Isle of Jura 21 Year Old

Isle of Jura 21 Year Old

The current version of the 21 Year Old is bottled at 46% ABV, but I got a sample from an older bottling, still at 40%. There is even a bottling at 43% out there. Looks like Jura has been playing around with the strength during these past few years. Or would that be the demand of the consumers? Anyway, no matter what the strength, this has a...

Score 85/100

Isle of Jura 21 Year Old

Nose: Dried and somewhat waxy fruits at the fore with orange peel, raisins and figs backed by brown sugar and caramelised almond. Notes of polished wood and sugary pastry give a real sense of maturity. Feel: Smooth and mouth coating at first but does seem to thin out a little quickly. Taste: Sherried notes of dates and more candied orange followed...

Score 83/100

Isle of Jura 21 Year Old

Mr Richard Paterson, who I've met at a tasting, seems hell bent on hiding behind intensely sweet flavors. Some time he does a decent job. Most times he doesn't. This time I think he just might have succeeded. The peaty sweet nose has all the trademarks of a Paterson expression. Earthy molasses and jaggery with a hint of something floral followed...

Score 84/100

Isle of Jura 21 Year Old

First vapor: Malt and milk coffee. Nose: Pleasantly light with wood notes, like fresh, fine-ground coffee. Malty but with an intriguing "edge": like molasses or dried figs. Breathing time brings a touch of orange peel. Palate: Oak-woody hazelnut entrance. The woodiness crescendos into a syrupy impression of sour caramel. The mouthfeel...

Score 85/100