History:

Many moons ago, the Diurachs were entitled to distil whisky for personal consumption. Alas, all good things come to an end and meddling politicians introduced a ban in 1781. 29 years later, as legend has it, Laird Archibald Campbell awoke; sober, it must be said; in the middle of the night to see the ghostly figure of an old woman hovering over his bed. She berated him over the lack of the golden liquid on the island. It was this apparition that persuaded him to reverse this punitive measure and erect a distillery at an old smugglers’ cave in the hamlet of Craighouse in 1810.Nothing, it seems, lasts forever. A victim of neglect and economic gloom, it wasn’t long before the distillery fell into disrepair.

It wasn’t until the 1950’s when, in a bid to entice new inhabitants to the island, two local estate owners Robin Fletcher and Tony Riley-Smith rebuilt the distillery, employing a genius by the name of Delme-Evans to weave some architectural magic. By 1963 their work was complete and the fortune of the island had changed, the distillery had offered new employment and the island began to flourish once again,  Delme-Evans had introduced taller stills allowing the distillery to create an eclectic mix of malts, a feature that helped differentiate Jura from its island neighbours.

We don’t know if the old woman is planning a return visit but a bottle of 16 year old, the islander’s favorite, is always left in a secret cave deep in the bowels of the island, just to make sure she doesn’t.

ISLE OF JURA 16 YEAR

Nurtured for sixteen long years, this is the whisky of choice for the people of Jura. It’s quite an unassuming malt, some say. Subtle, understated yet intriguing. Qualities often attributed to the Diurachs themselves. Understandably the islanders are drawn to it above all others. As such, every bottle carries the symbol of the island.

Sumptuous Yet Gently Spiced

The vivid colour of golden sunlight combines with a taste of strong butter notes, tinged with oranges and spices, leaving a sweet toffee and honey finish.

Gold Winner at the 2009 IWSC Awards.

JURA SUPERSTITION

There is a litany of strange and bewildering customs on Jura but maybe the one regarding the Ankh cross demands the greatest respect. This ancient symbol dates back to Egyptian times and is long rumoured to bring good fortune. As long as you pour the whisky in the correct manner, by holding the bottle with the Ankh cross in the centre of your palm.

Subtly Sweet Yet Smoky

Crafted from a selection of the finest aged Jura single malt whiskies, this mysterious spirit has a unique style and character, where tastes of spice, honey, pine and peat with a whisper of smoke make a dramatic impact.

Silver Best in Class at the 2009 IWSC Awards.