Old Jura cut on the verge of a transition
Indie bottler Decadant Drinks have been releasing interesting bottlings with a label that calls the whisky “old” for a while now. We have seen O.M. and O.I. and even O.O., all standing for Old Mull, Islay or Orkney. New to the fold is the O.J., not to be confused with the actor turned criminal from America! This is an Old Jura and that is going to be interesting. I am not the biggest fan of Jura single malt, but the independents most times have a better way of picking casks than the owner does. Granted, the owner is aiming at the bottom side of the market, with affordable releases with cunning names like “bourbon cask” or “seven wood”, which leaves little to the imagination. We do however also see some more age statements now. Decadent Drinks found a 17 years old, which is a decent age, so let’s dive in!
Isle of Jura 17 years old, vintage 2009, bottled at 54,8 % abv by Decadent Drinks
First things first: Only 175 bottles came from a refill barrel that was bottled as “O.J.” or Old Jura by Decadant Drinks. Beautiful bottle design!
Upon Sipping: This should be spirit driven, but it opens up like a cask of herring. After this initial whiff, we start picking up more brine and then, oak notes. The oak is on the verge of turning into a fruity character, but life has been cut short, as the bottle called. This makes for a very interesting breaking point, I have to say, leaving traces of an austere, lemon infused island character and presenting hints of candy bears (but only the yellow ones). Oh my, I am starting to fall in love with this duality. On the palate, thick cream, hints of yoghurt with slivers of peach in there, and a very briny finish. Lots and lots of waxes, paraffine, thick, fat, dripping honey from a wooden spoon. All that is missing is the horror version of Winnie the Pooh. Nothing of the traditional weaknesses of Jura malt. The cask actually turned the well-known offnotes into something very entertaining. With a dash of water, more highland character, with old forests and heather notes, and a more lemony-honeyed taste.
Word to the Wise: An island whisky, yes, but with a backbone as sturdy as a 100 year old Highland man hunting for salmon in ancient rivers. I am deeply impressed.
Score: 88 points.