The 1950's
saw plans to reopen the Isle of Jura distillery. To
solve the problem of work for the islanders estate
owners Robin Fletcher and Mr Riley-Smith got together
with former distiller and architect Delme Evans to
design and build the new distillery which opened on
26th April 1963.
Jura Distillery History
1810
Established
1875
James
Ferguson & Sons acquire and renovate
1884
Reconstructed
1960-63
Reconstructed
by Jura Distillery Co. Ltd (Mackinlay McPherson Ltd,
part of Scottish & Newcastle Breweries)
1978
Stills
increased from 2-4
1994
Whyte & Mackay takes over Invergordon Distillers
2002
Jura Superstition launched
2007
Whyte & Mackay bought by United Spirits
2009
Jura Prophecy peated malt launched
2014
Whyte & Mackay bought by Emperador for £430m
The
Isle of Jura's remoteness provides a romantic note for
its visitors who are able to enjoy its natural beauty,
scenery and wildlife and take part in walking, climbing
and exploring. The distillery sponsors the annual Isle
of Jura Fell Race.
Jura Distillery Comments
Illegal
distilling probably dates back to 1600's on this remote
island.
George Orwell wrote his famed novel "1984" on Jura,
attracted there by the island's remoteness giving
him the peace he needed to write.
The soft
peaty water is good for making whisky and the very
plain malt dried using warm air contributes to Jura's
lighter and softer finish.
A
significant difference is made to the style of Jura's
whisky by the stills which are very tall and it is a
much lighter alcohol which goes over the top creating
a lighter whisky.
The cask
is very important as it contributes to the flavour
of the whisky. Isle of Jura uses American white oak
in the main with some sherry casks.
Jura Distillery Awards
Isle
of Jura 36 year old Single Malt Special Collector’s
Edition won a ‘Gold World Medal’ at the
New York Festivals Awards 2002.
The people at Jura tell us "......the whole
character of the place, mainly through the water we
use and the conditions we mature it in, the fact that
we're sitting beside the sea with salty air help to
give Jura whisky its unique taste."
April - October
Monday - Saturday 10am - 4.30pm November - March
Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm Please note: our distillery will be closed between Tuesday 19th July - Monday 8th August with no tours taking place.
