Isle Of Jura

Isle of Jura Distillery

Region
  • Scotland
Awards
  • A Gold Quality Award from the International Quality Institute Monde Selection in 2006, For their Jura Prophecy, they received a Gold (Best in Class) at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2010
Website
  • https://www.jurawhisky.com/en/
Phone Number
  • +441496820385
Address
  • Craighouse, Isle of Jura PA60 7XT, United Kingdom

Jura Distillery exterior view, Scotland.

History of Isle of Jura Distillery 

The Isle of Jura Distillery, founded in 1810 by Archibald Campbell, is a renowned Scotch whisky distillery located on the Isle of Jura in the Inner Hebrides off the West Coast of Scotland.

The distillery experienced periods of disrepair and was restored in 1884. However, around 1900, it fell into disuse and was dismantled. In the 1950s, the distillery was rebuilt and expanded, a project completed in 1963, which included the installation of taller stills for a diverse range of malts.

Jura Distillery offers a wide range of single malt whiskies, currently comprising 26 different types divided over three product series: Signature, Travel Exclusive, and Rare & Limited.

These whiskies include “Origin”, a ten-year-old non-peated malt with a “heather honey” finish; “Diurachs’ Own”, a sixteen-year-old rich and full-bodied whisky; “Superstition”, lightly peated with hints of smoke and spice; and “Prophecy”, a heavily peated malt, bottled without chill filtration.

The distillery has undergone various ownership changes over the years. Currently, it is operated by Whyte & Mackay, which is owned by Philippines-based Alliance Global.

The distillery has played a significant role in the local economy and culture of the Isle of Jura, an island known for its remote and challenging access, with fewer than 200 inhabitants, known as Diurachs.

Jura Distillery has received several awards, including a Gold Quality Award from the international quality institute Monde Selection in 2006 and various accolades from the International Wine & Spirits Competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its different whiskies.

Awards Won by Isle of Jura Distillery 

  • A Gold Quality Award from the International Quality Institute Monde Selection in 2006.
  • For their Jura Prophecy, they received a Gold (Best in Class) at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2010.
  • The Jura Diurachs’ 16-year-old also earned a Gold (Best in Class) at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2010.
  • The Jura Superstition was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2009.
  • Additionally, the Jura Origin 10-Year-Old secured a Silver at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2010.
  • Their Isle of Jura 36-year-old Single Malt Special Collector’s Edition won a Gold World Medal at the New York Festivals Awards in 2002.

Isle of Jura Distillery Tour Information and Experience

The Isle of Jura Distillery offers a captivating experience for whisky enthusiasts through their distillery tours. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:

Opening Times

  • Monday to Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Weekends: Closed
  • Note: The distillery and shop will be closed on the 20th and 21st of July 2023.

Tour Options

  • Daily Distillery Tour (10 am or 12 pm)
    • Cost: £15 per person
    • Duration: 45 mins to 1 hour
    • Experience: Includes a tour of the still house, filling store, and warehouses. Participants will learn about the unique aspects of Jura whisky and enjoy two drams chosen by the tour guide, along with a Jura Whisky glass.
  • Jura Whisky Distillery Exclusives Tour (2 pm daily)
    • Cost: £50 per person
    • Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
    • Experience: Offers a chance to taste Jura Whisky directly from some of their oldest casks. This includes tasting one of their limited releases and three single cask distillery exclusives, along with a Jura Whisky glass.

Booking and Additional Information

  • Online Booking: Available through their website.
  • Capacity: Up to 10 people per tour. Larger bookings can be accommodated outside regular tour times upon contact.
  • Children: Children above 8 years are welcome on the tours.
  • Merchandise: Jura Whisky expressions and merchandise are available at the visitor centre.

Flask & Barrel Review of Isle of Jura Distillery 

As a whiskey collector who’s been on my fair share of distillery tours, I’ve got to say, the Isle of Jura Distillery experience is pretty up there, rating it a solid 4.7 out of 5.

From the get-go, the journey to Jura is an adventure in itself. It’s not the easiest place to get to, but that’s part of the charm.

You know you’re heading somewhere special. The distillery, nestled in a stunningly remote location, has this unique, almost magnetic appeal.

What stood out for me was the intimate and personal feel of the tour. It’s not every day you see a distillery so woven into the fabric of its community. Almost every family on the island has a connection to the place, which shows in the staff’s passion and knowledge.

The tasting session was a highlight, of course. Jura’s whiskies have this distinctive character – a mix of subtlety and complexity that’s hard to find elsewhere. I particularly enjoyed the Superstition with its slightly peated, spicy flavor – a real treat for the palate.

However, why not a full 5 stars? Well, I felt the visitor center could do with a bit of sprucing up to match the quality of the whisky and the beauty of the location. But that’s just me nitpicking.

In conclusion, the Isle of Jura Distillery is more than just a whisky tour; it’s a peek into a community’s heart and the rugged charm of the island. Would recommend it to any whisky enthusiast looking for something a bit off the beaten path.

What To Do Nearby Isle of Jura Distillery 

  • Wildlife and Nature Exploration: The island is known for its abundant wildlife, especially the red deer, which outnumber humans by a considerable margin. Nature enthusiasts can indulge in bird watching and wildlife spotting.
  • Boat Tours: Jura Boat Tours offer bespoke tours around the island’s shores, providing views of natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife, including the chance to see the Corryvreckan Whirlpool.
  • Walking and Hiking: The island offers spectacular walking routes for those interested in exploring Jura on foot. The Paps of Jura provide breathtaking scenery and challenging hikes for the more adventurous.
  • Historic Sites: Sites like Barnhill, where George Orwell wrote ‘1984’, and the Standing Stone of Tarbert offer glimpses into the island’s past.
  • Local Craft and Art: The island is home to various artists and craftspeople. You can explore local crafts, photography, and artwork at places like the Jura Craft Fair, Crackaig Textile Studio, and The Whisky Island Gallery & Studio.
  • Distillery Tours: Besides the Jura Distillery, you can also visit the Lussa Gin Distillery, which offers a unique experience with their locally foraged botanicals.
  • Local Culture and Music: For those interested in music and local culture, venues like the Sound of Jura & XA Music provide musical entertainment and social singing evenings.
  • Photography and Ecological Interests: If you’re into photography, visiting The Whisky Island Gallery & Studio is a must. Additionally, for ecological enthusiasts, the works of local ecologist and photographer Fiona Cameron offer a unique perspective on Jura’s natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Isle of Jura Distillery?

  • The Antlers Bistro Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. You can contact them on their phone at +44 1496 305317 for reservations. Their address is Craighouse, Isle of Jura PA60 7XP, United Kingdom.
  • Ballygrant Inn: This inn has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. They can be contacted at +44 1496 840277. The address is Ballygrant, Isle of Islay PA45 7QR, United Kingdom.
  • SeaSalt Bistro & Takeaway: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them on their phone at +441496300300. Their address is 57 Frederick Cres, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7BD, United Kingdom.

What hotels are near the Isle of Jura Distillery?

  • Jura Hotel: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact at +441496820243. Their address is Craighouse, Isle of Jura PA60 7XU, United Kingdom.
  • Feolin Farmhouse Holiday Cottage: This accommodation has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Contact details for reservation is +441285720247. The address is Craighouse, Isle of Jura PA60 7XG, United Kingdom.
  • Kilmeny Country House: It boasts a rating of 5.0 stars on Google Maps. The phone number is +441496840668, and the address for this 5-star hotel is Balygrant, Isle of Islay, Argyll PA45 7QW, United Kingdom.