The 2007 edition of the Whisky Bible, the world’s best selling and most influential whisky guide, was launched by author and whisky connoisseur Jim Murray in Malta at EST EST EST.
This renowned annual guide, which has a devoted following of whisky fans worldwide, is compiled by acclaimed whisky expert Jim Murray, who tasted his way through over 1,000 brand new whiskies in the last seven months, in addition to re-tasting almost 300 more, for the long awaited 2007 edition.
Jim Murray who is being hosted in Malta by M. Demajo Wines & Spirits Ltd., held a special book-signing session at the company’s retail outlet EST EST EST at Tower Road, Sliema today.
Murray visited his first distillery in 1975, and has been writing about whisky since. No ordinary drinks reviewer, Jim is today renowned for his exceptional palate and no nonsense views. Never afraid to speak his mind, where Jim leads others tend to follow. His books have sold in their hundreds of thousands in various languages but he famously refuses to write for magazines where he believes his honest and fearlessly relentless style might be compromised. His vivacious writing style and integrity have won him legions of devoted followers amongst whisky lovers worldwide, who consider him the first and last name in whisky.
Despite tasting over 800 brand new single malts – many at cask strength – it was a type of whisky often claimed to be of inferior quality, a blend, which impressed him most. The Old Parr was awarded 97 points out of 100, equalling the highest-ever score in the Whisky Bible’s history. It racked up 25 out of 25 points for both nose and taste, another 24 for overall balance and 23 for the finish.
Another Diageo blend, White Horse 12 Years Old, also picked up the Scotch Blended Whisky of the Year (8-12yrs).Among the other major Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2007 awards were:Scotch Single Malt of the Year – Brora 30-years-old Fourth Release; Bourbon of the Year – Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Twice Barrelled; and the Standard Blend of the Year – William Grant
Some of this year’s more controversial and notable Whisky Bible 2007 awards feature Scotch Vatted Malt of the Year – Compass Box Spice Tree (2nd Bottling) which has been outlawed by the Scotch whisky industry for using oak staves within the barrel to generate extra flavour and colour. Mr Murray said, “I recognise it as a legitimate whisky, simple as that. The Scotch Whisky Association allow caramel to colour and flavour whisky and the use of sherry butts ruined with sulphur sticks. But they don’t allow the use of extra oak. Maybe it’s just me who is going mad here. When they ban caramel, as they should, then I’ll think twice about Spice Tree being a true whisky.”
European Mainland Whisky of the Year Award – won by Swedish distillery Mackmyra in their first-ever year of bottling. Finally, in the 2007 Bible Mr Murray calls for a reigning in of cask finishes, the practise where malts especially spend time in wine or spirit barrels to alter their style and flavour.