Jura 30 Years Old Phil & Simon Thompson 46.33% 1990

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (90)

With the Paps of Jura on the label. Do you remember that there are three of them, but that you just cannot see more than two from any point of view? Colour: gold. Nose: a little un-Jura, perhaps, that is to say much fruitier, fresher, more aromatic than the officials. Maybe is that because the officials usually make abundant use of sherry and other wine casks? Perfect notes of overripe garden fruits, especially several kinds of pears, plums and apples, plus fruity hops and softer citrus. Tangerines are close. Seriously, this is a beautiful, extremely well-balanced nose. Mouth: good, this time, I understand. I like it that the mustardy, almost mezcaly core would remain obvious, while the fruits would then come out one after the other, some 'western' and some 'tropical'. Greengages, guavas, pears, papayas, grapefruits… And many others. Finish: long and perhaps more on vegetables. Brussels sprouts stewed in IPA? No wonder no one ever wants me to cook anything at home. Comments: it's a tie. They were completely different but the structures were similar. Proper distillery character, how very cool!

Words of Whisky (92)

Nose: a very nice mineral and grassy profile. Dried flowers, hay, seashells, chalky notes and leather. Also bright citrus (lime), gooseberries, perhaps a hint of tangerine. Hints of beeswax, some farmy touches and vegetal oils. The juicy freshness on one side and the old-school minerality on the other, are combining wonderfully.

Mouth: this reminds me of some of these 1991 peated Bushmills releases. A vibrant, rather tropical fruitiness (now more on passion fruits, pink grapefruits and bergamot) with some mentholated notes and a gentle, farmy and herbal peatiness behind it. Peppermint, lemon peels, touches of walnuts, camphor and faint resinous notes towards the end. Very sappy, juicy whisky.

Finish: not extremely long, but nicely waxy, zesty and mineral.

Not so long ago I was pleasantly surprised by a Jura 1991 from WhiskySponge, and this one is definitely on the same level. Quite a unique profile, with generous fruits and just the right dose of Jura wackiness.

BOW (92)