The Jura Islanders’ Expressions Collection is a series of limited-edition whiskies inspired by some of the creative individuals among our island community. Each whisky highlights the resourcefulness and originality of our islanders’ craftsmanship and offers a personal connection to Jura’s island community. The third of these is a collaboration with Jura’s beloved photographer, Konrad Borkowski.
The packaging design showcases Konrad’s distinctive, dynamic photography and offers a glimpse into the magic of life on Jura. Inside the bottle you’ll find notes of forest fruits and apricot, followed by raspberry leaf and freshly baked gingerbread.
This whisky is an ode to Konrad’s eye for the unexpected by way of a red wine cask finish, with a juicy fruit character evocative of his powerful sunset landscapes. We’ve captured snapshots of these island moments on pack, showing Jura through Konrad’s unique lens.
JURA ISLANDERS’ EXPRESSIONS
COLLECTION NO.3
Tasting notes
Colour
Warm gold with hints of mahogany
Nose
Forest fruits and apricots on the nose, then geranium and raspberry leaf anchored by a base of freshly baked gingerbread.
Taste
Tangerine and apricot, rich vanilla pod, and salted caramel.
Cask
Matured in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels and hand-selected French wine casks
ABV
40%
Getting to know
Konrad Borkowski
Can you tell us a little about how you got started in the world of photography
My adventure with photography has been a tale of growth and endless fascination with the world around me. It started the first time I came across a copy of National Geographic. The magazine's vivid imagery sparked a desire within me. But it was my first visit to Jura, in 1999, where I really acted on that desire, as I was captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the island.
From there, I dedicated myself to mastering the art of photography, embarking on a self-guided educational journey. Over the years, my passion and skills evolved, allowing me to transform my love of photography into a business.
Where do you draw inspiration from when it comes to your photography?
Every project is different, so I approach them individually. I like to improvise, and inspiration often comes unexpectedly – usually from the environment around me. What I love about photography on the west coast of Scotland is the way it allows me to capture the constantly shifting light across the scenery. I like to blend these elements together, creating unique and dynamic images that highlight the beauty of both the natural world and the people in it.
Can you tell us a little bit about what makes Jura the perfect place for a photographer?
Whether it’s the breathtaking ruggedness and moodiness of the landscape, with its ever-changing light, or the contemplative atmosphere inside the distillery buildings - all this can inspire awe in unexpected ways. This is precisely what I aim to capture in all my photographs.
Your work takes you to lots of different places, what do you like most about travelling?
There’s something wonderful about experiencing new places and cultures – each with their own unique landscapes, architecture and traditions. As well as offering a chance to improve my skills, these travels also bring personal growth and deeper understanding of the world.
During my latest trip to Japan, I had a chance to experience the art of balancing tradition with modernity. It was a lesson in subtlety and simplicity, where principles of minimalism and attention to detail are key, something I’d love to implement in my own work.
Why do collaborations like this matter to people who work in the creative industries?
For many artists, the act of creating is a solitary pursuit, but collaborations like this offer a chance to break free from this isolation. They can open doors to new audiences and prospects, allowing creatives like me to expand our reach and impact in the industry, especially when living in remote location such as Jura. By working together, we can achieve results that would otherwise be difficult to attain alone.
What do you hope people feel/understand about Jura when they see your shots of the island?
I’m often told that my photography – especially the calendar I been releasing annually for several years now – keeps the visitors motivated to return to this part of the world. So, I hope my work inspires people to come and explore the island and its beauty.
If you had one message for someone aspiring to work in the creative industries, what would it be?
Find your niche and be patient! Don’t give up and think outside the box! Your time will come if you stick to it.
You’ve produced some beautiful work on the subject of whisky - what do you find so special about it?
The whisky-making process can make for stunning and evocative photographs. The production itself involves a great deal of creativity, as distillers experiment with different techniques to create unique flavours.
Whisky has also a unique ability to bring people together and a develop a sense of communal bond and enjoyment which often is a subject of my lifestyle images. A chance to taste the product that I’m photographing can be a nice bonus, too.
Finally, do you have a favourite whisky?
I don’t have a favourite whisky as such, as it will almost always depend on my mood and where I am. What I love about this expression is that it’s a great evening dinner drink best enjoyed in good company. There's nothing quite like the way it tickles the taste buds and transports you on a sensory journey.
Whether I'm having it neat or using it as a base for cocktails, Jura whisky never fails to leave me feeling inspired and energized.