Jura Distillery is a renowned Scotch whisky distillery situated on the island of Jura in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. The distillery, now operated by Whyte & Mackay and owned by Philippines-based Alliance Global, has a storied history and a significant place in the local community.

History

The distillery was originally established in 1810 by Archibald Campbell, the Laird of Jura. Over the years, it faced periods of disuse and was restored in 1884, only to fall into disrepair again around 1900. In the 1950s, local estate owners Robin Fletcher and Tony Riley-Smith spearheaded a revival of the distillery to boost the island's economy. With input from whisky expert William Delmé-Evans and architects Lothian, Barclay, Jarvis & Boys, the distillery was rebuilt and expanded, reopening in 1963 with taller stills to produce a diverse range of malts.

Timeline of Ownership:

• 2014–Present: Emperador Distillers Inc (Alliance Global)
• 1995–2014: Whyte and Mackay Group
• 1985–1995: Invergordon Distillers
• 1960–1985: Scottish & Newcastle Breweries
• 1960: Charles Mackinlay & Co
• 1876–1901: James Ferguson & Sons
• 1867–1876: J & K Orr
• 1853–1861: Norman Buchanan
• 1810–1853: The Campbell of Jura Family

Products

Jura Distillery offers a range of single malt whiskies, comprising 26 distinct expressions across three product series: Signature, Travel Exclusive, and Rare & Limited. Some discontinued products include:

• Origin: A ten-year-old, non-peated malt with a "heather honey" finish.
• Diurachs' Own: Sixteen years old, rich and full-bodied.
• Superstition: Lightly peated with hints of smoke and spice.
• Prophecy: A heavily peated malt, bottled without chill filtration, inspired by a local legend.

The Location

The island of Jura is seven miles wide and thirty miles long, with only one road, one pub, and one distillery. It has a population of fewer than 200 people, known as Diurachs, and a red deer population of around 5,000. George Orwell described Jura as "extremely unget-at-able" in 1946, and it remains difficult to reach today. Travelers typically take a ferry from Kennacraig to Islay, followed by a ferry to Jura. Islay can also be accessed by air, with flights from Glasgow.

Community Impact

Reestablished in 1963, Jura Distillery has played a pivotal role in the island's community. Almost every family on the island has a member working in the distillery or in whisky-related tourism, highlighting the significant local impact.

Brand Ambassadors

• Willie Tait: Began working at the distillery in 1975, serving in various roles before becoming a brand ambassador. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Malt Advocate magazine in 2011.
• Willie Cochrane: Joined the distillery in 1976 and served in several positions before becoming a brand ambassador.

Awards

• Gold Quality Award from the International Quality Institute Monde Selection (2006)
• Gold (Best in Class) for Jura Prophecy at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (2010)
• Gold (Best in Class) for Jura Diurachs' 16YO at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (2010)
• Double Gold Medal for Jura Superstition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2009)
• Silver for Jura Origin 10YO at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (2010)

Jura Distillery continues to produce high-quality single malt whiskies, deeply connected to the island’s heritage and community, welcoming visitors to experience their unique island home.