Jura 1989 - 2019 Rare Vintage

Tasting notes Serge Valentin: 91 points (Whiskyfun.com)

A distillate, some barrels, and thirty good years. Aaahhh…

Colour: gold.

Nose: no obvious re-racking, rather some fresh-cut grass, walnut peels, a metallic touch (copper), then ale and bread, gingerbread, a touch of earth, moist pipe tobacco, cigars… I find this very elegant, just the opposite of a contemporary pushy whisky. With water: a Cognacqy side, notes of bone-dry Madeira wine, a newly-opened box of Cubans, and just a marvellous earthiness. Fantastic nose once reduced down to +/-45% vol.

Mouth (neat): yess, lovely. It’s kept some of Jura’s leathery wackiness, including these metallic and Marmite-y notes indeed, but it’s also achieved balance, with a rather perfect spiciness, between cloves (very Jura) and nutmeg, with bitter oranges mounting guard. With water: yes, salt and mustard! And Madeira sauce, cigars, bitter oranges…

Finish: long, mustardy, dry, rather perfect. Bags of walnuts in the long aftertaste.

Comments: perhaps the best fairly recent Jura I’ve tried since, what, 2015? I mean, my favourite; I’m sorry, Mother. Now, the price is north of 700€…

Jura Distillery

Jura Distillery is located on the island of Jura, off the west coast of Scotland, known for its rugged beauty and remote location. Founded in 1810, the distillery has a rich history of whisky production, but was closed in the early 20th century. In 1963, Jura Distillery was reopened by local entrepreneurs Robin Fletcher and Tony Riley-Smith, bringing new life to the island community.

A specific feature of Jura Distillery is the use of both non-peated and lightly-peated barley, resulting in a wide range of flavour profiles. The distillery produces whiskies that range from light and fruity to rich and smoky. The whisky is mainly matured in American oak bourbon casks, with occasional use of sherry and wine casks for added complexity.

Jura whiskies are known for their smooth and approachable character, with distinctive notes of citrus, honey, spices and a subtle smoke. The unique combination of traditional methods and innovative maturation techniques makes Jura a beloved name in the world of Scotch whisky.