut out against a transparent background

 

Axia is more than just a spirit; it is a reflection of the land, the people, and the traditions of Chios in Greece, where Mastiha has been cultivated for generations.

A bottle of Axia Mastiha Greek Spirit, with a blue and red label, stands on dry ground in a sunlit, natural setting with gnarled mastic trees in the background

Sustainability is not just a goal

Sustainability is not just a goal; it is an essential part of how the plant is harvested, how the community thrives, and how we distil Axia into a truly unique extradry spirit. From hand-harvested trees to low-impact production, every step of Axia’s journey is deeply connected to nature, ensuring that future generations can continue this centuries-old tradition.

Whether sipped neat or mixed into a cocktail, every pour is a celebration of nature, tradition, and innovation; Axia is a spirit rooted in nature and tradition.

A gnarled mastic tree with green leaves grows in rocky, sunlit terrain, surrounded by white resin crystals on the ground
Axia Spirit dark blue snake illustration Axia Spirit dark blue flowers illustration

The
process

A tall waterfall cascades into a vibrant blue pool, surrounded by lush green foliage, rocky cliffs and bamboo rafts in the foreground

The process

Purified local water

Our distillery, Plomari located in Lesbos, uses locally-sourced, purified water for maceration and distillation, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

A collection of large, coppery distillation equipment, including stills and tanks with an Axia mastiha greek spirit bottle on top, arranged in a room with white tiled walls

The process

Low-waste, energy efficient production

Our traditional copper pot stills are heated using gas, a cleaner alternative to coal or wood-fired heating, reducing emissions whilst maintaining artisanal quality.
Every part of the Mastiha resin is used thoughtfully, with zero waste in the distillation process.

Two sets of hands work with light-coloured mastic resin on a white surface, with a plate of white powder in the foreground

The process

Supporting local communities

We work closely with the Chios Mastic Growers’ Association, a cooperative that has protected Mastiha cultivation since 1938. This partnership directly supports local farmers, ensuring fair wages and
long-term economic stability.

Mastiha: naturally sustainable

  • A man with a beard and a baseball cap is shown outdoors, leaning into a mastic tree with gnarled bark, and scraping from the trunk with a tool in his right hand

    Hand-harvested

    Unlike commercial crops, every stage
    of Mastiha cultivation is done by hand,
    from making precise cuts in the bark to
    the collecting and cleaning of the resin
    droplets. This method has been passed
    down through generations, ensuring both
    sustainability and cultural preservation.

  • A mature mastic tree with a gnarled trunk and green leaves stands in dry ground, with a stone wall and blue sky in the background

    Natural air purifiers

    Mastiha trees are natural carbon sinks,
    meaning that they pull more carbon
    from the atmosphere than they create,
    making Mastiha one of the world’s most
    sustainable botanicals.

  • A row of mastic trees with gnarled trunks and lush green canopies stands on dry, reddish-brown ground under a bright blue sky

    Minimal irrigation

    Mastiha trees are naturally drought resistant, needing little to no artificial watering once mature. While young trees require minimal irrigation, established ones thrive on natural rainfall. Attempts to cultivate them elsewhere in Greece and the Mediterranean have failed to produce the same precious resin.

  • A town in a green valley, surrounded by hills under a clear sky, with blurred foliage in the foreground

    A living heritage

    In recognition of its cultural and environmental significance, Mastiha cultivation was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. This acknowledgment highlights its deep roots in sustainable agricultural practices and community-led conservation efforts.

  • A bearded man in a black t-shirt and grey overalls kneels outdoors, sifting material through a large sieve amidst mastic trees

    Natural fertilisation

    Young shrubs receive limited natural fertilisation, while mature trees rely entirely on the nutrient-rich volcanic soil, reducing the need for external inputs.

  • Two sets of hands work with light-coloured mastic resin on a white surface, with a plate of white powder in the foreground

    Protected designation of origin (PDO) status

    Mastiha is classified as a PDO product by the European Union, meaning it can only be produced in Chios, Greece, following traditional methods that guarantee authenticity, quality, and sustainability.