Chapter 7 is a Scottish independent bottler, hunting for single casks since 2014. They’ve had a quiet 2 year period, but recently they’ve returned with new labels and ranges. I already reviewed their Anecdote blended malt, now I’m trying a Jura 1998 in the Monologue series.
Isle of Jura 21 yo 1998 (55,1%, Chapter 7 ‘Monologue’ 2020, bourbon hogshead #2144, 284 btl.)
Nose: butterscotch and linseed oil. Underneath there’s a grassy layer, with hay and some mint. Chalk. Light peppery oak and natural vanilla. Gingerbread, brioche, some sour earthy notes. There’s a sweetness in the background, perhaps roasted pineapple.
Mouth: toffee again, with caramelized nuts and big hints of mocha. Also leathery notes and some oaky spice (nutmeg, pepper). Chalk and minerals again. Vegetal notes as well. Roasted coffee beans. Just a touch of Marmite, baked apples and Seville oranges. Milk chocolate. A clear coastal side as well. Interesting combination.
Finish: quite long, with the roasted notes, liquorice, chalk and spiced oak lingering on.
Nice Island whisky. Maybe not an easy drinker but it offers plenty of character, with nuts and coffee alongside the coastal Jura notes. We need more of this style. Around € 170, seen at HTFW and DeinWhisky for instance.