The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Emma Briones
Rating: C+
Jura 18 Year Old
(Credit: Whyte and Mackay)
Old Isle of Jura whisky needed a change, so they could get to more people and vindicate the capacity of their small island distillery to produce good whisky. That change arrived with its new, revamped range: Signature Series. Jura 18 year old is the top of the range.
This single malt, created with a blend of both peated and unpeated spirit, has been aged in American Oak barrels and finished in red wine barrels.
The Scotch
In the glass, Jura 18 is honeyed, with some reddish tones. On the nose, it follows the style of the Signature Series range. It is quite light and herbaceous, with white grape notes. There are also sweet fragrances of milk chocolate and toasted coffee. With a splash of water, there are some slightly peated aromas and a cherry touch.
On the palate, it shows a more sherried side. This is a Scotch that starts with a sweet blow to slowly fade to bitter and spicier notes. Chocolate and charcoal notes blend with a touch of raisins and dry fruits. Some soft notes of candied lemon. The finish is a bit lengthy, with chocolate notes and a light touch of smoke.
Jura wanted to update its brand to get to a new target, and it may be working for them. A fresh brand can get to a new consumer and open their eyes to the whisky world. But, in the process, they forgot about whisky lovers, because the new range is not for them. Jura 18 Year Old should be the icing of the cake, but it doesn’t get to the level of its small brother, Jura Seven Wood (which, for me, is the best whisky in the range). Jura 18 is just another whisky for beginners, despite the upper-middle age statement.
The Price
Jura 18 Year Old is available worldwide. In the U.S. is retailed at $90, while prices in Europe range around €90 and £70.
