Jura Rum Cask Finish is the third release in a new cask finish series from the island distillery. A no age statement whisky, initially matured in American White Oak Ex-Bourbon barrels and finished in hand-selected Caribbean Rum Casks.
Sold in a 1-litre bottle and bottled at 40% ABV it will initially be exclusively available from Tesco.
Appearance: Autumn fallen leaves/Bulmer’s cider. Decent viscosity with quick forming medium legs. A good coating on the glass.
Nose: A nice ABV ‘hum’ is noticeable, good start! Sweet and oaky initially, quite Bourbon-like. Grilled pineapple and sugar cane gradually present themselves though, showcasing the finishing. Orange flavoured boiled sweets and foam shrimps/teeth emerge as the glass matures too.
There are subtle sweet spices and a leather note swirling around too. it’s a refreshingly decent nose for 40% ABV (for me).
Aromas that are in between blackberry or plum and orchard fruits such as red apple and pear also arrive and are, again, reassuring.
Palate: Slightly oily arrival. Nothing that could be described as ‘luxurious’, but it’s not watery either. There is some substance.
More spice on the palate in the form of cinnamon, clove, star anise, black pepper and a cool mintiness. The spice is accompanied by a buttery (flavour) sweetness in the form of caramel and Werthers Original.
I don’t pick up much of the tropical notes that I would expect from a rum cask. it’s sweet, yes, but not particularly ‘tropical’.
There is also a slight blood orange bitterness too, so not uncomplex, again, refreshing!
Finish: Short to medium. Caramel and Werther’s linger the longest. There’s a pepper heat in the background too.
Overall: I’m not a fan of 40% whisky. I VERY rarely try one that doesn’t taste overly diluted and weak. That said, for £30 for a litre (with Clubcard at time of writing), this is great value. It’s an easy sipper with something to explore. It’s not going to wow you in any way but as a mixer or summer dram, it’s very nice.
