Jura 1998 Hidden Spirits 21 yo

 

 

 

51,3°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Refill Bourbon

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This is the only Isle of Jura bottled by Hidden Spirits, making it a real rarity. Having spent 21 years in a refill bourbon cask, it yielded just 267 bottles – no more. It is said to belong to the Classic Version range, but this is not specified on the label. Hidden Spirits is an Italian bottler founded in 2013 in Ferrara by Andrea Ferrari, they have nearly 150 expressions to their name. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Whiffs of minerals and sea salt, with fresh fruit, yellow apples, mirabelle plums, bananas. Perhaps even exotic fruits. Egg custard, vanilla extract, dates and figs. Lemon tart, generously buttered toast, a few drops of wax. Floral notes. On the palate, the butter and vanilla become more prominent, along with coarse grains, dry, freshly cut straw, walnuts and almonds. Rather subtle spices. A finish that develops well at first, then cuts short, liquorice stick, hazelnuts, marzipan, ginger, vanilla, coconut.

 

In Short, 

It’s not the best Jura I’ve tasted, but it’s very typical of the distillery, with mineral and fruity notes, and a hint of coastal influence. That said, it does have a bit of a personality of its own, with a touch of butter and wax here and there. In any case, it’s very good, except for the finish, which seemed a bit short to me. You can still find it on certain websites, but at a high price, really best reserved for dedicated collectors. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Minute Taker - Losing Self-Control

Jura 2009 Cask Strength Collection 16 yo c. 16

 

 

 

54,4°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated  

 

 

 

This native of the Isle of Jura certainly spent its early years in a Bourbon cask before being finished in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt. 677 bottles were produced. It seemed to me that it was very slightly peaty, but apparently not. Not to be confused with its sister cask, Cask 15, distilled and bottled on almost the same day, with the same finish.

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A sweet and slightly floral sherry with red fruits, but above all dried fruits, dates, nuts, figs and a square of dark chocolate. Pine needles, salty notes but also a little earthy. Wood varnish, sticky resin. On the palate, olive oil, dried apricots, quince jam, with a slight acidity, but also woody notes, mahogany, forest honey. Various spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper. Long and powerful finish, damp leather, roasted almonds, dried herbs, fruit jellies, caramel and resin. Thyme.

 

In Short, 

The sherry is very present and blends quite well with the distillery's profile, but it still dominates. This makes for a good whisky, with a very successful nose and finish, but there are a few flaws on the palate. The price is reasonable, so it's worth giving it a try. Refill casks would have been better, though.

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                            Japanese Breakfast - Honey Water

Isle of Jura 17 yo Macbeth A Whisky Collection The Murderers Series Second Murderer

 

 

 

48,5°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Oloroso Sherry Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

The Macbeth collection continues, with 17 bottlings now released in two years, but there is still work to be done, as 42 are planned. This 17-year-old Isle of Jura personifies the Second Murderer in the play, sent to kill Banquo with his two accomplices. Oloroso Sherry Hogsheads were used, for a total of 1,200 bottles. Contrary to what this distillery usually does, it is peaty, but not very much in my opinion.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very full-bodied and coastal nose, with light and sharp peat softened by sherry. Sea spray and candied cherries, cold ashes, syrupy caramel, dried plums. Sandalwood, dried herbs, raspberry coulis. Terracotta, oregano, sea foam. A thin layer of rust. On the palate, it is smooth and sweet, but the smoke perfumes the fruit. Chalky iodine, blueberry tart, hints of tar and seaweed. Mountain honey with a pinch of salt. The finish is long but lacks a bit of power, fruit cake, dried apricots, crumbling earth, roasted nuts and chestnuts, fir resin.

 

In Short, 

Very pleasant to drink, with a smoke that is not too strong but still very present, which blends effectively with a sherry that is very slightly acidic but not overpowering. The distillery profile that I appreciate is somewhat lost, but the coastal character is still remarkable. Definitely worth trying, especially for those who don't think Isle of Jura is capable of great things, all the more so as the price is reasonable.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sungaze - Storm Chaser

Jura Distillery 1991 Artist #11 30 yo

 

 

 

54,1°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

As part of the 11th Batch in the Artist range launched each year by La Maison du Whisky to coincide with the Whisky Live Paris event, this Jura has reached a very interesting age. The maturation process is very straightforward, and only 110 bottles are on sale, which is bound to attract connoisseurs of this highly underrated distillery. The label features the work of art Cinnamon Sugar by artist Catherine Ludeau.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Whiffs of yellow tea, vinous touches, sweet wine, quince and medlars, fluffy sand, a pinch of sea salt, ethereal vanilla, hints of camphor, lemon tart. Sesame seeds with walnuts and chickpeas, bubbles of liquid honey, crème caramel, marrons glacés. On the palate, orange marmalade, dashes of curry, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom. Chicken stock, cedar resin, dried raisins. Quite a powerful finish, but very well controlled, charcoal chips, soy sauce, macerated wheat, crème brûlée. Well-salted cashew nuts.

 

In Short, 

It's truly excellent, and I'm very close to classifying it as a classic. It's certainly the best Jura I've ever drunk, and in my opinion there aren't many that do it better. The price is obviously excessive, but given its age and the limited number of bottles produced, that's to be expected. To be reserved for those who are crazy about this distillery.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Yamma Ensemble - Apple of My Eye

Jura 1989 S Spirits Shop' Selection 34 yo

 

 

 

47°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Spirits Shop' Selection 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This offspring of the Isle of Jura distillery spent at least 33 years in a Hogshead before being released to the public. 259 bottles were filled. Spirits Shop' Selection is a Taiwanese company founded in 2014, looking for a new distributor in Europe after parting ways with Sansibar.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Salty nose, light dash of vanilla, sea breeze, breadcrumbs, candied apricots, white peach. Evanescent cereals, floral touches, sesame, puffed rice, toasted wheat, lilac. Toasted walnuts. On the palate, the cereals are more present, muesli, buttered bread, treacle, pho soup. Very light and varied spices. Very long, sparkling finish, an ounce of charcoal, a pinch of pepper, baked apples, not quite ripe pear, shortbread biscuits, raw chestnuts, millet. And the salt comes back at the very end.

 

In Short, 

An excellent Jura, without doubt one of the best I've drunk, if not the best. The maritime character is very noticeable, with a nice balance of yellow and orange fruits, cereals and nuts. I think it's the best this distillery has to offer. It is extremely regrettable that there is no way of getting hold of this bottle, nor of getting an idea of the price.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Lea Thomas - We Must Be In Love

Jura 1993 Mossburn Vintage Casks 28 yo

 

 

 

48,2°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Mossburn Distillers & Blenders

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

Mossburn is a trading company founded in 2017, and it appears that this Jura is their highest rated expression on Whiskybase. Great opportunity to discover their portfolio, starting with the best. Aged in a Hogshead for 28 years, this batch yielded 220 bottles.

Let's Taste It : 

Airy bourbon, whipped up by the sea breeze, and at the same time beautifully indulgent, warm bread fresh from the oven, moist yoghurt cake, a hint of vanilla larded with salt. Shortbread biscuits, with a medicinal touch, ointment, aniseed sweets. On the palate, melted butter, toasted cereals, pastry cream, a slightly costal character, with hints of almonds. The spices are very discreet, but there is a pinch of clove nonetheless. The finish is long, elegant, controlled, woody, clovey, with a touch of the open sea, streaks of salt, warm chestnuts and peppermint.

 

In Short, 

It's indeed a great success, one of the very best Jura I've ever drunk, if not the best. However, I felt that it lacked a little je ne sais quoi to make it great, a little power perhaps. In any case, if you can afford it, I'd advise you to go for it and buy one of the last bottles still lying around on the shelves of some wine shops. The price is proportionate to the age, quality and rarity of the product, that means rather high, but still acceptable.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Ram Dass & Awaré - The Water Poem

Jura 1992 The Single Malts of Scotland A Marriage of Casks 29 yo

 

 

 

42,9°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

5 Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Cask Strength

 

 

 

At Elixir Distillers, the A Marriage of Casks sub-range brings together the oldest bottlings from The Single Malts of Scotland, but they are not vintage. Here, however, we know that these are 5 Bourbon casks, distilled in 1991 and 1992, which aged for at least 29 years before yielding the precious distillate. They must have been small casks, because only 576 bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose has a certain fullness, airy, costal, but with not much iodine. Chalk, bushes, some white fruits, vanilla with mineral hints, amber, quince jam. An impression of height. On the palate, the fruits are more present, from the orchard, Pink Lady apples, Comices pears, but it's also a little earthy, sandy. Quite present apricot. Measured spices, peanut butter, vergeoise. Pleasant and complex finish, long enough. Chestnuts, honey, shortbread biscuits. Molasses.

In Short, 

A very interesting Jura, this distillery is definitely full of surprises. Slightly costal and fruity, but also earthy, with pastry notes, all in nuances. However, the alcohol content is a bit low and lacks punch. The price is still pretty high, but that's the rule now.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Necessary Evil

Jura 1989 Cask Strength Collection 26 yo c. 30739 & 30740

 

 

 

57,6°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Bourbon Barrels

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2016

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

 

 

 

Independent bottlings from the island of Jura are relatively rare, so thanks to the company founded in 1988 by Andrew Symington, Signatory Vintage. This is a blend of two Bourbon barrels aged for 26 years and 10 months, before being revealed to the public in the form of 308 bottles.

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Beautiful minerality, the peat is quite light, vaporous, it flourishes with great finesse. Lemon coulis, candied fruit, but it remains very balanced. A knob of whipped cream. Elegant woodiness, with a bit of varnish. On the palate, it's almost sparkling, delicate, slightly calcareous in the background, rye bread, rich but not invasive spices, pepper, paprika, cumin. Long finish, powerful, robust, almonds, genoise. Milk with orgeat syrup. Sesame seeds.

In Short, 

It's quite simple, but very subtle. I liked it, and it must be said that it is very different from the original range. I don't find the usual markers at all (mashed apricots, slightly acidic lemon), and especially I don't find the flaws. It looks like a good Scapa, or even a Highland Park, it's mineral and balanced. But beware, contrary to what the label says, the peat is light, 20 ppm at most, probably less. The price may seem a little exaggerated, but it's still a 26 year old, and it shows a different side of Isle of Jura, a much more pleasant one. I conclude that this is a distillery with real potential, which is still very poorly exploited.

Score : 89

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           RVG - Nothing Really Changes

Jura 12 yo

 

 

 

40° 

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands 

Bourbon Barrels and Oloroso Sherry Finish 

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2017

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

In the past, the distillery's range included the 12-year-old Elixir and the 10-year-old Origin. Then, a few years ago, the mystical terms were removed from these two expressions, giving way to a welcome sobriety. It seems that the recipe has changed too. The Elixir is reported to be a blend aged in sherry and bourbon casks, while this 12yo was simply finished in sherry casks.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The sherry influence brings a real plus. Once again, it's warm, woody, slightly fruity, marmalade of oranges and rhubarb, with an ounce of smoke, it seems to me. Or is it charcoal? Slight hint of vanilla in the background. Crushed lemon pulp. On the palate, apricots, prunes, peaches and damsons, discreet and colourful spices. Very pleasant. But the finish is a little acidic, which is really this distillery's weak point. Fortunately, it's fairly short.

 

In Short, 

It's another blend that doesn't really work for me. It's a shame, it wasn't far off. The nose and palate are quite decent and appealing. But the finish is really unpleasant in my opinion.

Score : 81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                                     Panayotis Stathopoulos - Aman Doktor

Jura Seven Wood

 

 

 

42°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Ex-Bourbon, French Limousin, Tronçais, Allier, Vosges, Jupilles and Bertranges Casks

Original Bottling

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2018

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

A small record for this new expression and its sevenfold maturation, mainly in French wine casks. It has become the symbol of a new turning point for the distillery.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very woody nose, sandalwood, blueberry, baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon, a touch of smoke. On the palate, the influence of French wine casks can be felt : heather earth, dark chocolate, forest fragrances, humus, walnuts. Quite warm and complex. Clusters of grapes, wood bark, fig. Paprika, blood orange, saffron. The finish is moderately long, vegetal and fruity, with a hint of the distillery's hallmarks, apricot, orange jam. Damp earth at the end.

 

In Short, 

It's really not bad, relatively complex, not too young, original. But this time, it's the price that is the problem, which is a shame.

Score : 83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

Jura 21 yo

 

 

 

44°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Ex-Bourbon Casks and Vintage Oloroso Sherry Finish

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2010

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

To celebrate its 200th anniversary, the distillery launched a limited edition 21-year-old in 2010. The recipe proved so popular that the limited edition became part of the regular range. Finished in vintage Oloroso Sherry casks dating from 1963, when the distillery reopened after decades of shutdown. Quite a symbol.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very balanced, rich nose of varnished wood and orchard fruits, followed by the influence of bourbon barrels. Genoise, vanilla and a whiff of smoke. Mirabelle plum, grapes and pastry cream. The palate is very good, warm, apricot compote, quince jam, smoked tea, sandy earth, pineapple juice, a few citrus fruits, but the finish is a little acidic, which is a shame. What's more, it's rather short. Between the chard apple and the white gooseberry. Limestone. 

 

In Short,

Overall, a good whisky, where the very light sherry is there to nuance the bourbon. But I almost always find the same fault with the original bottlings of this distillery : the acid finish. Some people like it, no doubt, but not me. As a result, I'm a bit stuck.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Joni Mitchell - Amelia

Jura 1988 Rare Vintage 30 yo

 

 

 

53,5°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Ex-Bourbon Casks and Tawny Port Cask Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiletered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

It was in 2018 that the distillery launched into Rare Vintage, a series of ambitious bottlings at least 28 years old. This is the second in the series. 1406 bottles have been released.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Extremely well-balanced nose. Ageing in bourbon casks produces intense white fruits and vanilla, which blend voluptuously with the distillery's hallmarks, apricots, rhubarb and quinces. An ounce of red fruits, due to the finish in port casks. A few floral hints. Plenty of depth. Very tasty on the palate, with smoked ham and pear compote, jam and a few exotic fruits, passion fruit and mango. Robust wood. Perfect finish, very long, caramel, wood and earth.

 

In Short, 

Simply put, it's a delight. Finally, a faultless bottling from the island of Jura, you'd have to look far to find one. On the other hand, given the price, I'll pass.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Lightnin'Hopkins - It's a Sin to be Rich, It's a Low-Down Shame to be Poor

Jura 10 yo Origin

 

 

 

40°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2010

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This expression was the distillery's best known and easiest to find before it was replaced by the 12-year-old in 2017.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is light, a bit fruity, a bit floral, with hints of apple, pear and chrysanthemum. Sweet, slightly cereal-like fragrances. On the palate, not very balanced for my taste, rather strong and thick apricots, not sufficiently counterbalanced by unripe peaches. All in all, it seems quite young. A pinch of pepper. Finally, I didn't like the acidic and aggressive finish, like lemon concentrate. Fortunately it's short, and it's the first time I'm happy about it.

 

In Short, 

I didn't like it at all, in fact it's the worst Single Malt I've ever tasted. To be avoided at all costs. The new 12 year old from the same distillery, while not stunning, is much better.

Score : 77 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Billie Eilish - Bad Guy

Jura Superstition

43°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Ex-Bourbon Barrels and Sherry Finish

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2002

Peated from 30 to 35 ppm

 

This is one of the two peaty expressions of the distillery. This one is the lighter. Although it is not stated on the bottle, it is said to be aged between 13 and 21 years.

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is rather pleasant, with slightly oily peat carried by lemon peel, a touch of apricot, quince jam, and at the very back, ash and a medicinal hint. On the palate, it's fairly simple, with light caramel and peat, walnuts and more apricot. Oily. But the pepper starts to hammer on the palate. However, I smell other spices, nutmeg, clove, cardamom, and a pinch of cinnamon when the fire has gone. Woody and ashy finish. Not very ripe yellow peach.

 

In Short, 

The nose is quite good, with the apricot that is one of the distillery's hallmarks. The finish is not bad, but on the palate it's a bit disappointing, too light in flavour, too strong in pepper. The overall impression is nevertheless decent, but I'm not sure I would recommend buying it. 

Score : 83

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Simple Minds - Mandela Day