Jura 18 44%
Distillery notes
Matured for eighteen long years in American White Oak ex bourbon barrels, this whisky is then beautifully enriched by superior Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux red wine barriques from the South of France. The result is an incredibly rich and fruity whisky, with flavours of cooked raspberries, warm spice, rich caramel and crème anglaise.
Colour: Rosewood gold
Nose: Bold red fruits, toffee, crème anglaise and cinnamon
Taste: Warm spice and rich black forest fruit, bolstered by cooked raspberries and strawberries and a hint of chocolate.
Matured in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels and enhanced by a finish in Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux barrels. Bottled at 44% abv.
Appearance: Mahogany/auburn, forms a broad line which beads before falling as slow, thick legs.
Nose: Honey sweetness, caramel toffee, vanilla, a little nuttiness, and cinnamon spice. Orange peel and mocha notes come through with more time in the glass. Addition of a few drops of water bring the milky coffee and chocolate notes to the fore.
Palate: Dried fruit, baked apple sponge, vanilla custard, mocha, dark berried fruit, hints of smoke and warming cinnamon spice. Water brings a creamier mouthfeel, together with more of the mocha notes.
Finish: Bitter dark chocolate nibs and dried orange peel, balanced by a little barrel char smokiness.
Summary: I’ve mentioned previously that Jura have really raised their game in recent years, and this 18 year old expression offers yet more confirmation. It may not be the most complex of whiskies but it’s a good solid malt that offers enough to keep the attention. The red wine barrique influence is relatively muted, but it does add a layer of fruitiness into the mix which works well with the slight smokiness of the Jura spirit.
Whilst it’s not my favourite of the current core range it’s still a good example of what Jura can do, and the direction they appear to be headed. In the current market an 18 year old single malt at a price of around £60 is becoming a bit of a rarity, in my opinion this one is certainly worth having a look at.
