Editor’s Note: On September 20th, 2020, whisky journalist and founder of OurWhisky.com Becky Paskin publicly highlighted over 34 overt gendered sexual references included in Jim Murray’s newly released Whisky Bible 2021. Murray’s tasting notes objectifying women as sexual objects are disturbing and contradict our company values. As a result, we have updated our previous coverage on Mr. Murray with this message to ensure readers are fully aware of Mr. Murray’s views.
Being named “Best” in any category by Jim Murray, of Whisky Bible fame, is cause for celebration. Winning the title of “World Whisky of the Year,” then, is a monumental achievement. This year, the title goes to Colonel E.H. Taylor Four Grain Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-release expression from Buffalo Trace. “Nothing could match the astonishing beauty of its surprisingly delicate weight and complexity combined,” Murray writes in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2018 (~$17).
With a mash bill of corn, malted barley, rye and wheat, the Bourbon was distilled in 2005, aged for 12 years, bottled at 100 proof and released in April of this year. The suggested market price at launch was listed at $70, but demand has led its price tag to climb well above $300. With news of Murray’s bestowment, Colonel E.H. Taylor Four Grain is now likely even harder to find. The good news? The expression is slated to be released again in 2018.
