Jura 18 Year

The allure of an 18-year-old single malt scotch for $99.99 was strong, and I initially missed out. It was available online-only at our local stores and sold out quickly. Then, it reappeared briefly a few months later as 'limited availability,' meaning fewer than 10 bottles. I had to buy it then, thinking it would likely cost $130 or $140 next time. Prices rarely decrease, do they? Anyway, Jura. My experience with Jura is mainly with the 10-year-old, which I consider a fantastic value in single malt scotch. It might not be groundbreaking, but for around $40, you get an age-stated scotch. While it's still only 80 proof, it tastes of honey, vanilla, and pears. It compensates for a lack of complexity with its drinkability. As for the 18, I anticipated it would taste quite good, though perhaps not world-shatteringly complex. The aroma is notably dark fruit-forward: plums and black cherries, with perhaps a trace of black licorice following. There's a tartness here that borders on funky, as if the fruit is lusciously overripe, on the verge of spoiling but not quite there. It's the kind of fruit scent that, if found in an orchard, would attract wasps and large bees to the dark skin, which is nearly falling off the fruit, to soak up the juices. On the palate, it has an oily viscosity. Alongside the dark fruits, there's an almost hoagie oil-like flavor. Something in the back end, as it transitions to the finish, reminds me of a hint of orange peel in a sip of sangria. Overall, it's quite smooth, with a mildly peppery tartness that isn't excessively long, allowing the fruit flavors to linger on the tongue appropriately. In summary, this is a solid offering and a good value. I haven't tried many 18-year-old single malts due to the lack of sample sizes and the high cost, often preferring to buy 2-3 bottles in the $70-$100 range over one bottle for $160. I'm considering the Highland Park 18 and noticed an Aberfeldy 18 finished in Cabernet Casks for $119, which seems like a good deal I might purchase next month. However, as my introduction to 18-year-old single malts, this one served its purpose, and I anticipate enjoying the entire bottle. But, when people mention peaty flavors and smoke, I don't understand what they're referring to. There's no peat or smoke to be found. It doesn't detract from the bottle, but be aware. Don't expect something like Talisker.

I'm a big admirer of the Jura Prophecy and Superstition. The issue is they are no longer available, meaning that while I have a good impression of the distillery, I can't comment on its current state. Some members here have advised me, but I will strive to remain unbiased. Nose: Honey and toffee. Grilled pineapple. Dried apricot and cranberry. Honeydew and white grape. Nougat, milk chocolate, and caramel. An interesting mix of coastal, salty smoke and earthy, rubbery peat. Sun-dried tomato. Croissant. Orange citrus. Blackberry. Old newspaper and robust oak. An unusual combination of notes, but not without merit. Palate: More toffee and honey. The pineapple, white grape, orange citrus, and dried apricot and cranberry are still present. Blackberry and now raspberry. Sun-dried tomato as well. Caramel and nougat. Maple syrup. Croissant. As I write this, I realize it's almost identical to the nose. I detected some plum, which led me to discover this was finished in Grand Cru red wine casks after 18 years in ex-bourbon. That's a first. The peat and smoke are light, leaning towards earth and rubber rather than the coastal notes from the nose. Finish: A drying finish. Raspberry. Bitter dark chocolate. Cocoa. Caramel, toffee, and coffee. Menthol. Sun-dried tomato. Pungent cinnamon and black pepper. Oak. Moderately long. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most peculiar whiskies I've ever encountered. It's certainly a good one, and I'm pleased I acquired it. I've been reviewing many whiskies recently, and I can confidently say this one really surprised me. It's as distinctive a whisky as I've had. An eclectic mix of fruit with other sweet notes and a background of the peated profile typically found in comparable whiskies. It's chaotic at times, but it sparks the imagination while remaining an enjoyable drink. And while I ponder how to score the contents of the bottle, I must also consider the cost. At $130, this is a high price for such an experimental whisky. It's unconventional, unique, but falls slightly short of what I'd expect from an 18-year-old malt at this price. Nevertheless, it's a respectable effort from Jura, once again. 3.5/5.

Nose offers orange marmalade, honey, red berries like cranberries or blackberries, almond brittle, printer's ink, tobacco, leather, damp earth, and a hint of peat smoke. Taste presents an unusual mix of dark cherries, dried figs, dried apricots, grilled pineapple, bittersweet cola syrup, and espresso. It then develops into woody honey with earthy undertones and a bit of smoke reminiscent of herbal cigarettes. A salty note appears, bringing to mind Jura expressions from a decade ago, and like many of those, it finishes with bitterness on the late palate. The texture is substantial without being heavy. Finish is medium, drying, with notes of burnt butter, burnt sugar, bitter cocoa, bitter coffee, grilled grapefruit, and black pepper. A rather unyielding finish. This is a complex and not fully harmonious spirit that seems conflicted. It's not terrible, but definitely "intriguing" and not suited for beginners. In reality, it might not impress many experienced drinkers either. The aroma is excellent, rich, and full of depth to discover, but the taste begins to fall apart, and the finish, well, I wouldn't say it's bad, but it wasn't to my liking. It seems like the stills were run too hot, causing the spirit to scorch, though that's just my opinion; it's more probable that the dry, charred quality of the finish originates from the barrels. Score: 78/100 (2.75 stars, but a better finish would have earned it 3.75)

Initially, an off-putting alcoholic smell appears on the nose, which fades with a bit of air, revealing fruity notes of pineapple, mango, candied orange, and hazelnut. Caramel, nutmeg, and milk chocolate flakes round out the aroma, which is rather simple but pleasant. A subtle woodiness underlies it. The palate is less robust than the nose, with a significant wood presence that glides across the tongue, imparting a distinct vinous dryness. Once that initial impact subsides, the fruity and sweet aspects of the whisky return, though a bitter undertone quickly disrupts the harmony, and the alcohol (though not high) is too prominent. The end result is a somewhat muddled sweet and bitter mixture. A fairly short, very dry finish with notes of hazelnuts and wood. The nose wasn't great, but it at least suggested a harmless and pleasant drink. Instead, you encounter a confusing blend with no clear origin, as if a cask of French wine was inexplicably added, perhaps in a (failed) attempt to salvage it. A reminder for those who believe age always improves a whisky, to be summarized with a definitive "no way".

Remarkable for an 18-year-old! I'm a fan of Jura, despite their reputation. I acknowledge that they aren't always consistent and some releases fall short. However, this bottle is a pleasant surprise. It doesn't taste like an 18-year-old, nor is it priced like one (in Ontario, Canada), so I appreciate its value. Plum, raisin, wax with a salty hint. Delicious! On the nose, plum jam with saltiness and sea salt. It leaves a subtle hint of oak and spice at the end. It's smooth and flavorful, but not a strong aroma. On the palate, the texture is delightfully waxy compared to the 10 & 12 year olds. Dark fruits greet your palate; I taste plums with raisins, some sea salt, and vanilla. A hint of scorched chili appears at the back. The finish: Short. Much shorter than you'd expect for its age. A salty fruit flavor says goodbye. After some time, sea salt and vanilla remain.

Color: Auburn Nose: Brown sugar, toffee, caramel, plums, stewed prunes Palate: Sharp, sour, bitter, spicy Finish: Rather short, heat, barley sugar, spicy Bottled at 44% ABV. No information regarding natural color or chill filtering on the bottle. Matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in ex-Bordeaux wine casks. I appreciate the nose on this. The palate was initially harsh but improved with water. I had hoped for greater complexity and a longer finish from an 18-year-old. A satisfactory dram, but overpriced for its delivery in my opinion.