Jura 30 YO

Jura 30 YO, 40 %

I was recently on the Isle of Jura for the first time. What a perfectly lovely island! The population is a mere 180, although the island is huge. Half the population lives in the 'capital' Craighouse. The day we visited, the weather was sunny and warm. With the cute palm trees in the harbour, it was easy to imagine we were a lot further south.

The Jura Distillery was established in 1810, and has a very picturesque location in the middle of Craighouse.

The first dram of the visit was an older bottling of Jura 30 YO. This was a limited edition of 1200 bottles, finished in Gonzales Byass sherry casks. This expression has an ABV of 40. Today you can buy a newer version of the 30 YO, called Jura 30 YO Camas An Staca, at 44 %.

Nose (23/25): A lovely nose! Sweet, with lots of refined sherry notes. There's fruits and spices dancing the happy dance. Vanilla, sherry, dark fruits, caramel, caramel sauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Taste (21/25): A bit shy and mild. Caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, a hint of oaky spices.

Finish (21/25): Caramel, almonds, dry sawdust, simple syrup, baked apples, raisins and vanilla. It has a soft landing after a relatively long taste flight.

Balance (21/25): A well-rounded and refined dram.

Score (86/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas