Isle of Jura Superstition

This seems to be a “love it or hate it” whisky. More than half the reviews for the Superstition on this website have it either in the 90’s or in the 70’s or lower. I don’t know why that is, nor do I care to speculate. I liked it when I first opened it, and it’s only gotten better over the last 5 months. So for me; this sits right at home in the 80’s.

Nose: A good, salty maritime character. Big toffee, honey, cream, caramelized apples, pine, mineral-rich peat, and faint smoke. The honey and barley notes are both light and bright. The Master of Malt chaps mention that there’s a new-make-ish character to the nose. Quite right. I’m enjoying nosing this.

Palate: Creamy and soft on arrival, with a very gradual development. Peat comes in and steadily builds on itself, with salt and pepper also creeping in. The honey and barley characters remain light and bright. This tastes quite young, but there’s zero sharpness or bite. This is a very smooth and paced sipping experience.

Finish: Butter, light honey, minerals, pine, banana, faint vanilla, mild oak, soft smoke, and black peppercorns. Short-to-medium length.

I like the youthful, grassy, honey-rich flavours that seem to be infused into the overall character of the barley in Jura offerings. For me both the 10 and the Superstition have a very young and vibrant appeal. However if I had to choose a favorite; the Superstition boasts a bit more balance, finesse, and complexity. Like HP, this is an island dram that uses peat as a complimentary flavour, not a defining one.

Alternatively, if you’re just coming into single malts from the world of Johnnie Walkers you might be at home with this smooth and gently smoky character. It has enough complexity to distinguish itself but it is still very much an easy sipper. I’m liking this more and more every time I revisit it. Very recommended.

Find where to buy Isle of Jura whisky