Jura 18 YO

Jura 18 YO, 42 %

The Jura 18 YO is a new Travel Retail exclusive, released earlier this year. Matured, as they say, in "ex-bourbon casks, with the finest Premier Grand Cru Classé Barrique finish". So it has been finished in expensive Bordeaux red wine casks.

It is a bit sad, in my mind, that producers still see the need to add colouring to whisky, especially old single malt whisky. Well, this is yet another whisky where caramel (E150) has been added for colour. In fact when you go to the Heinemann pages they list the ingredients of this product as follows: Water (57%), alcohol (42%), caramel (0,1 %). Quite specific on the caramel there, eh?

Anyways, the Jura 18 YO is available at select airports etc at around GBP 75 or € 90.

Nose: Soft flintiness, a distinct mineral quality. Soft, mild caramel, honey, and honey cake. It really improves in the glass. With time I get more beeswax. Lovely sweetness.

Taste: The palate is equally sweet, but there's also added dimensions of spices and bitterness here. It has sort of a woody bite, it is a bit astringent.

Finish: Medium long finish. Mainly caramel notes now. It appears less sweet, and has a slightly watery finish.

Comments: A fine Jura, and the price seems about right as well.

Score (86/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas