Jura distillery is a seeming cat of a distillery, founded in 1810 and possessed of nine lives, or at least a timeline of eight owners. The last major rebuild of the distillery was in 1963, from whence it has been producing a variety of single malts. The island of Jura is very difficult to reach, with the distillery being one of the few actual businesses on it (one road, one pub, one distillery). With approximately 200 Diurachs – the Gaelic name for the inhabitants – living on the island, most everyone there knows someone who works at Jura. In 2018, the complete core line of Jura was retired as the distillery decided to move in a new flavor direction. The Jura 10 is the cornerstone of that relaunch, aging in ex-bourbon barrels before being finished for an undisclosed time in ex-Oloroso sherry casks.
Distillery: Jura
Region: Islands
Age: 10 years
Strength: 40%
Price: $39.99
Maturation: ex-Oloroso sherry casks
Location: Craighouse
Nose: Smoke, anise, brine, fruit, floral, grain, walnut, cherry, pecan, green peppercorn
Palate: Brine, sour apple, peppercorn
Finish: Apple, smoke, pepper
Comments: Allow some time for the scotch to oxidize and the elements to coalesce. No water is needed.
Adam – The Jura 10 does not start off with a bang. It floats in on the nose, the smoke and brine serving as the vanguard. That’s just the opening salvo, however, for fruits and nuts and grains follow in a surprisingly volley. Complex is not quite the right word. Layered. It’s a layered nose, that allows different components to shine every time you come back to it. This is craftsmanship. The palate follows the nose with a narrower band of apple or bear to go along with a dash of brine before dissipating with a frisson of light smoke and pepper. The sherry finish ebbs and flows, sometimes adding a richness to the fruit that adds some berry and cherry notes to the already clean apple or pear, each taking their turn in a delightful dance. Especially for the price point and availability, this is an easy one to recommend to both novice and professional.
Kate – The Jura 10 is like gently rolling waves. When the next one comes in, it’s a different smell. It’s like when you have a nice dry rub on ribs, a little sugary almost like brown sugar but then a little bit of spice. This is a very present but polite scotch. It comes together in harmony, subtle yet bold.
Bill – The smoke is almost like it’s dancing. The palate acts like a salted caramel, the sweet and salty in harmony.
It comes together in harmony, subtle yet bold.
Henry – A litany of flavors in the nose: fruit wood and nuts, especially cherry, pecan, walnut, and green peppercorn. In a less well-constructed whisky it would be chaotic, but here it is nuanced and captivating. Citrus and brine enters on the palate, balanced with a hearty oakiness, which transitions nicely to a maritime finish with a pleasant sweetness. This is an experience many American distilleries are trying to create, but do not succeed in the process. Bottled at 40% ABV, which results in an incredibly smooth drinking experience that offers an accessible, rewarding and engaging dram.
Ben – I like the Jura 10. It took a little while to get used to but it checks all the boxes for me.
Michael – I’m getting some bitter on the palate, almost like dandelion. I like the nose better than the palate.
