Oh Taste & See: Jura Superstition Single Malt Scotch

I had a sample of Jura Superstition sent to me a while back, and I finally got around to having a taste of this no-age-statement Scotch from Isle of Jura Distillery. This 90 proof whisky is a good compromise for those times when you want something tough with a bit of smoky or peaty flavor, but you don't want to be overwhelmed with the funky flavors that can come from an Islay malt like Lagavulin or Caol Ila. It's also a good stepping stone to work your way up from non-peated whiskies to those crazy peat monsters that everyone seems to love these days.

Color: Jura Superstition has a rich, creamy caramel color that looks unusually thick and hearty for a Scotch. I'm guessing they either add caramel coloring, or there are some very hearty older whiskies in here (or both).

Nose: The dominant aromas of this whisky are smoke, leather, toast, and salty peat. They're all very well balanced and give a nice warm welcome. After adding a bit of water I also picked out a burnt grain or corn-like smell.

Flavor: The first flavor to hit you is a spiciness that's more expected in rye whiskeys as opposed to Scotch. There are notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. As the whiskey moved through my mouth I tasted hints of toffee and caramel, but overall it has a well below-average level of sweetness. This whisky has a sharp burn, but without being harsh, and after adding water I picked up a dry, smoky, ashy taste like the air just after putting out a camp fire.

Finish: The finish fades slowly from spicy to earthy/peaty and ends with a hint of smoked bacon.

Overall this is a balanced whisky with peat for those who want it, but not too much for those who don't. It's nice and dry with a gentle bite to warm you up on a cold night.