Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2018

No doubt, there'll be plenty more surprise and controversy will be guaranteed as you leaf through the pages of Jim's latest tastings! This year's big winner is Colonel E.H. Taylor 4 Grain Bottled in Bond Aged 12 years. Murray hails its “sheer undiluted beauty”. The unique bottling from Buffalo Trace gives a nod to the four grains - corn, rye, wheat and malted barley - that the legendary bourbon pioneer worked with back in the 19th century. Scoring a remarkable 97.5 out of 100, the champion dram boasts a finish that Murray describes as a “slow, lightly oiled, gently spiced chocolate fade which goes on…and on”.

With over 1,200 new whiskies tasted for the latest edition of the international guide, the supreme Col. Taylor faced stiff competition from European rivals to claim the top award. Second Finest Whisky of the Year goes to Redbreast Aged 21 Years, the best result for an Irish entrant in Whisky Bible history and only the second time the Emerald Isle has made the top three.

On the podium again is the Glen Grant Aged 18 Years Rare Edition, which is named Third Finest following its second-place finish in 2017, also with 97 points.

Sectional winners include: Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye (Canadian Whiskey of the Year); The Norfolk Parched from St George’s (European); Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky (Japanese); Paul John Kanya (Asian); and Limeburner’s Dark Winter (Southern Hemisphere).

This is the 15th edition of the publication and contains tasting notes for over 4,600 drams. Paperback. 384 pages.