Isle of Jura SMWS 31.20 Cornish Pastie and Plaster-board

You probably know the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Today I have two of their Jura bottlings in front of me, that I will try H2H. SMWS 31.20 is 21 years old, while the SMWS 31.21 is 22 years old. Let us start with the 21 Year Old, matured on a refill bourbon hogshead.

On the nose I get that rancid edge again, but it is mostly overpowered by citrus on the one hand and vanilla and a truckload of salt on the other. It also has something chalky, like a Gyproc DOY building plate. It is pretty peaty, too.

On the palate, it is oily, like cod-oil, and spicy (think ground pepper and vanilla) as well as pretty smoky. It has a nice touch of oak and wonderful sweetness with zesty character. Lime, grapefruit with a pinch of salt.

The finish, that is medium to long, makes the sweet move over for the salt at the death.

I did not really like the nose on this one, but the palate and especially the finish make up for it.

Find where to buy Isle of Jura whisky