Over the last two years we’ve seen a lot of Isle of Jura 1988 releases (sister cask #752 Archives to name just one). All really good. The one we’re having today was bottled back in 2010 in the premiumized Mo Òr collection.
It must have been one of the first bottlings from this batch of casks, and as far as I can see it’s also the only one reduced to 46%. Let’s see whether that has an effect.
Isle of Jura 22 yo 1988
(46%, Mo Òr 2010, bourbon hogshead #756, 352 btl.)
Nose: of course similar to all its sister casks. Big notes of hay, leather and tobacco. Some waxed papers. Really farmy as well (stable aromas, horse dung), even more so than the others, or so it seems. Hints of exhaust fumes. Overripe oranges in the background. Some seaweed. Unusual but by now you know I really like this.
Mouth: thick and oily, fairly peaty and peppery. Not harmed by the lower strength. Close to Islay whisky. Some resinous notes, salty liquorice and ginger. Dryness of walnuts. Tobacco and leather. Some lemon zest to round it off.
Finish: long, quite herbal now. Still these notes of lemon zest.
I love these Brora-like casks of Jura 1988. This one combines tangy, herbal notes with an oily palate and the typical farmy notes. Around € 120.
Score: 90/100