Whisky Review/Tasting: Jura 1989 Signatory Vintage Cask Strength

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Isle of Jura, Inner Hebridean Islands, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Date: December 17, 1989.
Bottling Date: January 7, 2014.
Age Statement: 25 years old.
Maturation: Matured in bourbon barrels, specifically two casks numbered 30,710 and 30,745.
ABV: 58.2%.
Color: Dark, suggesting first-fill or minimally used bourbon casks.
Bottle Design: Specifics not described, but it is bottle number 87 of 321, indicating a limited release.

Initial Notes: A hint of vanilla with minimal peatiness, evolving into a more pronounced peaty character with medicinal smoke reminiscent of disinfection, followed by the smoke of burning wood fire.
Development: Caramel notes develop slowly, with more smoke, fennel, and medicinal qualities emerging. Citrus notes become prominent, transitioning into lime.
Water Addition: Before dilution, the whisky is described as somewhat one-dimensional, but with water, it gains power and complexity. Citrus intermingles with oak, and licorice notes appear gradually.
Peatiness: Initially described as heavily peated, the peatiness seems to have mellowed over the 24 years of maturation, with phenols oxidizing slowly.

Anecdote: The bottle was presented to Horst Luening, the master taster, by the proprietor of the distillery, highlighting a personal connection to the whisky.
Production Insights: The detailed explanation of how the casks' seaside location affects the whisky's ABV and flavor profile provides a unique glimpse into the maturation process.

The Isle of Jura is noted for its proximity to Islay, yet Jura whiskies traditionally have a different character. This whisky, however, with its peated profile, bridges that gap and introduces a narrative of evolving whisky styles on Jura.

Horst Luening's Caution: "I do not taste whisky with such a high strength. It would paralyze my taste buds."
On Peatiness: "This heavily peated Jura...has reduced its primary high peat level quite a lot over the 24 years of maturation."

A rare, 25-year-old Isle of Jura whisky, matured in bourbon barrels, with a high ABV of 58.2%.
Initially presents minimal peatiness, developing into a complex profile with medicinal smoke, citrus, and licorice.
The seaside maturation process contributes to the whisky's unique characteristics.
The whisky's peatiness has mellowed over time, offering a nuanced experience.
Horst Luening shares personal anecdotes and detailed insights into the whisky's production and flavor profile.

Peated Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate a nuanced peat profile that evolves with time and oxidation.
Cask Strength Aficionados: Individuals looking for high-ABV whiskies that offer complexity when diluted.
Collectors and Connoisseurs: The limited release and unique characteristics make this a desirable bottle for collectors and those seeking rare tasting experiences.
Islay Fans Looking for Variation: Fans of Islay whiskies may enjoy exploring this peated expression from Jura for a different yet familiar experience.