Jura
The only distillery on Jura, sitting in the island's single village of Craighouse. Historically made a lighter, less assertive Islands style than nearby Islay despite being visible across the Sound of Islay — the 12 and 14 Year Old are the workhorses of the relaunched core range, alongside American Bourbon, Caribbean Rum and French Cognac cask editions.
Jura produces whisky in the shadow of the Paps of Jura and the legacy of George Orwell (who wrote 1984 at Barnhill on the north of the island). The style is lighter and less assertive than nearby Islay — accessible, fruity, and good for beginners to island whisky. The distillery anchors the island's single village of Craighouse. The island itself, accessible by ferry from Port Askaig (Islay), is wild and beautiful.
Visiting Jura
Contact distillery
Craighouse, Isle of Jura
PA60 7XT
- Shop
- Café/Restaurant
- Parking
Core range
12 Year Old
40% ABV · American white oak ex-bourbon
The entry point to the relaunched range — unpeated, fruity and easy-going. Closer in character to a soft Highland than its Islay neighbours.
- Nose:
- Peach, bright citrus, vanilla.
- Palate:
- Soft orchard fruit, citrus, lightly toasted walnut.
- Finish:
- Short to medium, clean, gently sweet.
14 Year Old
40% ABV · American white oak ex-bourbon + American rye cask finish
Rye-cask finished — the spicier corner of an otherwise soft, unpeated core range, and the mid-range workhorse since the 10 Year Old was retired.
- Nose:
- Fresh citrus, vanilla, herbal rye spice.
- Palate:
- Sweet citrus, dark chocolate, a hint of cinnamon.
- Finish:
- Medium, warming, gently spiced.
18 Year Old
44% ABV · American white oak ex-bourbon + Bordeaux red wine barrique finish
Bordeaux wine-cask finished and the only very lightly peated bottle left in the core range. Premium-tier Jura at a reasonable price.
- Nose:
- Forest fruit, oak, rich caramel.
- Palate:
- Layered — wine-finished red berries, caramel, a touch of sea salt.
- Finish:
- Long, drying, sweet.
Food pairings
| Whisky | Food | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Journey | Honey-glazed salmon | Light peating and honey notes suit delicate fish. |
Getting there
Ferry from Port Askaig (Islay) to Feolin Ferry — 5 min. To get to Port Askaig: CalMac from Kennacraig.
Where to eat nearby
- Jura HotelHotel/Restaurant
Craighouse — the only pub and restaurant on the island.
Where to stay near Jura
Jura distillery is in Craighouse, Jura's only village, accessible by a small CalMac ferry from Port Askaig on Islay (5 min crossing, then 8 miles to Craighouse). The Jura Hotel in Craighouse has rooms and a bar that serves distillery drams. Jura has a single-track road, 200 residents, 6,000 red deer, and George Orwell's Barnhill in the remote north. Plan two nights minimum.
The only hotel in Craighouse — book well ahead.
Various cottages on the island.
Where to stay near Jura
Hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering within easy reach of Jura.
Booking links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Location
Craighouse, Isle of Jura, PA60 7XT
View on map →Frequently asked questions
+Is Jura hard to get to?
Yes — two ferries (Kennacraig to Port Askaig on Islay, then Islay to Feolin on Jura). Plan a full day. Worth it if you want the most remote inhabited island experience in Scotland.
+Did Orwell really write 1984 on Jura?
Yes — at Barnhill on the north of the island, one of the most remote inhabited dwellings in Scotland. He finished the novel there in 1948.
+Where is Jura distillery?
Jura is in the Islands. Postcode PA60.
+When was Jura distillery founded?
Jura was founded in 1810, making it roughly 216 years old.
Compare with similar distilleries
Lighter and more accessible than most Islay malts. Most similar to Tobermory and Arran for accessible island character.
Other distilleries owned by Whyte & Mackay
Distilleries that share Jura's corporate parent — useful context if you're comparing house styles within an owner's stable.
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