Jura Tastival 2016
51% ABV - Isle of Jura, Scotland
Nose: If you want to nose a sweet and dark fruity dram – this is it. Sultana raisin, cinnamon, cherry candies,... this one is a proverbial sherry bomb.
Taste: Upfront I’m met with raisins, chocolate and toffee. It’s complex and there are lots of flavours to swim through. Mulled wine spices, pepper, citrus, and brown sugar sprinkled all over.
Finish: Chocolate mixed with coffee or tea, and peppery. Raisin and cherry flavours dry.
This is a powerful spirit and has barely changed since I opened it five months ago. I’ve had a few bottles change with the oxidation–some for the good, some for the bad… but not this one.
Jura will be changing their core range expressions later this year, so I’m wishing for these wonderful releases to continue!
Tasted 19 April 2018.
[Update: December 2020] This continues to be remembered as one of my favourite whiskies. In particular, the first day I opened it... my (now wife) took me on a surprise vacation to Whistler, BC. It was mid-November and the ski season was not in full season. We just wandered the main streets and enjoyed the quiet together. Quite memorable! But I digress... I once had the chance to buy this again and I didn't take it, and now I regret it!
92/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
