Jura whisky is a brand of whisky produced on the island of Jura, an island in the Inner Hebrides located off of the West Coast of Scotland. Jura has a small island community that works to create each unique expression of scotch whisky the brand sells, and this whisky is known for appealing to both newcomers to scotch whisky and experienced drinkers alike.
In our guide, we give you an overview of Jura whisky including the details of this whisky, the different types of whisky you can purchase, and what to expect when sipping on your next glass of Jura whisky.
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Jura Whisky: An Introduction
Jura whisky is a unique type of whisky produced on the island of Jura by the small community of people living there. This scotch whisky is known for the many different expressions available, and it has made a name for itself when it comes to popular island scotch whiskies.
In general, Jura whisky will range from a light yellow to a deep gold in appearance, depending on the variety, and it's typically enjoyed straight or over ice. The exact taste of Jura whisky depends on the expression you are enjoying, though many Jura whiskies have a base of peat that comes from the unique island single malt blend. Flavor notes like vanilla, pepper, caramel, and smokiness may also come through.
Jura whisky is often perceived as a unique iteration of the classic single-malt scotch whisky.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Jura Whisky?
Jura whisky, like most types of whisky, has a higher ABV (alcohol by volume). While most bottles of Jura whisky hover around 40% ABV, which is 80 proof, some bottles can be found as high as 56.2% ABV, which is a proof of about 112.
You can check the exact proof of your Jura whisky by looking at the details on the bottle for the ABV.
What Is the History of Jura Whisky?
The distillery on Jura island was initially founded in 1810 by the Campbell of Jura Family. This family owned the distillery until around 1853, and it changed hands several times, going through two different periods of disuse and disrepair.
Two local owners obtained the distillery for Jura whisky in the 1950s and decided to revitalize it in order to boost the local economy. Work on the distillery was completed in 1963, and the distillery has operated ever since, though ownership changed hands several more times. The current owners of the Jura Distillery purchased it in 2014.
Jura whisky is currently perceived as a highlight of the island of Jura, and the small community of around 200 people living on Jura are committed to the distillery’s operation. It is a point of pride and historical significance in the community.
Where Is Jura Whisky From?
Jura whisky is from the island of Jura, which is located off the west coast of Scotland. This whisky was first created here, and there is one distillery on the island that exclusively produces all versions of Jura whisky available today. Jura whisky has been made on the island of Jura since around 1810.
When Was Jura Whisky Created?
Jura whisky has a long history, though this whisky was not produced every year since its founding in 1810. The Jura whisky distillery operated on and off since 1810, falling into two longer periods of disuse before the current iteration of the distillery was built and created in 1985.
From that point on, the Jura whiskey we know today and the many different expressions of this whiskey came into existence.
What Types of Jura Whisky Are There?
Jura whisky has a wide variety of whiskies available through its signature series line. Below, we give you an overview of each of the seven whiskies in this line.
Jura Whisky 10 Year Old
This 10 Year Old whisky is sweet and smooth, making it a great choice for most whisky drinkers. It has a flavor profile that features dark chocolate, vanilla, nectarines, ginger, coffee, and toasted almonds.
Jura Whisky 12 Year Old
Richer and bolder in flavor than the Jura 10 year old whisky, the Jura 12 year old features a flavor profile of warm spice and soft citrus. Other notable flavors include salted bananas, coffee, licorice, and brown sugar.
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Jura Whisky 14 Year Old American Rye Cask
This American Rye Cask expression of Jura whisky is aged in white oak ex-bourbon and American rye barrels, giving the flavor profile multiple layers. Spicey, aromatic, herbal, and floral, you can taste notes of almonds, toffee, mango, cinnamon, and soft wood spices in this whisky.
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Jura Whisky Seven Wood
Fruity and spicy, this Seven Wood whisky is aged using seven different oak wood barrels for the ultimate layered flavor profile. Notes of crème caramel, baked peaches, licorice, candied oranges, and ginger spice are evident in this blend.
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Jura Whisky 18 Year Old
Rich and full-bodied, the Jura 18-year-old whisky has a very fruity flavor profile. Hints of black forest fruit, strawberries, baked raspberries, chocolate, and caramel are detectable in this whisky thanks to the Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux barrels this expression is finished in.
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Jura Whisky Tide – Aged 21 Years
Jura Whisky Tide is an incredibly aged whisky has a unique depth of flavor and indulgent intensity that lovers of scotch whisky will appreciate. The flavor profile features hints of macaroon, gingerbread, frangipane, sweet fruit, and white chocolate.
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What Ingredients Are in Jura Whisky?
Jura whisky has a relatively simple list of ingredients, and the base of every whisky is created from a single island barley malt, yeast, and water from the nearby Loch a’Bhaile Mhargaidh. Variations in each whisky expression are created from the types of barrels that Jura whisky is aged in and the length of aging.
Certain variations of Jura whisky may have a very small amount of caramel coloring added, in addition to other natural flavors. You can check the exact bottle of Jura whisky you are interested in for details on the specific ingredients.
How Much Does Jura Whisky Usually Cost?
Jura whisky can come in at a range of different price points, as there are signature series options that are more mid-range in price in addition to limited-edition and rare releases that tend to cost more. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a bottle of Jura whisky, though you will need to check with your retailer directly for pricing details.
If you purchase a serving of Jura whisky while out at a bar or restaurant, you can expect it to cost about the same as a mid-range shot of scotch whisky in your area; prices may vary depending on the venue and type of Jura whisky.
What Is the Best Way to Enjoy Jura Whisky?
The best way to enjoy Jura whisky is to drink it much like you would drink any other scotch whisky. Enjoying this spirit neat, on the rocks, or with a drop of water in it to open up the flavors is very popular, though you may be able to mix it into your favorite whisky-based cocktail recipe – such as a whisky sour – with great success.
In general, Jura whisky is best enjoyed without a mixer, but you can add some water to it or use it as a base for an old fashioned. You can serve Jura whisky any time of day or night, and it pairs well with most types of foods. Reviewing the expected flavor profile of the variety of Jura whisky you are enjoying can give you a better idea of whether or not it will work well in a cocktail and the type of food to pair with it.
How to Choose a Good Jura Whisky
Selecting a good Jura whisky depends on your personal preferences and the flavor profile you are searching for in a scotch whisky. The best way to choose a good Jura whisky is to look at the bottles available in your area. You can review how long each bottle has been aged, the types of barrels that bottle was aged in, the mash bill, and any other important details that may contribute to how the whisky tastes.
Once you have reviewed the basics of each Jura whisky, you can look at other important things, such as the price point and whether or not the release is a limited edition or rare. Some liquor stores may even hold tastings featuring this whisky, which allows you to sample a few different varieties before you commit to a bottle.
Where Can You Find Jura Whisky?
Jura whisky can be found online primarily, with the distiller’s website providing a tool to show you where you might be able to buy this whisky in your area. Local liquor stores may also carry Jura whisky, but if you are searching for a limited-edition release, you may have to look through a higher-end liquor store that carries rare bottles.
You may be able to find Jura whisky in bars and restaurants, but this whisky is more likely to be found at upscale venues or at whiskey bars where there is a very wide assortment of whiskey available.
Jura Whisky FAQs
The following answers to frequently asked questions about Jura whisky can help you understand more about this interesting island spirit.
Is Jura Whisky Hard to Find?
Some versions of Jura whisky can be hard to find, as there are certain discontinued expressions and limited-edition releases that are not available directly through Jura whisky anymore. However, the signature series of Jura whisky should be easily found online or in a local liquor store.
Who Would Enjoy Jura Whisky?
Jura whisky can be enjoyed by anyone interested in sampling scotch whisky. While Jura whisky isn’t as well known as other more mainstream brands of scotch whisky, it still has a remarkable presence and a great history to go along with every bottle. With the many different expressions available, both experienced whisky drinkers and those new to the world of whisky can find something to enjoy from this brand.
Can I Gift Jura Whisky?
Jura whisky makes a great gift, as it comes in a range of flavors and at different price points. You can find a gift for a lover of unique whiskies, a whisky enthusiast, or a newcomer to the scotch whisky world looking for something interesting to sip on.
How Is Jura Whisky Different From Other Whisky Brands?
Every brand of whisky has something that sets it apart, and with Jura, this is the many unique expressions available and the island community that produces the whisky. Jura whisky also comes with unique packaging, so it’s perfect for whisky enthusiasts who love to collect bottles.
Enjoying Jura Whiskey
Jura whisky is a unique spirit produced by the island of Jura, and several of this brand’s whisky blends pay homage to the small island community that makes whisky distilling possible. With several different varieties of whisky available, including limited edition and special release whiskies, there is something for everyone when it comes to enjoying Jura whisky.
