Showing posts with label Jura Superstition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jura Superstition. Show all posts

Jura Superstition Review



Country: Scotland 
Region: Highland - Islands - Jura
Brand: Jura Superstition
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Age: NAS
ABV:  43 %
Date: 22/03/2013

Colour: Full Gold (Contains E-150)

Nose: Like in the Jura 16, I immediately get this Cooked Vegetables aroma. At least that's how I describe it. It could be Vegetative Sulphur I suppose. I'm not sure if, and if yes, how much Sherry Cask matured whisky was used in the Superstition. I only get weak Sherry notes, so probably not a high percentage. I also considered Phenolic aromas but then again I don't get very clear Medicinal tones such as Bandages or the like. It's a bit of a mystery to me I'm afraid. Sometimes it reminds me of very mature Blue veined Cheese! Over time, this aroma gets somewhat weaker and the Nose becomes more Earthy and Peaty in character though in a different way when compared to the peated whiskies produced at nearby Islay. In addition I find Hay, Oak, Toffee/Caramel, Butterscotch, Buttered Toast, Spices, Honey, Heather, Dried Fruits and Malt. There are very thin hints of Leather and Sweet Fresh Fruit as well. Think of Peach and Tangerine. 

Palate: A Combination of Sweet (Sugar, Honey, Marzipan), Spicy (White Pepper, Cloves, Aniseed) and Bitter (Herbs and Licorice). In addition some Cereals, Citrus, Mint and Hay. 

Finish: Short, Sweet and slightly Medicinal with some Peat, Spices, Honey, Ginger and a sprinkle of Salt.

I added a bit of Water and the dram gets more Cereals, Honey, Toffee, Peat and Wood on the Nose. The Nose benefits from a bit of Water but Palate and Finish are just watered down.

Rating: 78.5

Nose: 19.5  - Taste: 20 - Finish: 19.5  - Overall: 19.5


General Remarks: The Jura Superstition is NAS but is said to contain whiskies that aged respectively 7, 13 and 21 years. Around 13% of the Malt used is heavily peated. The name Superstition comes from an old ritual on Jura that dates back from Egyptian times. The Islanders believe that it brings good luck if you drink your dram of Jura in the correct manner by holding the bottle in such a way that the well-known Ankh cross in the centre touches the palm of your hand. The Ankh Cross is the Egyptian symbol for eternal life. Superstition sells at around 45 US Dollars per bottle.

Drinking Experience Neat: Average

Drinking Experience on the Rocks: Good

Conclusion: I do not usually drink Single Malts on the Rocks but I make an exception for the Superstition. It's quite okay that way. Neat however I do not find much pleasure in nosing and drinking this dram. The Nose is controlled by Vegetative aromas and on the Palate the Bitter elements like Herbs and Licorice spoil the show for me. This is my second Jura and I'm not very impressed I'm afraid. I have two more on the shelves, the 10 Years and the Prophecy. I'm an optimistic person by nature so I like to think I will enjoy them more. However, I am starting to believe that Jura's distillery character does not quite match my preferred flavour profile.

Jan van den Ende                                                                       March 2013