Brave New Spirits Jura 16yo cask #705897/2008

October 6, 2025

We're looking at a recent release of a distillery we have a chequered past with, bottled by Brave New Spirits.

Brave New Spirits Jura 16yo cask #705897/2008

Region: Highlands

ABV: 54.9%

Price: £125.00

Distilled in 2008 and fully matured for sixteen years in an American oak bourbon barrel, this Jura was bottled in 2025 for Brave New Spirits’ Cask Masters series to coincide with the Islay Whisky Festival. Just 166 bottles were released.

Nose

The nose opens with whipped cream, white sugar and chopped green apple. A little orange peel, Werther’s Originals and fresh basil appear with patience. There’s also a little peat in the form of a smouldering, just extinguished log fire The bite from the alcohol shows as a light pepper spice. Pleasant enough, but the aromas do feel a touch muted.

Palate

The palate is initially quite sweet, with some sugar syrup, light caramel, saline solution, and chocolate upfront. Unfortunately, there’s a little bit too much bitterness on the medium finish. Along with some honey and a little cracked back pepper spice. A touch of flat cola and toffee appears with air. A good mouthfeel adds to the experience.

Nose (with water)

The reduced nose shows a touch more ethanol, along with brown sugar and a little citrus. All joining the pre dilution notes. The smoke has dimmed a little more. That log fire has long since been extinguished. With air that basil note intensifies and is joined by a note of hessian cloth. The nose feels a little less muted now.

Palate (with water)

The reduced palate holds up well to water. More honey comes through now and we’re finding it more syrupy. There’s also some fudge and vanilla ice cream. With air it becomes more earthy. That spice on the finish is better balanced, and that sharp hit of bitterness has faded away. The mouthfeel has also held up. Definitely one that’s in need of a little water.

Conclusion

One of the better recent releases from this label, and a good Jura that leans more towards the sweeter side than the peat. While it’s not the most complex dram we ever had, with a few drops of water it really comes into its own.

Score: 7/10

Value

If we’re honest, we’d have preferred to see this come in under £100.

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10 - Perfection. One in a million
9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
8 - Great. Would seek this out.
7 - Good. Quality whisky.
6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
4 - Below average. Passable.
3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
2 - Defective. Significant faults.
1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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