Now on to the Islands of Scotland for the next review and surprise, surprise it is another review of a 10 year old. This island is just 7 miles wide and 30 miles long and there is but one road, one hotel and one distillery – Jura.
Whisky: Jura 10yo, 43% ABV (Cost around R420)
Region: Jura (Islands), Scotland
Style: Single Malt
Age: 10 years
Jura’s three ‘Paps’, or mountains, dominate the skyline and are distinguishable from miles around. Excavations show it welcomed some of the oldest settlements in Scotland over 8,000 years ago. The Corryvreckan whirlpool – apparently the world’s second most powerful – nearly claimed the life of George Orwell. Speaking of Orwell, there are many legends and tales from Jura, such as Orwell and the Corryvreckan, the prophecy, the witch of Jura, the skull of Glengarrisdale, the last burial, the ghost car and many more.
Origin is the 10 year old that started the Jura journey. It carries the traditional Celtic symbol for birth, beginning and the forces of nature. It tells of a passion rekindled, a distillery reborn and a remarkable whisky forged by turbulent seas and windswept landscapes. It holds a special place in the heart of all Diurachs. Diurachs is the Gaelic word for the people of Jura, which is a small population consisting of less than 200 people. For the people of Jura, Origin is the water of life.
Colour: Burnished smoky gold.
Nose: Light and delicate. I find the nose to be balanced with both a honeyed nose that has a freshness and floralness about it, as well as having a malty peppery spiceness to it. There is also a trace of earthy peat smoke with a mild oakiness in the background.
Palate: A notable and pleasant mouth feel with honey, caramel and wood spice as well as a slight spicy (a sweet pepper spice though) burn on tip of tongue. Despite this spiciness (notably pepper and nutmeg) it is a smooth palate that is almost sweet upfront and supported by a cereal smokiness.
Body: Nice and smooth while being medium to full bodied and that has lovely thick legs.
Finish: Lingering and dry with oaky spiciness at back of throat and overall spicy honeyed warmth.
Overall: A delicate whisky that has a complexity to it, but this complexity takes time to develop. It is well balanced and has a sweet richness to it without being overly so. This is a very approachable whisky to introduce people to the island whiskies from Scotland.
My Score: 81
The Smoky Dram 