Isle of Jura 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Lying just to the East of Islay, off Scotland's west coast, Jura is one of Scotland's most spectacular but least known islands. The Isle covers 36,692 hectares and rises to a height of 785m. The name Jura has several meanings : “two brothers Dih and Rah”, “island of yew trees”, and “island of red deer”. However, with a human population of under 200 and about 5000 red deer, (the deer out number the people by around twenty five to one), expert opinion tends towards the latter.

The Jura whisky is produced from water from Loch A'Bhaile Mhargaidh (Market Loch) and ground malted barley. The water is not peaty as the loch is high in the hills. The wash is distilled twice in pot stills. High necks on the stills give a light spirit. The whisky gains a little weight and richness by being matured in a mixture of American oak and Sherry casks.

The 10 year old Isle of Jura is a medium-bodied malt with the character and texture of a west Highland whisky - accessible with a hint of spice and fruitiness. Unlike some of its heavier Islay cousins, Isle of Jura is only lightly peated.

Tasting note: Nose: Oily, lightly piney, earthy, salty, dry. Palate: Sweetish, soft, malty, oily, slowly developing a slight island dryness and saltiness. Finish: A little malty sweetness and some saltiness. Comment: A lovely aperitif. 40% Alc./Vol.
Rating: 7.5/10 - tasting note sourced from Michael Jackson, www.whiskymag.com