Video: Tasting the new Jura 1984 whisky

A NEW whisky named after one of George Orwell’s most celebrated novels has been created by the Isle of Jura Distillery, in tribute to the writer who once lived on the island. The Scotsman sent Sean Murphy to The Pot Still in Glasgow’s Hope Street to taste it with some leading figures in Glasgow’s whisky industry

Sean Murphy, left, with Frank Murphy, middle, and Mark Connelly, right, enjoy the newest offering from Jura, the 1984. Picture: Sean Murphy

George Orwell once wrote that “enlightened people seldom or never possess a sense of responsibility.”

In the case of Jura’s new whisky - the 1984, named after the title of one of Orwell’s most famous novels - enlightenment of just how good this whisky is does come with a sense of responsibility - a responsibility to share this knowledge with others.

Frank Murphy, owner of Glasgow’s Potstill and Mark Connelly, organiser of the Glasgow whisky festival, joined the Scotsman.com’s own whisky enthusiast Sean Murphy at the Potstill to taste it.

Sean Murphy, left, with Frank Murphy, middle, and Mark Connelly, right, enjoy the newest offering from Jura, the 1984. Picture: Sean Murphy

The panel’s tasting notes:

Nose:

Heathery honey, vanilla and ginger.

Body:

Sweetened blood orange and citrus fruits mellowing into chocolate-covered raisins.

Finish:

Rich, long and lingering. Hints of pepper.

Jura 1984

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

• Jura releases George Orwell’s 1984 inspired malt

Willie Cochrane, Jura distillerymManager, 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.”

The whisky itself is stunning, perhaps most pleasurable in its balance between the dried fruits and C,hristmas cake nose of the sherry and the citrus and vanilla of the white oak, both types of wood are given reverence in equal measure.

With only 1,984 bottles and priced at £750, it’s a more than worthwhile addition to anyone’s collection.

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