It was intended as a toast to the memory of an iconic author - but it has turned into a spirited literary incident.

Last week The Herald reported that the famous distillery on Jura is celebrating the Scottish island's link to George Orwell, who lived on the island and wrote Nineteen Eighty Four there, by releasing a single malt to mark the 30 years since 1984.

The distillery is releasing the limited edition Jura 1984 Vintage in 1,984 bottles, priced at £750 each.

However now the executor of Orwell's literary estate has expressed his displeasure at the implied connection between the whisky and Orwell, whose real name was Eric Blair.

In a letter to The Herald published today, Bill Hamilton, managing director of AM Heath & Co, writes to point out that the product is "in no way authorised or endorsed by the Orwell Estate."

He adds: "On a previous occasion I requested the distillery to desist from making this connection on the grounds that the estate does not wish Orwell's name to be appropriated for any merchandising, and in any case there is no recorded connection between Orwell and this whisky. He is much more famous for celebrating a strong cup of tea."

The 1984 whisky is said to have "honey, vanilla, ginger, peach syrup and banana cake on the nose."

Orwell lived on the island with friends and family in his farmhouse, Barnhill.

In June his son, Richard Blair, returned to Jura where he had spent his early years.

Last night a spokeswoman for the distillery said: "It is standard practice within the whisky industry to name a bottle after its vintage year and this particular whisky was casked in 1984.

"However, George Orwell did write Nineteen Eighty-Four whilst staying on Jura and this whisky honours that connection."