Jura 19-year-old whisky to be auctioned for charity

by Owen Bellwood

Whyte & Mackay-owned Scotch producer Jura will auction 470 bottles of its 19-year-old single cask whisky to raise funds for a mental health charity.

Distilled in May 2001, the whisky was matured for 19 years in cask number 1708 and has flavours of raisins, “with a subtle touch of sea spray and cinnamon”. Bottled at 55% ABV, the individually numbered bottles will be auctioned online via Whisky Auctioneer from Friday 25 September until Monday 5 October. All proceeds from the online auction will be donated to the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH). Graham Logan, distillery manager at Jura Distillery, said: “Our new charity release is a fantastic 19-year-old that has aged for its whole life in an ex-Sherry butt. The distillation from our fantastically tall stills gives the spirit a light citrus and grassy character. “Long summers and protection from the cold by the gulf stream in winter have really helped the maturation process over the years. Once opened, the whisky noses wonderfully of fruit, vanilla and toffees, and reminds me of Christmas to taste. This is a classic Jura dram nurtured by our dedicated island team.” The fundraising sale is the latest effort from Jura owner Whyte & Mackay to support mental health charities around the world. Staff at the whisky producer have challenged themselves to run, walk, cycle or row enough miles to traverse the globe. Since starting the challenge in June, the team has virtually travelled twice around the world. Daryl Haldane, head of whisky experience at Whyte & Mackay, said: “I have been so impressed by my colleagues’ passion to support communities where our colleagues, friends and consumers live during the pandemic. “The speed and creativity which has allowed this new whisky to reach public auction is outstanding and I am incredibly proud of the team’s efforts to get us here. All of the funds raised from the auction will go directly to SAMH, a charity which has been instrumental in providing vital mental health support to people throughout the pandemic.”