There’s something inherently romantic about the whiskies from Scotland’s islands. They speak of a certain remoteness, of a character shaped by the sea and the hardy spirit of the people who live there. Jura, a beautiful and rugged Hebridean isle, is no exception. Its distillery has a reputation for producing a unique spirit, and when I heard they were releasing a 12-year-old expression finished exclusively in sherry casks, I knew I had to get my hands on a bottle.
This isn’t your typical smoky, peated island dram. The Jura 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is proudly unpeated, allowing the distillery’s delicate character and the influence of the wood to take center stage.
Pouring a glass, the first thing you notice is the rich, warm amber color. It’s inviting. Lifting it to my nose, I was met with a complex and deeply comforting wave of aromas. It wasn’t just sweet; it was layered. Think rich honey and gooey toffee, but also a sophisticated hint of vanilla, toasted almond, and even a touch of dark chocolate. It’s the kind of nose you can get lost in for a while before you even take a sip.
The first taste confirmed everything the aroma promised, and then some. The palate is wonderfully rich and mouth-coating. It starts with a burst of dark fruit – think juicy plums and figs – that quickly mingles with a medley of sweet, warming spices. Then, the sherry influence really sings. I got notes of those classic sherry-soaked raisins and a deep, dark toffee sweetness, but it was brilliantly balanced by a brighter, zesty character. Flavors of mango, grilled banana, and a twist of orange peel cut through the richness, preventing it from ever becoming too heavy.
What truly makes a whisky memorable for me is the finish, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It lingers beautifully, evolving as it fades. The sweetness gives way to subtler undertones of spicy cinnamon, a hint of coffee bitterness, a touch of bergamot tea, and a final, surprising note of licorice.
The Jura 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is a wonderfully accomplished single malt. It’s elegant and complex enough to satisfy a seasoned whisky drinker, yet its smooth, unpeated profile makes it incredibly approachable for someone just beginning their journey. It’s a bottle that tells the story of its island home and the craftsmanship of its makers, all through the rich, nuanced language of the sherry cask. A definite winner in my book. Cheers!
Jura12 Years Sherry Cask 700 ml, 43,5 % vol. Systembolaget product number: 757 Price: 449SEK
