Whisky Focus - Jura Tastival 2016 Limited Edition

Unveiled today, the Jura Tastival 2016 Limited Edition expression to mark the distillery’s annual island whisky festival.

Jura Whisky today unveiled its Tastival 2016 bottling, a new limited edition expression to mark the distillery’s annual island whisky festival.

Jura Tastival, which takes place today 25th & tomorrow 26th May, celebrates new and exciting ways to enjoy whisky – and the creation of this year’s festival edition is no exception, say the distillery, with a triple sherry finish, using hand-selected casks. They used an 11 year old Palomino Fino sherry cask, a 15 year old Amoroso Oloroso sherry cask and a 30 year old Apostoles Oloroso sherry cask to give this liquid its unique flavour profile.

To complement its sweet and intense flavour, Jura asked four artists from across the world to create a unique illustrated packaging design based upon their interpretations of the Tastival 2016 bottling, which is 51% ABV, non-chill filtered.

Following heated competition, where fans voted for their favourite design online, Jura can now reveal that its first ever crowd sourced packaging is based on the artwork created by German artist Florian Schommer.

The intricate design incorporates Florian’s personal tasting notes for the whisky, including apple, represented by branches, notes of vanilla, captured in delicate white flowers and a colour scheme based on an aromatic blend of maple syrup and roasted hazelnut.

The limited edition bottling also in a way marks the end of another era at the Jura distillery as it is the last Tastival expression to be overseen by much-loved Jura Distillery Manager, Willie Cochrane, who announced his retirement last week. Willie hands over the reins to Graham Logan, a former Jura Mash/Stillman who has worked at his side for over two decades.

Willie commented on the Jura Tastival 2016 saying, "Every limited edition is special, but this one’s particularly close to my heart as it commemorates my last Jura Tastival, which has been a highlight on my calendar for the past ten years.

"It wouldn’t be Tastival without something a bit different to inspire new perspectives on whisky, and I’m sure Florian Schommer’s wonderful illustrations will do just that!”

Graham Logan who is taking over the reigns at the distillery commented, "We always aim to push boundaries with our Tastival bottlings and the triple sherry finish on this new expression is a perfect example of the creativity and craftsmanship I want to continue to encourage in my role as distillery manager."

Tastival guests will have first opportunity to try and purchase this year’s limited edition bottling at the festival on 25th & 26th May, where they will be invited to share their own whisky tasting notes.

Jura Tastival 2016 will be available online and in shops globally (excluding US) RRP £85 from 30 May 2016. You will find it available from specialist online whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange
 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops
  

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