Isle of Jura 24 Year Old 1988 Archives

In their third (actually fourth, but the first was called Inaugural) release, the Dutch bottles Archives got hold of a cask of Isle of Jura. Or at least part of a cask. I think. Only 60 bottles were produced, so this was probably a split cask.

On the nose, err, hang on… Let me check my label again. This is Isle of Jura? Wow, what a surprise. Not so much because it is a good nose, which is is, but also because it does not remind me of Jura at all. I get sweets like mandarin, oranges, pineapple, apricots, mirabelles, jasmine and – do not laugh! – baby breath. After a few minutes I also get some farmy notes. Softly peated and very oily. Menthol, thyme and pipe tobacco. God, this is heavenly complex!

The attack is soft and creamy on oranges, grapefruit and apricots. The complex nose translates into a great taste experience, upholstered with a lot of spices and wonderful oak. Ginger, pepper and peat give it punch, eucalyptus and mint take care of a fresh lift. Sweet and zesty with a salty touch. It does not lose any of its splendour at any given time.

The fresh finish is medium in length and very zesty.

Impressive. This is a gem with a fair price tag. Only 85 EUR, available from Whiskybase.

Find where to buy Isle of Jura whisky