Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2019

by Jim Murray

Jim Murray is a legend and leading player on the world’s whisky stage. It is now over 25 years since he became the world’s first-ever full time whisky writer. And this 2019 edition of his Whisky Bible marks the 16th year of annual publication.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Alcohol, Food and Drink, Scotland, Booze

384 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

Reviews

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the newest edition of Jim Murray's massive collection of reviews on 4,700 whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, England, the US, Japan, Canada, India, Australia, and Europe. His tasting notes are a joy to read - opinionated, passionate, humorous, and critical, with the single-minded passion and incredible knowledge of whiskies over many decades shining through. Chances are you won't agree with even half of his comments, and the number of subtleties of flavor, texture, age, cask type, and his intense hatred of even the slightest hint of sulphur in sherry buts are probably beyond most whisky enthusiasts, not to mention a rank newbie like myself. However, they provide great entertainment as you explore the complex and exciting world of whisky, and give you great tips as you build your whisky collection and sample a wide range of wonderful malts, especially those of the various regions of Scotland (the single malts of Speyside, Islay, Highlands, Lowlands, Islands, Campbeltown), Ireland (single pot stills), Japan (he can take credit for bringing to the world's attention Suntory's Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki; Nikka's Yoichi and Miyagiko), and the US (he loves Kentucky bourbon, and has been a champion of it for some time). It's all good fun and a very handy reference, even if you may disagree!

[Mario Casco · Rating 4 out of 5]

It taught me a lot and helped me navigate and acquire new tastes and appreciation for the different regions. I complemented this with Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch

[Peter J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, do you think it is outdating and if so after how many years?
And is a ten year always a ten year?
What does cask strength mean?

The above illustrates why I didn't give 5 stars. Great guide! Love the language and style.

Discover Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2009

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, though I felt like a complete noob reading all of his delicious descriptions regarding life's best drink! The man has honed his craft and deserves the due credit. Talk about the best job ever. Sign me up!

[Jerry Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Murray continues his incredible survey of world whiskies. The 2023 edition represents the twentieth edition of the Bible and it is still going strong. The cover proclaims "over 4,100 whiskies tasted, evaluated and rated" and is probably correct; however, many of the reviews have not changed in several years and some whiskies from silent distilleries, and long since gone, still take up space. The truth is, in spite of his heroic efforts, there has been such an explosion of new whisky expressions that he is not able to keep up.

His writing style is wonderful and there are some truly unforgettable reviews, like this one for a Benromach 15 yer old: "The extraordinary touch of this whisky on the palate, its kisses and caresses and its most subtle of flavour profiles ... never shouting, just hints, whispers, promises and sighs. Apparently whisky isn't sexy. People have tried to, quite literally, destroy my career because I say it is. Well, taste this .... and tell me if you are seduced or not."

Jim Murray's Whisky Bible still is head and shoulders above any other comparable whisky tasting publication.

[Muzzlehatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some might find Murray too kind a critic -- on his 100-point scale, almost none of the 3,000 or so whiskys rate less than 80, and the vast majority are 90+ -- but Murray is a hedonistic lover of the spirit in all its guises, not a pedantic finder of faults, and that's all to the good for those like me who are just beginning to find our ways in this wonderful water of life. His ratings are highly descriptive, effusive, sometimes seeming overboard -- until I try the particular liquor in question, at which point I realize that he's typically on the money even at his most loquacious. I'm happy, personally, that he loves Bourbon as much as he does, rating it every bit the equal of Scotch, that in fact he is as unprejudiced a whisky writer as you'll find. My edition is from 2006; I will surely be buying updated editions as long as my thirst needs slaking....

[Melvin Van t hof · Rating 1 out of 5]

This guide is really totally worthless. Jim Murray rates a lot of whisky's very high. A matter of taste you tink? Well...not exactly. If most of his ratings of whisky's are 90 points or above..its loses it's meaning. A standard botteling you can buy for 30 euro's, he rates the same as a top quality whisky worth hundreds of euro's. I don't call myself an expert but even I can clearly taste the difference in quality. Also the amount of whisky's he tastes in a year is humanly impossible. A dubious figure, this Jim Murray.... Avoid this guide at all cost.

[Damien · Rating 4 out of 5]

The definitive guide for the whisky connoisseur. An invaluable reference tool for look up information and entertaining reviews to boot. I always come back to this book and refer to it after a purchase.

Contained within is information from every corner of the whisky producing world. Of particular interest for me was the information on Scottish & Japanese whisky.

[Elh52 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for those who enjoy Tennessee whisky or Kentucky bourbon, which really should be every red-blooded American that ever was. It also has information about Scotch. I'm about ready for an Old Fashioned, or maybe just some George Dickel on the rocks.

[Bhanu Mahanti]

I attended a tasting workshop with Jim Murray. Its highly recommended to anyone who loves Whisky or anyone who loves any drink and enjoys an evening of fun! He is as entertaining as he is knowledgeable. And Mr Murray, thank you for Amrut Fusion.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, detailed list of whiskies and their stories, tasting notes, and other such things. Worth the investment if you are a lover of spirits.

My only issue with the book? Maybe it's my old, tired eyes, but the text is small and the pages very busy, making it a difficult book to read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've grown to love it... :-)
A very very good resource.
Small enough to stay in a purse or pack.

[Father · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like whisky? I do. This is a pretty good reference to what is out there. Too bad I can't get most of it in Utah.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who calls himself a scotch enthusiast needs this book next to his bottles. It's an absolute must. Updated yearly, the 2009 edition is staggeringly complete.

[Manon]

Just ordered..

[Ken Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensable. If you drink whisky, that is..

[Gary Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a bourbon and American whiskey enthusiast and I have found the reviews spot on!

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bourbon section is somewhat light compared to others but I guess can't fault the author for not drinking more bourbon. Might try another year to see if there are more notes to compare to.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

he is the man

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly excellent and comprehensive guide to the whiskies of the world.