Isle of Jura 12 Year Old Elixir

Exactly one year ago, I tried the Jura 12 Elixir, bottled for Sainsbury at 40% and presented in half bottles of 35cl. When a worldwide release came only six months later, the ABV was upped to 46%. Well, I had to try that one as well, right? So I got me a sample from my buddy, known as Jura Glenn.

Citrus and butter, those are the two aromas that I immediately get on this creamy nose. Then the hazelnuts and tobacco leaves emerge. Softly spiced. It has a bittersweet side as if from grapefruit or Sevilla oranges. Slightly bitter also from chestnuts, which I also encountered in the 40% version. And a touch of silt. This one is fuller and rounder than its little brother.

Nicely oily and prickly on the palate. Spicier than on the nose. Black pepper, ginger and a pinch of cloves. Nice smoky edge as well. The sherry cask influence is very clear now. Honey, coffee and pipe tobacco. Lemon tart and orangettes. Midpalate, it becomes a tad bitter.

That continues on in the medium long finish, in which vanilla and peat slowly fade.

The higher alcohol percentage gives this Elixir more punch and roundness, making it clearly the better version. Around 35 EUR.

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