Jura 21 Year Old Tide saw the light late 2019 as a permanent expression in the core range from Jura distillery. It combines standard ex-bourbon barrel maturation with a finish in virgin white oak casks.
In addition to Tide there is Jura Time, another 21 year old which was travel retail only and finished in ex-peated malt casks.
Jura Tide 21 yo (46,7%, OB +/- 2020)
Nose: the first impression is leathery and spicy, with plenty of sweet woody touches. Underneath is a sweet fruitiness of peaches, berries and green bananas. Then hints of orange peel. A whiff of varnish and vanilla, as well as some fresh pencil shavings. Quite sweet and rounded, with very few of the funky notes that you often get in Jura whisky.
Mouth: big bourbonny notes all over the place. Vanilla, caramel, leather and cinnamon. There’s also an aromatic, almost floral edge from the virgin wood. Some candied ginger, walnut dryness and a little oak char. Finally a light meaty hint as well. The oak is a little too prominent for me.
Finish: fairly long, with more fresh oakiness, caramel and light smoke.
Quite a robust and generously oaked Jura. The balance isn’t perfect but it’s certainly a decent option in the core range. Available from The Whisky Exchange or slightly cheaper from Master of Malt for instance.