Whisky was very much a secondary concern, providing an entirely medicinal function, although it was still, for me, an ever-present elephant in the Zoom room. It proved to be an uplifting evening in what was a flu-ridden week in my household. I’m a fan of the Scottish folk scene, so I knew I would enjoy myself regardless of the standard of the whisky that was being promoted. As I’m no “whisky influencer,” it was a pleasant surprise to be asked. The package arrived following an invitation to join a preview tasting for the Jura Music Festival. It’s not all bad, even if the whisky produced could be better. Although, it’s only fair to point out the extensive contribution of the distillery to island life, bringing both necessary employment and tourism. They deserve better from distillery owners Whyte & Mackay. It is this gem of a place, and those who live there, that I feel sorry for whenever I encounter the often mediocre whiskies that they cannot help but be associated with. The island has a population of around 200 people, who form a welcoming, friendly, and tight knit community. It’s remarkable, wild, and inspirational.
Jura is beautiful, with a striking skyline dominated by The Paps of Jura and a hell of a lot of deer. The aim of this set was clear to point beyond the whisky and the distillery, to the island on which it is produced. Maybe it is best enjoyed when in the bath? I found this quite ironic, given the soapy nature of some Jura independent bottlings I’ve tried, and it made me wonder if I’ve got Jura all wrong. In this box, however, the Jura 12 was accompanied by a handmade soap, containing whisky and ground up deer antlers. The Dalmore Sherry Cask release was paired with delightful whisky infused chocolate truffles. Fettercairn was paired with yummy marshmallows and a more divisive peach soda palate cleanser. I am used to Whyte and Mackay tasting sets arriving with sweet treats, due to my participation in Whisky Shop tastings during lockdown. The stunning scenery of the Isle of Jura served as a backdrop on the lid of a box that contained a bottle of Jura 12 Year Old, 5cl of Jura 18, a branded hip flask, a mini painting (since acquired by my kids) and a further unexpected treat. The package I received was certainly well presented. After all, the core range employs all of the things that whisky aficionados rail against: chill filtration, low bottling strength, caramel colouring, and the sense of brightly coloured style over substance.
Jura a name that is used in whisky groups as a slur, a whisky that seems to have become the whipping boy of Scotch, the lowest of bars that all other malts are expected to clear, and a distillery that it is fashionable to dislike. I received a parcel of my own the other week, only its contents were quite different in nature to the Diageo Special Releases! Mine came from an island distillery that has been much maligned on this site by writers past and present alike: Jura. Graham isn’t the only Malt contributor who has been sent a whisky promotional pack of late.
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