Jura 12 Years 2011 – 2024 Exploration Series – Claxton Spirits 50%

This Jura 12 Years from Claxton’s Exploration Series is a stunning example of island character married with the lush richness of a Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead. Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2024 at a robust 50%, this whisky delivers a seductive interplay of peat, coastal notes, and PX-driven sweetness. The result is a layered and elegant dram that’s both adventurous and inviting – exactly what you’d expect from an Exploration Series release.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Gentle smoke and salty sea breeze open the nose, followed by aromas of raisins, figs, toffee, orange peel and a touch of cocoa powder.

Palate

Full and creamy with flavours of dates, caramel, toasted nuts and PX-style grape syrup. Beneath it all, light peat smoke, spicy oak and a hint of sea salt.

Finish

Long and warming with lingering sherry sweetness, soft smokiness, spice and an elegant salty undertone.

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.

Claxton’s Spirits

Claxton's Spirits is a respected independent bottler distinguished by its focus on high-quality single cask whiskies. With a strong commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship and transparency, Claxton's has built a solid reputation in the whisky world. Their bottlings, often in very limited editions, are popular among collectors and enthusiasts looking for unique and exceptional whiskies. Claxton's remains a major player in the world of independent bottlers, with an ongoing focus on delivering exceptional and unforgettable whisky experiences.

Background

Claxton's Spirits was founded by the Harrison family, who have been active in the spirits industry for generations. Their extensive experience and knowledge of whisky enabled them to create an independent bottler focused on selecting the best casks from various distilleries in Scotland and beyond.

Claxton's vision is to bottle the most authentic expressions of whisky, with each cask telling a unique story. They believe in preserving the natural characteristics of whisky through minimal intervention, resulting in whiskies that reflect the true nature of the distillate and maturation.