Isle of Jura 21 Year Old 200th Anniversary

I really like Jura, I like the uniqueness of the esoteric brand and it being the only whisky from this smilalarly enigmatic island. I have tried several bottles this year and have found the 10 yo consistently enjoyable. I thought I'd try this 21 yo 200th year anniversary bottling expecting something exceptional for a bottle over £100.

This is a lovely whisky no doubt, the nose offers a deep and sweet, syrupy fruit salad aroma laced with light mocha and melon.

The arrival is a bit undefined, at first I'm finding seaweed, pears, ginger more syrup, and and then a fairly forgettable finish.... Just fades to nothing.. Leaves a feeling of thick syrupy fruit salad.

I really don't see how distillers can have special or commemorative offerings that are not as cask strength: whisky enthusiasts like most of us here know our stuff and this just feels like a bottling for dare I say it whisky tourists... Not good enough.

I really like Jura, I like the uniqueness of the esoteric brand and it being the only whisky from this smilalarly enigmatic island. I have tried several bottles this year and have found the 10 yo consistently enjoyable. I thought I'd try this 21 yo 200th year anniversary bottling expecting something exceptional for a bottle over £100.

This is a lovely whisky no doubt, the nose offers a deep and sweet, syrupy fruit salad aroma laced with light mocha and melon.

The arrival is a bit undefined, at first I'm finding seaweed, pears, ginger more syrup, and and then a fairly forgettable finish.... Just fades to nothing.. Leaves a feeling of thick syrupy fruit salad.

I really don't see how distillers can have special or commemorative offerings that are not as cask strength: whisky enthusiasts like most of us here know our stuff and this just feels like a bottling for dare I say it whisky tourists... Not good enough.

I tasted this in the Jura Hotel and fell in love with it, so I bought a bottle, and now have to go back to get the free tasting at the distillery that comes with the bottle. This simply stunning:

Nose: Clean, creamy sherry. Currants, sultanas, poached pears.

Taste: Initially spicy then rich and fruity, but never overheavy. Moist fruitcake. Light tingling spices remain with a vanilla and macaroon finish.

Nose : Lovely thick melange of dried fruits and sugar. This is a great sherry start. Some wood spices (cinnamon and nutmeg) also become evident after some time (give this one some breathing time - it's worth it). Some chocolate and marzipan notes ....

Palate: Starts with quite a wine influence, then off to orange marmalade, the spice attack is quite fierce, then it gives way to sugar, and the remains of a dark chocolate pack. mouth coating and heart warming.

Finish : Medium on dark chocolate, espresso, and spice. some wood too.

Bottom Line :

all in all , very enjoyable, and well made sherry dram. If you like anniversary expressions, and fancy boxes, this one is definitely on your to buy list. It’s also a nice opportunity to taste the now-discontinued 21 year old expression, and to maybe win a stay at the Jura lodge and visit to the Jura distillery. Had I lived in Scotland, i would have given this one a try!

This one has recently been reviewed by the chaps at whisky for everyone, so check out their notes as well.