Why Jura whisky is one of the most special whiskies in the world

Whisky lovers know: whisky is not just about the taste, but also about the stories behind it, because those are often just as special. Take Jura, the single malt Scotch whisky. What makes this whisky so special is that it is made by a small island community of just 212 people, all living on Jura, 25 miles west of Scotland. A story that sounds like something out of a boys’ adventure book. And you can taste it.

Jura is a tiny, wild and characterful island with untamed nature, rugged mountains and just one road, one pub and one distillery, surrounded by a stormy sea. Alongside the 212 people, around 5,000 deer live here. Single malt whisky has been made here since 1810, whisky made at a single distillery – the Jura distillery, of course. And that in itself is special, because the remote and difficult-to-reach island of Jura is not exactly the easiest place to produce whisky.

The headstrong islanders of Jura

Over the years, the island and the distillery have weathered more than just the rough sea winds. Such as the closure of the distillery at the end of the 19th century and during the two wars that followed. But the flame that burned within the islanders was never extinguished. The ingenuity and perseverance of this community ensured that the doors of the Jura distillery opened once again in 1963.

Six Jura single malt whiskies

The Jura distillery is still the beating heart of the island and its community. The hard work involved in making whisky of this calibre, by this close-knit and headstrong community, all comes through in the flavour – often described as smooth and approachable with a very subtle hint of smoke. The Jura Signature Collection consists of six single malt whiskies, ranging from elegant to rich and spicy, and from fresh and sweet to smoky.

The Bourbon Cask is the newest addition, followed by the Rum Cask Finish, Seven Wood, 10 Year Old, 12 Year Old and 18 Year Old. The foundation for every Jura whisky is the same, but the maturation process and varied choice of casks ensure that each expression has a distinctive character of its own.

Drawn from the cask

It is often thought that an older whisky is automatically smoother and richer, but it all depends on the cask used. The cask in which the whisky has matured determines up to 80 per cent of the flavour. In general, two types of oak are used: American oak and European oak. To simplify things, you could compare it to the difference between a lemon and an orange. American oak gives the whisky a fresher flavour, while European oak gives it a somewhat spicier, sweeter flavour. Along those lines, a distinction can be made between maturation in former bourbon and wine casks (such as sherry or port). You can detect more vanilla and citrus flavours in whisky matured in an ex-bourbon cask, while whisky from a European oak cask is somewhat fruitier and spicier.

There is also a difference in the age of the cask used to mature the whisky. If you use a brand-new cask, the whisky takes on the strongest flavours from the wood, resulting in a more intense taste. The more often a cask is used, the more elegant its influence on the whisky becomes.

Choosing Jura whisky

Jura Bourbon Cask: vanilla, caramel, cinnamon and cocoa | € 28,99

Matured in American white oak bourbon casks. A whisky that brings aromas of vanilla and coconut to the palate, followed by a hint of apricot and creamy toffee, a touch of pear, cinnamon and cocoa.