Jura releases George Orwell’s 1984 inspired malt

A WHISKY distillery has released a vintage edition of its single malt inspired by George Orwell’s most famous novel, 1984.

By Sean Murphy Friday, 14th November 2014, 2:55 pm

Jura distillery has released a small batch of its malt, casked in 1984 and bottled 30 years later, to create a limited edition malt in honour of Orwells work - the 1984 vintage. Picture: Jura

In 1946 George Orwell, who was unwell at the time, asked his friend David Astor for a loan of his remote Scottish farmhouse in which to write his new book. The writer then took the pilgrimage to the small island of Jura to escape the irritations of London, a situation he described as forcing him to feel like he was becoming “more and more like a sucked orange.”

Orwell revelled in the isolation and wild beauty of Jura, drawing inspiration to go on and create one of his most famous works.

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Now, Jura distillery has released a small batch of its malt, casked in 1984 and bottled 30 years later, to create a limited edition malt in honour of Orwell’s work - the 1984 vintage.

There are only 1,984 of the individually numbered bottles available worldwide, with a retail price of £750.

Matured in American White Oak, Amoroso and Apostoles Oloroso sherry butt casks, the whisky itself has a robust, fruity character.

Willie Cochrane, Jura Distillery Manager, said: “Every good malt whisky has a story to tell and Jura’s tale is particularly unique. We’re delighted to add another exciting chapter with the release of this extraordinary limited edition vintage. Jura 1984 Vintage is an uncompromising addition to our range in homage to the island’s most distinguished guest. 1984 is certainly a year to remember.”