Well summer’s nearly over and there’s a definite chill in the air here on Jura. A wee nip of Diurachs’ Own inside you is just what you need when there’s a wee nip in the air outside. That said though we’re not quite ready yet to batten down the hatches for winter. There’s still plenty happening here on Jura!

The island has just about recovered from the 17th Jura Music Festival. Taking to the stage this year were a host of up and coming and established artists who delighted Diurachs and our friends who popped over from Islay with stirring tunes and moving songs. It was an unforgettable weekend of toe-tapping and foot-stomping with a wee dram or two as well of course! Not much was done on Sunday morning, I can tell you. To see highlights from the weekend and get a glimpse of life on Jura during one of the island’s busiest weekends of the year click here . You might even spot me and some of the distillery boys on the dance floor but remember, what happens on Jura, stays on Jura!

As it was such a big weekend for the Island I thought there would be no better time to reflect on our last festival, the Whisky Festival, and update you on our very special limited edition Boutique Barrel bottling. Cask 30 was chosen earlier this year by the 180 of you who joined us at the Feis Ile and we’re releasing it very soon exclusively on the island. To let you into our thoughts, the boys and I had a wee tasting of the spirit in Warehouse No.1 exclusively for you, so to whet your appetite click here http://tinyurl.com/2u74ttc to see what we had to say!

As an honorary Diurach, you’re in with a chance of winning one of these exclusive bottles (only 493 bottles are being produced) so be sure to watch the video clip closely and answer the question on our website to enter.

While you’re online you should take a look at our “Island Events” page http://www.isleofjura.com/island-life/Jura-events.aspx . 2010 has been a busy year so far and we’ve captured the best of all that’s gone on for your enjoyment, such as our recent Viking visit! Fifty hardy souls braved gales, rain and mist to land their longship and claim our contribution to the legendary Pillage Malt. This age-old tradition was the brainchild of distillery workers years ago who decided to select the finest whiskies from the isles of Jura, Islay and Mull and create a unique expression. This prized whisky – plundered liquid gold – is expected to raise about £23,000 for charitable causes on the three islands. So well done to all involved and drinks all round!

You might already have taken part so I’m sure you’ll be pleased to hear that our weekly online pub quiz is going down a storm with Diurachs the world over. If you haven’t given it a go yet, then click here to play http://tinyurl.com/diurach . There’s a bottle of our limited edition Isle of Jura 1974 worth £485 up for grabs, so it’s well worth a try.

Lastly, while I probably shouldn’t be telling you this yet, we’re all very excited about the commemorative bottling to be released soon in celebration of our 200th anniversary. I can’t say too much yet but it’s definitely one to look out for and I can’t wait to share news of it with you all!

Until then.

Slainte

Willie Cochrane
Jura Distillery Manager

P.S. To make the most of your life as a Diurach visit www.isleofjura.com com and see how good life on the island can be! If you have friends or family who also share your passion for Jura whisky and might like to become Diurachs, send them to www.isleofjura.com where they’ll discover more about our mystical isle.