Jura Superstition

Today, I’ll be taking a look at Jura Superstition. It’s one of their standard expressions and will set you back somewhere between $29-46 in most shops. The name, so the folk at Jura tell us, stems from the many superstitions present on the Isle of Jura. One of them is that it is unlucky to cut peat before the beginning of May – I’m sure that one wasn’t invented by a group of laborers who prefer to work when it’s warm out or anything.. That’s not the only superstition surrounding the bottle, however – there’s also the Ankh. According to Wikipedia, the Ankh is known as the “key of life” and is an ancient hieroglyphic character out of Egypt – though its origin remains unknown. Personally, I bet it has something to do with the Goa’uld (that one goes out to any Stargate fans out there). Whatever its history, Jura superstition says that it brings you good luck – but only if you pour the whisky in the “correct manner”. Will I tell you what this manner is? It’s more fun not to; so no, no I will not.

Now then, Superstition – on the nose it’s earthy, reminiscent of slightly moist moss, heathery, peaty, and it carries a sweetness which brings to mind sweet orange peel and butterscotch. I don’t know how many times I’ve said a whisky has a good nose on here, but I’m going to go ahead and do it again: it has a very good nose. I guess I’m a nose man. On the palate its light yet a bit oily, and starts out with those same earthy, heathery, peaty notes that you find on the nose with the addition of a peppery note. This is followed by a savory quality that I can’t quite put my finger on – before dipping into a pool of sweetness: that butterscotch is there again, along with honey, vanilla and sweet orange. The finish is long, spicy and peaty, and throughout the whole experience – from nose to finish – is a thing veil of smoke, trying its best to unify the other qualities but not quite getting there. It’s not a perfectly balanced whisky then, in my opinion, but it is perfectly delicious. A highly enjoyable whisky indeed, and highly worth its price (under $46 in the UK).

Color: Deep gold.

Nose: Earthy, moist moss, heather, orange peel, butterscotch, light smoke.

Taste: Earthy, heather, peat, savory, butterscotch, honey, vanilla, sweet orange, light smoke.

Want to buy this whisky? Available in: USA & World (click), UK & Europe (click)