Whisky Review/Tasting: Jura Heavily Peated

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Isle of Jura, Scotland, often considered the "little brother" to the Isle of Islay due to its proximity.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Date: December 17, 1989.
Maturation: Matured in a bourbon barrel.
Age Statement: Distilled in 1989 and bottled on January 30, 2017, making it a 27-year-old whisky.
Bottle Design: Features a large front label with the Signatory Vintage independent bottler's logo and signature in brass color. The bottle has a notably large cork and a generous pouring hole.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is noted to be very oily.

Peat Level: Initially described as heavily peated with an estimated 45-50 PPM, but later characterized as medium peated.
Flavor Notes: Fresh, medicinal, herbal (notably peppermint), with barbecue notes, heather, honey, citric notes, a whiff of smoke, oak, slight bitterness, and a bit of licorice.
Balance and Complexity: The whisky is described as complex, with a balance between smoke, freshness, and herbal notes. It lacks sweetness, offering a diverse and evolving flavor profile that encourages discussion and exploration.

Limited Production: Only 137 bottles were produced due to the limited size of the bourbon barrel and the cask strength bottling, making it a rare and exclusive offering.
Cask Strength Character: The high alcohol content (56.7% ABV) and the generous pouring hole are highlighted as unique features that demand careful handling.

Islay's Neighbor: The Isle of Jura's proximity to Islay and its reputation as Islay's "little brother" contribute to the whisky's identity, suggesting an expectation of peatiness and complexity akin to Islay whiskies.

"It's a very, very old whisky with a lot of peat smoke but the peat smoke evaporates over the years."
"It's one of these whiskies where you can sit down and have glasses and wonder and argue about the taste and then have another glass and do that for hours."

A 27-year-old single malt Scotch whisky from Isle of Jura, matured in a bourbon barrel.
Initially expected to be heavily peated, but presents a medium peat level with a complex flavor profile including medicinal, herbal, and smoky notes.
Produced in a limited run of 137 bottles, making it a rare find.
The whisky's complexity and evolving flavor profile are highlighted as key characteristics that encourage exploration and discussion.

For the Experienced Whisky Enthusiast: The complexity and rarity of this whisky make it a must-try for collectors and those who appreciate nuanced flavors.
For the Peat Lover: While not as heavily peated as some might expect, its unique balance of peat with fresh and herbal notes offers a new experience.
Not Recommended for Beginners: Due to its high ABV and complex flavor profile, it might be overwhelming for those new to whisky.