Italian bottler Samaroli released two sister casks of Jura 1997 in 2014, cask 9119 at 50% and cask 9118 at 43% (which says II release on the label). There also seems to be a blend of both – a bit confusing.
Isle of Jura 1997 (43%, Samaroli 2014, cask #9118, 2nd release, 350 btl.)
Nose: a coastal profile, slightly austere. Minerals and grassy notes. Green tea and mint. Dried seaweed and a fresh sea breeze. Underneath is a layer of sweet cake batter and buttercups. Subtle cooked apples as well. Rather discrete but not unpleasant.
Mouth: again a mix of sweet and salty. Grasses and salted almonds. A surprisingly fruity wave of honeydew melon and bright oranges. Nice waxy notes towards the end.
Finish: long, with a malty sweetness and salted nuts.
In general I’m not the biggest fan of naked Islanders, but I must say this one surprised me. It’s complex, balanced and full-flavoured. Around € 110.
Score: 87/100