Jura 12 Year

Aroma: Sandalwood, cedar from a cigar box, blackberry preserves, pineapple, floral scents, and faint peat smoke. Taste: Starts sweet with berries, clotted cream, honey, and malted milk powder. It develops slowly and isn't very deep, with little adding interest beyond a brief hint of smoke and some sweet cocoa. The texture is pleasant, somewhat creamy and silky. Adding water just dilutes it, so best enjoyed neat. Finish: Medium to short. Lingering honey and milk chocolate. Not a complicated profile, but a pleasing one. This distillery isn't one I regularly follow due to inconsistent releases, but their recent offerings seem to have improved. The aroma is intriguingly fragrant for this distillery, almost suggesting a mizunara cask was used in the blend… unlikely, though. Combined with subtle smoke, it creates an interesting profile. The taste has a nice equilibrium between salty and sweet elements, with a clear influence from sweet sherry casks. I liked this one, and contrary to popular opinion, I thought it was better than their 10-year expression. I'm not sure I'd purchase a bottle, but I would happily order a dram at a bar or accept a complimentary one anytime. Tasted from a sample provided by the distillery. Score: 83/100 (3.5 stars)

I have seen how Jura has declined. Every year the releases are weaker, thinner, and the entire reputation of this distillery has crashed. This 12-year-old is an example of how a cheap bottle falls behind compared to any other expression of the same age from any other distillery. Bottled at 40% ABV, really beautiful reddish color (I don't know if it's colored, but it appears so). On the nose, a faint cigarette note. Then red fruits, thick caramel, sour prunes. A pleasant aroma of homemade dulce de leche appeared after a first sip. On the palate, it's not the best whiskey out there. Sulfur and salt; dim chocolate for a second. A little rough, it actually tastes like grain whiskey. Caramel. Aftertaste is almost non-existent. Sawdust and a little salt for a second. That's it. Very short aftertaste. Overall, this wasn't the best whiskey I've had, lol. I don't even feel disappointed at this point; my feelings about Jura are starting to be more like sadness. They need to improve their game, especially considering they belong to Whyte & Mackay, who also own the marvelous Dalmore. My score for this whiskey is a concerning 69 out of 100.

The 10-year expression was quite similar. I've encountered descriptions of wet dog food for this brand's scotch, and I can detect something akin to that, along with a sweaty sock aroma. These aren't necessarily negative points, but rather subjective impressions. Unique flavor notes help distinguish whiskies, and in the Scotch world, the more unusual, the better (within reason). The pronounced saltiness, combined with coffee grounds and small Dominican cigars, rings true. It's like someone extinguished a cigar in black coffee. There are some malt and sweet notes to balance it out. The saltiness overshadows the smoke in my current bottle, but the boggy peat is prominent. For a full tasting, consult my review of the 10-year, as I can't differentiate them from memory. I don't believe this brand can compete with Ardbeg or Laphroaig or other Islay powerhouses, hence a score reduction for the 10-year. This offering provides a distinct Scotch profile for those seeking something different. Do you favor a lot of salt in your food? You'll likely enjoy this. Score: 85/100. After a couple of servings (and adjusting to the salty peat), I can perceive sherry notes, which enhance the enjoyment.

This bottle reminds me of a worn-out, stained favorite armchair; visually unappealing and out of place, according to my spouse. Nevertheless, it draws us in. Is it the coziness? The scent? Or the recollections it evokes that we cherish? On the nose: it's a jumble, with toasted berries and honey standing out initially. A subsequent sniff reveals sea salt with chili, and some vanilla. A pleasant oak essence remains. On the palate; it starts off light - berries make a brief appearance, I detect roasted strawberries followed by a gentle smokiness. Honey shows up with some chili, then a hint of pine. The finish begins lightly, a breath of fresh pine followed by spice. Smoke emerges afterward and persists for some time. I've never held this bottle in high regard, but its frequent sale price compels me to purchase it repeatedly. This bottle is intricate, not necessarily harmonious, but it offers a great deal. The Jura 10 year is comparable, but the 12 year introduces more smoke and spice. It's not a flavor standout, but it succeeds well in being good and intriguing. I will keep buying it because the cost is competitive.

Nose: The scent starts with a mild floral note, like wildflowers. It has a noticeable nuttiness, especially walnuts, with a faint touch of ripe banana. Coffee and a bit of sea salt add layers, and a trace of smoke completes the profile. Palate: The taste includes a bit of sea salt and the distinct flavor of dried ripe banana chips. Dark chocolate pudding and mint offer a rich contrast, while a mild peppery heat adds some spice. Bittersweet licorice unifies the experience. The least favorite aspect is the texture. It's rather thin, neither oily nor thick. Finish: The finish is of moderate duration, with a taste like chocolate milk and ending with hints of espresso. It was sampled in a bar next to the Havana Club museum.

This was my preferred whisky of the evening. After trying seven different Scotches from Speyside and the Highlands, most of my companions felt this Jura expression stood out due to its complexity. Each time I returned to the glass, I discovered different notes. Initially, I detected a funky sweetness and honey. The second time, a lovely citrusy, almost red apple-like fruitiness and brine emerged. On the third assessment, dark chocolate, walnut, and ash were present. At 80 proof, it surprisingly delivers a wealth of flavors. Every sip offered a distinct experience. It's excellent as a daily option and goes down very smoothly. This will become one of my regular Scotch choices.