Jura Elixir 12 YO
Jura Elixir 12 YO, 40 %
I recently visited Jura, and found that to be a wonderful island, and a interesting distillery. I did get to try a few different whiskies from Jura, and have since also tried a few, to get to know them a little better. I am therefore now ready to present my take on the Jura Elixir 12 YO. This whisky has been matured for about 10 years in American white oak casks, and then finished for two years in European sherry casks. The label says "Fruity & Spicy".
Curiously, the official bottle image from Jura Distillery shows a label with 46 % ABV, but the text says 40 %, and the bottle I had my taste from was also labelled 40 %. Just to add a bit more confusion, in Sweden you can buy Jura Elixir at 46 % with a completely different label from the one pictured on the distillery's own website. It could be that the info at Systembolaget are not updated, but it is there at SEK 459 (item number 434).
I am a bit confused by this ABV issue, and would appreciate any clarification on the matter. Do they offer both 40 % and 46 % in parallel, aimed at different markets due to consumer preferences or tax levels, or are they moving from 46 % to 40 % in general (which would make no sense to me at all). Curious!
Nose (22/25): Vanilla, caramel pudding (lovely dessert), almonds, some oak notes, and mild citrus.
Taste (20/25): Quite spicy, lots of pepper. At the same time it is sweet and fruity; sugar, simple syrup, dried fruits, almonds (again). There is a faint floral or perfumy 'edge' here.
Finish (20/25): The fruitiness is still here, but turns towards the slightly bitter; bitter oranges, orange zest, and orange marmalade. More pronounced oak, and drier towards the end. Still a bit spicy - mainly pepper and a hint of ginger and cinnamon. It turns slightly sour right at the end.
Balance (21/25): It does deliver what it promised on the label, as it was both fruity and spicy. I have a strong feeling I would have liked the 46 % ABV version a little better on the taste. I guess I have to track it down and try!
Score (83/100)
Image from Jura Distillery.
Sláinte! - Thomas
