Greetings!

Do you like whiskey? (I know, stupid question)

Was there a new whiskey you tried this year that was truly memorable? Or a whiskey package design that you really loved? I’m certain there was a marketing campaign that made you think “you’ve GOT to be kidding me!”.

Tell the whiskey industry what you think, by entering your nominations for the 2013 Drammie Awards: The Voice of the Whiskey Consumer.

And speaking of memorable whiskies released in 2012, I have a really exceptional treat for you this week, from one of Scotland’s truly legendary distilleries: Isle of Jura 1976 Feith A’ Chaorainn 35 YO Whisky.

Jura distillery is on the island of Jura, located off the West Coast of Scotland. The island is just 7 miles wide and 30 miles long, with is but one road, one hotel and one distillery.

The island belongs to a group of islands collectively known as the Inner Hebrides. Diurachs is the Gaelic word for the people of Jura, a small and close-knit community of less than 200 people.

The Isle of Jura is famed for its strong superstitions as well as mystical legends. Amongst the many superstitions is the belief that peat should never be cut before May, haystacks should only be built clockwise, and that the Rowan Tree can bring good luck to them.

You can read the history of The Isle of Jura distillery here.

The 1976 Feith A’ Chaorainn vintage is named after the Rowan Tree, as the translation literally means ‘the lands around the rowan’. Bringing good fortune to the Islanders over the years, sprigs of the rowan are placed over doorways to ward off lightning, carried on boats to keep storms away and are even fixed to cattle sheds to protect livestock.

The distiller’s tasting notes are:

“Subtle notes of lemongrass, vetiver, wormwood and narcissus stimulate the senses and reinforce the true elegance of this single malt. However it is the soft warm honey notes, fudge, sage and cinnamon which complete this spectrum of sensuality.

Bring the dram to your lips and the merest hints of soft rich bitter chocolate, coriander, liquorice and caramelised fruits reward the palate, Lingering sensations of Christmas pudding, glazed orange segments and crushed apples fulfill this galaxy of warmth.”

This is truly an exceptional whisky, and extremely rare, with only 500 bottles worldwide and only 100 bottles available in the US. But fortunately for us, our man Nicky The Neck likes to spend his winters visiting the islands, and so w’ve been able to procure the last few remaining bottles available in the US.

So if you want a bottle of Isle of Jura 1976 Feith A’ Chaorainn 35 YO Whisky ($750/ bottle), order it now. Because once it’s gone, it’s gone…

Until next week…I wish you high spirits!

Doug Stone
Founder
ForWhiskeyLovers.com

JURA 1976 FEITH A’ CHAORAINN’ 35YO SCOTCH WHISKY

JURA 1976 FEITH A’ CHAORAINN’ TASTING NOTES –
Courtesy of The Whisky Advocate

NOSE: Tinned peaches, a hint of smoke, and developing cream

TASTE: Soft toffee and ultimately, chimney soot. The palate is full and fruity, with Brazil nuts, drying quite rapidly, with coriander notes.

FINISH: Dark chocolate and licorice