Jura Journey

From the Sydney Whisky Show on May 20th, 2023. This was Whisky #14. Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, orange blossom water, diluted honey, pears. Palate: A soft start with pear, apple, caramel sauce, milk chocolate, a bit of honey, and a breath of sooty smoke. It then develops notes of malted milk and vanilla fudge, balanced by subtle spice hints like cinnamon and beeswax. The texture is creamy. Finish: Medium to short. Stone fruits, orchard fruits, and caramel fade into a pleasantly dry, leafy aftertaste. Journey is currently the entry-level whisky in the Jura range, and it's a really good introductory malt with solid balance (though it leans towards sweetness). There's nothing wrong with it, and it would be a great whisky for a relaxed session. The only drawback is its simple flavor profile, but that's not a flaw for a whisky at this price point. It offers good value for the money and would be an excellent first dram to share with newcomers starting their whisky exploration. I bought a bottle that day for that exact reason. It's not a top scorer, but it's a good, solid, easy-drinking value option. Score: 80/100 (3 stars) - Above Average

As a basic no-age-statement offering from Jura, I'd say it's decidedly average. There's an immediate light alcohol sensation, more like a standard blend than a quality Highland malt. It's generally light, with faint hints of vanilla, caramel, fruit, and a little spicy smoke. The finish is brief with some lingering spice and a trace of smoke. None of these flavors are particularly pronounced, instead remaining in the background. This is a perfectly drinkable spirit. It represents good value at the typical discounted supermarket price of around £22-25, but at the recommended retail price, about £10 higher, there are other whiskies with more character that I would choose over this one.

On the nose, a honeysuckle sweetness was immediately apparent, followed by marzipan and golden raisins. A dried mango and lemon citrus note provided an elegant balance. The flavor profile instantly brought almond cake with a light vanilla frosting to mind. Freshly cut citrus followed, developing into spicy nutmeg and dried wood chips. The finish is lengthy for me, despite a thinner mouthfeel. A pleasant lingering oakiness and spice were present. Wisps of charred wood right at the end left a dryness on the tongue. It was like tasting campfire smoke drifting from a distant ridge.

A rather mild, youthful nose with hints of vanilla, sea air, plantain, lemon, bourbon barrel, and melon, plus horchata. The palate is smooth and soft, predominantly barley malt with hints of black pepper, orange, smoke, toffee, wood, and cinnamon. The finish is long with a gentle spiciness. It's decent overall, but quite unremarkable. No peat. Acceptable. Very light peat.

Despite the many negative reviews and, at best, mediocre rebranding (the branding has always been poor in my view, but still), this spirit is surprisingly good. Light smoke, vanilla, almond, and a little coconut in an inexpensive, no-age statement release from Jura. Certainly not groundbreaking, but an easy-sipping spirit from a reputable brand.

First drink of the evening. A lot of bitterness and alcohol. Alcohol taste and burning sensation in the mouth. The taste is unbalanced and bad. Everything is overwhelmed by the taste of alcohol. A bit of wood in the finish. Very, very dry finish. The smell of perfume and a lot of alcohol. The nose burns and tickles.