Isle Of Jura Prophecy
46% abv
Score: 88.5/100
Here it is. Finally. A Jura I can really sink my teeth into. Prophecy is a small batch release (10,000 bottles, I am led to believe) of ‘profoundly peated’ no-age-statement Jura single malt. Why do I like this? Is it because I am a peatophile and this is like chewing a brick of the stuff? No. (Well…maybe a little). Actually…it is simply because it is bloody good stuff.
This is a surprisingly Islay-ish non-Islay malt. Yass…yass…I know. Jura is just a wee swim across the sound from Islay. Hardly world’s away in terms of terroir. Or is it? You’d be surprised. Homework, boys and girls. Go now. I’ll wait.
To be completely honest this is really only a note or two off from being something Jim McEwan is rolling off the stills at Bruichladdich. The Prophecy is the closest you’ll come to Port Charlotte without buying Port Charlotte.
The nose is a bold assortment of aggressive scents. Creamy peat reek…dirty logs…heavy smoke and tar…hard spice and licorice…a touch of chili chocolate…very dry fruit…salt and citrus…malt and butter. A wee bit of caramel to buffer the harder edges. Caramel the flavor, not caramel the color, y’anti-E150a crusaders (another time…another place).
First sips provide the enormous delivery you’d expect from a whisky with an olfactory profile such as I just spoke of. Heavy smoke and peat on arrival. The smoke is decidedly meaty and carries a dried fruit compote as counterpart. Smoked caramel next and on into salt and ash. This is sassy…young and dirty. The finish is all smoke and licorice. Well…perhaps a little sherry-logged oak lingering.
Helluva drink. Hats off to Mr. Paterson and the lads and lasses at Jura. Thank you.
- Reviewed by: Curt
- Photo: Curt