Isle of Jura Tastival 2017

This is the fourth year that Isle of Jura tags on to the Feis Ile on Islay and releases a special bottling with the name Isle of Jura Tastival. On 1st June 2017 they released a malt that matured on bourbon casks. Half of that was given a second maturation on first fill bourbon cask, the other half on Graham’s port pipes (Graham’s, by the way, is my favorite port). It has a fantastic bright copper color.

The nose starts a bit sharp at first, but calms down to offer nice notes of walnuts with oranges, upholstered with pineapple on the barbecue and some cassis. Hints of cuberdons. Quite spicy. I am reminded mostly of camphor and nutmeg, but there is also a hint of curcuma. After a few moments, it turns somewhat creamy with honey and butterscotch. Nice.

The body is fine, the arrival powerful and spicy. Orange peel, walnuts, honey, vanilla and a sweet and sour touch of the port that reminds me of red fruit. It certainly is not over the top – wine influence is always tricky business – but comes close. Some tobacco, raisins and allspice. Assertive malt.

The finish is fairly long on orange liqueur. It remains spicy and makes your mouth pretty dry.

The better work from Jura. Still available for 125 to 135 EUR. Thanks to The Nectar for the generous sample.

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