Review by: Raygun

I’ve had next to no experience with Jura. I think this is the first one I’ve ever reviewed. OB Jura doesn’t have the best reputation, but going into it blind will avoid preconceptions. Jura is owned by Whyte & Mackay along with Dalmore, Fettercairn, Tamnavulin, and Invergordon. This 12 year old is part of a revamped distillery line that started in 2018, incorporating some peated spirit into the mix. Thanks to dustbunna for the sample. Initially sampled blind, with additions after the reveal in italics. Rested about 15 minutes.

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Distillery: Jura 

Bottler: Jura

Region/style: Islands single malt Scotch 

ABV: 40% 

Age: 12 years  

Cask type: Matured in ex-bourbon barrels for 12 years, then finished in Oloroso casks. The finish is most likely a few months then.  

Color:  1.4 tawny. Colored and chill-filtered.

Price: Around $45

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Nose: I’m very puzzled by this. Not bourbon; I’m sure of that. Some fruit, grapes especially. Moderate oak, with aspects of wood shop. Camphor too and some anise. I’m still puzzled. Has something of a fermented smell.

Palate: More hints of wine influence now. Grapes, plums, camphor, and something kind of green, almost mossy. Seems like 50% at most. There’s something a little medicinal about it. Not like iodine or cough syrup. Hard to describe well. Maybe it’s the anise. Something woody that’s not like American oak. Yes, something fermented. Reminds me of both yogurt and sauerkraut in a way. Seems to get more sour with time.  

Finish: More grapes, plums, and blackberries. Starting to feel more like a red wine cask. American malt, maybe? A column still could explain the flavor difference. Body is kind of weak; now think it’s under 50%. More of the medicinal flavor I can’t identify. No, fermented is a better description than medicinal. The sauerkraut grows. 

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Guess: No better guess than American malt, so I guess I’m going with that. Wine cask or finish, around 48%. Maybe a Westland?  

Post-reveal thoughts: Not very close again! The 40% would help account for the lack of flavor, and Jura is famously kind of weird. Oloroso finish rather than red wine, but it sure doesn’t taste much like it. Of course, it’s a pretty brief finish, and I’m sure these aren’t the finest sherry casks.    

Conclusion: I like sauerkraut on a hot dog, but not in whisky. This is not good. Drain-poured the last half ounce or so. Just not worth finishing. My Reddit motto is life’s short; drink the good stuff. I suppose the corollary is, don’t drink the bad. From what I recall, the 10 was a little better. 

Score: 58

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)