The palate changes the calculus a little, as the rolling granary notes and a moderate punch of alcohol evoke a high-class blended Scotch. A bit of lemon peel, some cut hay, and a modest nougat character add some needed nuance, but all is in service of the significant bill of granary notes. The finish sees some caramel apple- and banana-driven fruitiness, but it never strays far from the course. The fade-out sees a touch of smoke as a reprise. Reinventing a brand should be a strong bet on a full product, a whisky that everyone at the isle of Jura should be proud of. And though I feel bad about it, Jura Journey is not that whisky. While looking for new consumers, it seems that Jura has forgotten that what makes a whisky special is the richness of its nuances. So no more Origin (10 Year Old), Superstition, Diurach’s 16 Year Old and Prophecy. Instead we have a new line up consisting 5 new offers:

It began being sold as single malt in 1974, and the range has grown steadily since. The start of peating saw some smoky whisky being included in the no-age Superstition brand, launched in 2002, while a 100% smoked Prophecy was released in 2009.Although the large southern Hebridean island of Jura has always been sparsely populated, it has a fascinating distilling heritage. In the 18th century,it was reported that islanders made spirit from rowan berries, as well as using the bitter fruit to acidulate their whisky punch. Palate: Somewhat thin, soft peat smoke, vanilla and soft fruitiness led by pears and a bit of green apples, oak spices and bitterness towards the end. Jura Seven Wood – A no-age-statement matured in seven types of French oak and first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels B and B-: Good and above average. The best of the mass market whiskeys fit in this category, as do the bulk of the premium brands. A B- is three stars.

Why? Well, because after those initial heavy hitters, you’re treated to damp wood, buttery apples, toffee, nectarines, and smokey pears. ColorIn the glass, Jura Journey is pale yellow. On the nose, it is light and herbaceous. Some soft notes of white grape and pear with a slight citrus touch. There is a sweet side full of vanilla and shortbread, with small flashes of peat smoke. Soon after, hints of smokey pear and crisp green apples arrive. As you glide towards the finish, you’ll get some bitterness and oaky spice. It is a soft and sweet start that feels like toffee sauce, cloves, and nutmeg. For those who are letting each note wash over them, they’ll get subtle cocoa hits too. The following indicators should be taken as only a guide and not a set of hard and fast rules. Some "premium" whiskeys really are quite terrible, while some mass market products are good enough to pour into a decanter and serve to the Duke of Edinburgh. A+: A masterpiece and one of the ten best whiskeys of its type. Above five stars.