Tasting Isle of Jura Prophecy

It has been some time since i last tasted a new Jura. Having liked the XU heavy peat, i was looking forward to this one. This wee dram was a part of the samples used in the first ever Google + tasting event with the W&M master blender Richard Paterson (see my post about it, for more info). I knew this dram was supposed to be peaty, but the amount of peat compared to the peaty Superstition surprised me too. A vatting of several cask types , peating levels and style, and finished in an Oloroso sherry butt.

Why call it Prophecy? here goes: (as told by the Jura site):

In the early 1700’s the Campbells of Jura evicted a wise old seer. Bristling with resentment, she prophesised that the last Campbell to leave the island would be one-eyed with his belongings carried in a cart drawn by a lone white horse. Over time the story became legend and the prophecy drifted from memory. Until 1938, when Charles Campbell, blind in one eye from the Great War, fell on hard times and led his white horse to the old pier for the last time.

such a lovely story behind it, now let’s get dramming!

Jura Prophecy , 46% ABV, NAS, £50(@ Master of Malt)

Nose : Lots of peat, combined with quite some cinnamon ,ripe oranges, and sherry. Some tar and sweet sweet malt. I like that nose.
Palate : Big  smoke , kippers, sweeter sherry notes as well as cinnamon which continues with you from the nose.  work very well against the peat.

Finish: Smoke, spice, and cinnamon. Good length, and very enjoyable finish.

Bottom line:

Lovely stuff this is. Big peat working well against the sherry influence, well integrated. Spices, and the oranges are a great match. Ample power at 46%. One of the nicer Juras I’ve had. Good work!

Compared to the Superstition, this one is more intense, the smoke is much stronger, and better integrated. I like it more. but this comes at a price, it’s almost twice as expensive… (SS costs : £28)…

Score: 86/100

Thanks to W&M for the official sample