Four from Jura - 12 yo, 16yo, 12yo Sherry Cask & 15yo Sherry Cask
From the Jura Distillery website..
Jura Distillery was established in 1810 by Archibald Campbell, the laird of the island. The founding was a practical as much as a commercial act. Distilling had long been part of island life in the Scottish Hebrides, and formalising production under a single operation made sense for the community.
The distillery was built in Craighouse, the island's only village, on the eastern shore of Jura. Its location was deliberate: close to the sea, close to a freshwater source, and at the centre of the small community who are the heart of it.
The stills at Jura are among the tallest in Scotland. Their height was not purely an aesthetic choice: it was partly determined by what could practically be transported to the island. That practical constraint produced a defining quality. Jura's spirit is centred around being light, fruity and approachable.
Jura 12 - 40%
Just like a visit to our island home, this whisky is as unique and rewarding as it is enjoyable. Crafted in our exceptionally tall stills and matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks, this Scottish island whisky is a testament to our fruity and balanced house style.
Tasting notes
Appearance: Burnished gold in colour, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thin, oily legs
Nose: Stone fruit, lime peel, nutty oak and a subtle touch of smoke
Palate: Moderately creamy. Baked apples, lime citrus, Chocolate Chewing Nut toffees, charred oak, baking spices, old leather and a hint of salinity
Finish: Baked apples, charred oak and baking spice warmth
Summary: It’s ok but feels very much like an entry level whisky. Another Jura which suffers from the 40% abv, the peat is there but doesn’t add much to the experience. Currently priced at £37 which feels about right but, for me anyway, there are better options in the same price range.
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Jura 16 - 43%
Creativity thrives on Jura - whether it’s incredible gardens, stunning photography, or beautifully crafted jewellery. This whisky represents the creativity that comes to life within our beachside distillery and right across our island.
Tasting notes
Appearance: Burnished gold in colour, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thin, oily legs
Nose: Candied peel, stone fruit, honey, vanilla and a touch of coastal salt
Palate: Quite thin mouthfeel. Honey, caramel, candied peel, creamy vanilla, cinnamon and a touch of maritime saltiness
Finish: Long and lingering, dried and candied fruit and warming cinnamon
Summary: A decent, light and fruity dram. I enjoyed this, although the price of £72 feels a little high it’s very much in keeping for a 16 year old age statement in the current market
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Jura 12 Sherry Cask - 46%
Rich, fruity and vibrant, Jura 12 Year Old Sherry Cask celebrates the shared passion and dedication of two cultures; united by a passion for their craft.
Jura 12YO Sherry Cask is a classic Jura, matured in American white oak ex bourbon barrels then finished in aged, hand-selected Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez, Spain, adding a distinctive flair to this lively single malt.
Jura 12YO Sherry Cask is exclusive to Asian markets, but is available at the distillery for visitors to try.
Tasting notes
Appearance: Burnished gold in colour, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thin, oily legs
Nose: Woody oak, citrus, stewed plums, heather honey, vanilla and baking spices
Palate: Moderate creaminess. Stewed plums and vanilla custard, woody oak, caramel toffee, dried fruit, dark chocolate nibs and cinnamon warmth
Finish: Dark chocolate raisins, astringent oak, caramel and cinnamon
Summary: Whilst there are obvious similarities to its ex-Bourbon 12 year old stablemate, the Oloroso finish has added some much welcome dried fruit and plummy notes. Current price is £50, again it feels a little high but not enough to be a definite no.
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Jura 15 Sherry Cask - 46%
Fruity, rich and elegant, Jura 15 Year Old Sherry Cask begins with our characterful spirit drawn from Jura’s exceptionally tall stills.
It then combines the vibrant, fruity qualities of American white oak ex-Bourbon matured Jura with the sweet, delicate richness imparted by a 100% finish in sherry seasoned American and European oak casks. These casks have been chosen as the perfect partners for Jura spirit of this age, imparting additional richness and complexity.
Jura 15YO Sherry Cask is exclusive to Asian markets, but is available at the distillery for visitors to try.
Tasting notes
Appearance: Oak aged Chardonnay in colour, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thick, oily legs
Nose: Stone fruit, toasted almonds, lemon citrus, coastal air and a hint of dunnage warehouse floors
Palate: Caramel toffee, Victoria plums, tannic oak, lemon citrus, maritime salt and cinnamon warmth
Finish: Lingering caramel, woody oak and cinnamon
Summary: A solid, enjoyable dram with the Manzanilla bringing something new to the party. A little on the oaky side for me, but it’s not overwhelming. Priced at £65, which doesn’t feel too out of place for a 15 year old whisky at 46%
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Overall:
Out of all the whisky brands I’ve been fortunate to sample, Jura is the one that frustrates the hell out of me the most. Their commercial strategy of putting out low-abv, supermarket and budget-friendly expressions has led to them being recognised as one of the most popular single malt brands in the UK, but it also paints a picture that doesn’t do the distillery justice.
Over the years I’ve had enough older bottlings and independent bottlings to know just how good their whisky can be, and how pale an imitation these core offerings are in comparison. In some cases these core range whiskies are fairly decent, easy drinkers but when you know what they’re actually capable of producing then they inevitably leave you wondering what might have been.
And so we get on to these drams and suddenly there’s a glint of promise with two 46% abv’s sherry cask expressions. Have Jura finally turned a corner?
Of the two age statement ex-Bourbon offerings the 12 year old is standard 40% abv Jura fair, not bad but nothing to write home about. However, the 16 is far more interesting, with a lightness and fruitiness to it that made it my favourite of the night. I would, however, still like more than the 43% abv on offer.
The 12 year old sherry cask is a definite step up on the standard 12, with the use of Oloroso and a higher abv bringing more depth and complexity. I could do with a little less woodiness and astringency but that’s my personal taste.
I found the 15 to be the far more interesting of the two sherry cask expressions, the use of Manzanilla instead of Oloroso casks has brought an added layer of interest. Sometimes I find Manzanilla finishes a little too musty but this one is well balanced and rather enjoyable. Again, a little too much tannic oak, but not enough to put me off.
Huge thanks to Jura and to Steve at The Whisky Wire for the opportunity to try these drams. It’s too early to tell if this is a change in strategy, but these new 46% bottlings are certainly a good sign that things may be beginning to move in the right direction.
If you would like to know more about Jura Distillery and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website.
Transparency: Received free of charge for independent review, all opinions are my own and remain completely impartial.
