Jura 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

Distillery Background and History

Jura Distillery is the sole whisky producer on the Isle of Jura, founded in 1810 and revived in the 1960s. Located on a remote island in the Inner Hebrides with a tiny population and roughly 5,000 deer, it crafts expressions that reflect its maritime isolation. Owned by Whyte & Mackay (Alliance Global), Jura produces lightly smoky, island‑character malts in a tranquil setting with just one road, one pub, and one distillery.

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Jura emphasizes approachable, balanced whiskies with subtle peat and fruit character. The 12 Year Old Sherry Oak is built for everyday enjoyment—smooth, modestly smoky, and gently sherried without overly aggressive oak influence. Cask finishing style aims for accessible umami and fruit depth rather than power.

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Made from 100% barley malt distilled on Jura. Fermentation is long and traditional using local yeast strains, and water is drawn from Loch a’Bhaile Mhargaidh—offering soft, mineral-rich Highland water and contributing to Jura’s silky mouthfeel.

Distillation Process

Distilled in just two wash stills (24,500 L) and two spirit stills (15,500 L), all copper, all crafted on-site. Small‑scale production emphasizes slow fermentation and strong reflux to deliver a medium-bodied spirit with gentle smoke and delicate texture.

Maturation & Cask Information

Matured for 12 years in American white oak ex‑bourbon barrels, then finished in aged Oloroso sherry casks imported from Jerez, Spain. This finish offers honeyed sweetness and warm spicy notes while maintaining Jura’s island character. Bottled at 40% ABV.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Subtle gentle peat smoke, honeyed vanilla, dark chocolate, walnut, and soft citrus zest.

Palate: Smooth and light-bodied with flavors of coffee, salted bananas, liquorice, brown sugar, raisins, figs, and apricot. Sherry provides mild spice and nuttiness.

Finish: Short to medium length; lingering sweetness, faint smoke, and residual oak spice that fades cleanly.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with honey-drizzled nuts, milk chocolate, spiced apple tarts, caramel panna cotta, or simply with light light‑smoke tuna or soft cheeses.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Best served neat or with a few drops of spring water in a Glencairn or tulip glass at 15–18 °C. Gentle swirling enhances aroma. Avoid ice, which can mask delicate sherry and smoke layers.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place away from temperature fluctuations. At 40% ABV, bottle aging yields minimal evolution; best consumed within 1–2 years once opened to retain freshness.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch whisky—100% malted barley; lightly peated; finished in ex-bourbon then Oloroso sherry casks.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40%