Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2008 The Whisky Bible is an annual publication and the world’s biggest selling whisky book covering no less than 3,800 different drams from all around the world. Written by the multi-award winning and doyen of whisky writers, Jim Murray, the Bible is required reading for not only connoisseurs but also whisky buyers and industry insiders. The 2008 edition includes no less than 811 new whiskies launched in the last year alone and is a welcome addition to the wonderfully comprehensive series so far.

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible is renowned for steering clear of what many feel can be an exclusive and pretentious language. And in recent years Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible has astounded the whisky world by naming as World Whisky of the Year both bourbon whiskey and blended scotch.
But for the first time, Mr. Murray has this year given the top award to a single malt Scotch. Dispelling the myth that costliness and rarity are factors that should define a great whisky, the widely available and affordable Ardbeg 10 Year Old took the accolade. Equaling the highest ever rating in the Bible’s history, with a score of 97, the 2008 World Whisky of the Year is celebrated for its ‘nimble touch and disarming allure’.

However, Mr. Murray has not been so moved by the alarming abundance of whisky ruined by sulphur-treated casks. A precautionary measure taken by many distillers, the sulphur is added in order to kill off bacteria that could potentially impair the quality of the product. However, whisky fans are warned to be on their guard, as the sulphur itself is the primary cause of many a recent whisky’s downfall.
The Bible is prized amongst whisky lovers for its purely independent, hard-hitting and often witty views. It is also the only book to give marks out of 25 for nose, taste, finish and balance leading to an overall score out of 100.

Says Mr. Murray: “That way people can understand exactly why I have marked a particular whisky down - or up. It also means that those new to whisky can concentrate on a particular area and see where I’m coming from. It’s part of the learning and discovery of whisky - and fun. I don‘t believe in pretentiousness or trying to talk down to the reader. Whisky can be enjoyed by anyone. I just use the Bible as a way of translating each whisky to the reader. It‘s all a matter of interpretation and the Bible makes it pretty straightforward.”

The author has homes in both England and Kentucky USA and is in no doubt why his Whisky Bible sells so well. “I treat every whisky: Irish, Scotch, Bourbon, Japanese or any other for that matter as equals. I mark them on merit alone. It makes no difference if the whisky is from Scotland or Switzerland. What counts is the quality. The result is that people are discovering that they don’t have to pay through the nose for top quality whisky.”

Mr. Murray visited his first distillery, Talisker in Scotland, in 1975 and became the world’s first full time whisky writer in 1992. It is believed he has visited more working distilleries in the world than anyone else living and each year tastes between 1,500 and 2,500 different whiskies.

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The City Wine Shop & Supper Club

Setting the standard for both selection and service, the City Wine Shop's Sophie Otton slays her customers with her considerable charm and formidable knowledge. Look out for the stunning array of champagnes and a big and impressive list of malts, including the famed Lagavulin 12 cask strength and Penderyn Welsh whiskey.

Gertrude St Enoteca

You've got to hand it to James Broadway, who else could have put such a fine an eclectic mix of Italian wines and single malt whiskies in one bar/bottle shop. Simply breathtaking. Big selection of spirits both by the bottle and glass including four of the stunning Nikka Yoichi and Miyagikyou malts.

Bistro Guillaume

This has to be one of the hottest places in Australia…have you seen how many reviews they have been getting? And all are good. And then there’s the bar its downstairs from the bistro, Andy Walters is your man, it’s dark, snug and very comfortable... and what a fabulous array of spirits, but pride of place is the malts. Great stuff guys.

Restaurant Bottega

Arvner runs front of house, Rhys is your chef, and between them they will give you a whisky and food experience to die for. It is so good to go to a full on, classy restaurant and get someone who knows their stuff about malts. Just beg Rhys to do his smokey eel ravioli. Great stuff.

Vue de Monde

What can I say that hasn’t been said before…but what a joy it is: the customer is paramount, the food is sublime as it is exciting and the beverage list including the malts is quite unbelievable. Raul is the head sommelier and if he can’t help you with your spirit needs over dinner, then nobody can.

Collins Quarter

A very stylish city hotel with a number of spaces to suit all tastes, me thinks a great place for lunch. Ask for Owen, he’s on the ball.

Murmur Bar

Magic stuff: such atmosphere, impressive spirits & malt list, great Melbourne style, fab drinks list and Greg Sanderson is definitely the man who knows his stuff! And it is really in the heart of the city.

The Seamstress

You’re looking for Jason Williams in one of the funkiest, East Asian influenced bars in Melbourne. And like many of his Melbourne bar colleagues, Jason & the team at Seamstress just ooze charm & knowledge and that wonderful Melbourne sense of fun. Woops! Didn’t I mention the drinks list...

Farina Kitchen & Bar

It’s brand new, its innovative (you’re choice between casual and intimate dining), the food is ace, the wine list is fresh and engaging and finally with Owen behind the bar, we have a new champion of single malts. Just what Adelaide needs!

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Matt Anderson has a tough task: he runs the Hunter Valley’s biggest golf resort, hotel, holiday apartments, function facilities and a couple of bars to boot. But he also loves his malt whiskies. So in the heart of this wine theme park that is the Hunter Valley, it so good to find a relaxing bar severing high quality malts.

Aria Restaurant

Yep, that’s right the Matt Moran’s Aria, sitting right on Circular Quay, international reputation and now with sommelier Matt Young’s knowledge and enthusiasm, a very fine dinning experience can now be complimented by an equally fine whisky experience.