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Jim Murray is a colossus in the world of
whisky. Author of many highly acclaimed books on the spirit, he
has visited more distilleries globally than any living person
since his first, Talisker, back in 1975. Jim’s immense
experience and vast knowledge of world whisky have secured his
place as the world’s leading authority on the subject.
1994 saw the release of the landmark Jim
Murray's Irish Whiskey Almanac, the first of many publications
that would include the hugely popular Jim Murray's Complete Book
of Whisky (1997), Classic Bourbon, Tennessee & Rye (1998), The
Art of Whisky (1998) and Classic Blended Scotch (1999). As the
titles of these books would suggest, Jim’s expertise covers
every facet of the whisky making industry.
Jim’s unwavering dedication to the cause is
aptly demonstrated in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, an annually
revised and expanded guide that encompasses tasting notes and
numerical ratings for over 3,800 world whiskies in its 2008
edition. Its sheer vastness, coupled with Jim’s typically witty
and passionate writing style has seen the Bible sell in excess
of 145,000 copies worldwide.
It is with this enthusiasm and humour that
Jim delivers his live whisky tastings. As entertaining as they
are educational, his tutorials are devoid of the pretension and
snobbery that is often associated with such events. The wisdom
that he exudes in his writing translates perfectly in his public
speaking, meaning his tastings are always well attended and
highly regarded.
 Jim won the prestigious Glenfiddich Whisky
Writer of the Year award on the three separate occasions he was
entered for the competition. However, he is renowned for
fiercely guarding his fearless independence and honesty which he
believes can be compromised by writing for an
advertising-dependent media.
Therefore Jim’s recent magazine
writings have been selective and only on the understanding that
he retains full copyright, a very unusual position for a
freelance writer. To further protect his writing, he has
trademarked his name.
As well as writing and broadcasting on
whisky, and being a chair judge at the International Wine and
spirit Competition, Jim has also worked as a consultant blender
with both whisky and rum. Such has been his influence in the
industry his achievements include playing a major role in
resurrecting Ardbeg distillery in Islay after it closed in 1996. Jim has also become well known for his championing the cause of
American rye whiskey, Japanese and Irish Pot Still whiskey, all
of which had fallen out fashion before his heart-felt writings
help lead to their revival.
Jim's Score Chart |
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