We added a few new whiskeys to our repertoire this week. A new scotch and bourbon. Not a big turnout as most folks are running around New Orleans for Siggraph drinking giant Slurpee's filled with everclear.
The first contender is a scotch from the Isle of Jura, Jura Superstition. Not sure how old this is. Its a single malt. Thats about Ill I know. There doesn't seem to be a lot of info out there on it.
UPDATE: Apparently this is a blending of a young Jura and and Older jura trying to give you the smoke and the smoothness in one go. Doesnt really work for me, but...
Just did a quick finger over ice, so I can't say that this is a definitive tasting, but here are my impressions. I find it a bit too smokey. Jura is supposed to be about big peaty and smokey flavors and this one is even supposed to be the mild variety, but damn. Guess I'm partial to my Speysides. Everyone I know who likes scotch keeps telling me to give this one a try. Ok I did. Ill give it a second opinion but for the moment it tastes like I put a charcoal briquette in a glass of Vodka with some honey and herbs.
The second contender is a 12 year old Van Winkle bourbon. Quite nice but on the lower end of the high end bourbons if even that. If you get a chance to to try a Pappy Van Winkle 23 jump at it. Its awesome. This one is good but only in the ballpark of say a Michters or Noah Hills. I still prefer Black Maple Hill.
It starts out medium bodied hitting all of the palate at once. Not real big here but some nice hints of sweetness. A bit of nutmeg and cinnamon tempered with a little almond. Its almost got a smokey quality. Its missing the Vanilla and honey sweetness I like in most of the other high end bourbons and just doesnt finish off as smooth I think this one is a price/performance issue. Its a good bourbon, but for the same cash you can get a lot better. Definitely seek out the higher end Van Winkle bourbons though... They are worth every hard earned penny.
BOUBON:
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Years Old: 6/10
Jura Superstition: 4/10
8/6/09
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