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Quick Dram : Jura Superstition

The Island of Jura, is one of Scotland’s last wilderness. For those how are not familiar with it, Jura can be found North east of  the more famous Isle of Islay. The famous “sound of Islay” or Coal Ila , separates those two islands.

Despite the fact that it’s pretty much the same size as Islay, Jura’s population is only 200, and greatly outnumbered by the number of deer who live on the island (5,500). No wonder it’s name is based on the Norse “Island of the Deer”.

There is only one distillery operating on the island, which is called (not very Surprisingly) “Isle of Jura”. The Jura distillery offers a line of single malts , starting a the 10 year old up to a rare 40 year old, and some NAS expressions including the Superstition and the Prophecy.

The Superstition expression which I will review, is named after the superstitious nature of the inhabitants of the island. There are some tales that go in the island : the One eyed Campbell, and an aversion of cutting peat until May… The Superstition is a tribute to the people of the island (according to the Jura site). The Expression itself, is a blending of young and older malts (essentially, younger heavily peated malt and older non-peated malts) which are combined into a rather interesting spirit. It’s not an Islay lover’s alternative, as the RMW site claims, but it’s a very solid good dram, with peaty notes.

Jura Superstition 45% ABV , £25

Color: Rich Gold (not sure it’s not artificially colored).

Nose: Quite peaty. Not Islay peaty, and medicinal but the peat is there. Smoke can also be detected.On second sniff, I am getting some orange notes as well. i hope that my nose is not off due to the cold I've had a few days ago… .

Palate: Peat is here to stay. Again, it’s not Islay peat, it’s more earthy, without the coastal stuff. There is something else besides the peat, i guess i can describe it as shortbread with nuts…

Finish: The finish is smokey and quite long. The fruit is also there (remember the oranges?). Not bad at all!

Summing up:

A very different sort of peaty style. a nice drift from the big medicinal tarry Islays, into Jura land. If you like some subtle peat, than this one is up your alley. It’s not Over complex, but it’s not just about peat in your face.

I do think i will have more of this in the future. a Good dram, not excellent, but has quite a unique character to it. Jura style.

Price wise, i think it’s logically priced, and is certainly offers a good ROI.

P.S

After you’ve drunk your Jura, here is a very funny video of the Master Blender Paterson (who is also the ambassador for Jura). this is a killer movie. funny as hell. (watch the entire thing, you will not regret it)

About Gal Granov

Founder and Editor of the Whisky*Israel site. Whisky lover, Jazz addict, Software geek. Francophile.