This is the third of the trio of essential guides to see you through the bewildering world of single malts (2,225 of them), to say nothing of vatted or blended malts, single grains and blended whisky itself. Jim covers a vast range of whiskies – many more than anyone else – and is exhaustive in his approach. But he is also irreverent and amusing in his comments, and fastidious in his scoring. This is the 5th year in which the Bible has appeared and it is now an eagerly awaited annual event. Whilst the Scottish product dominates, the coverage of other whiskies has expanded. It first appeared in 2004 when a total of 2,000+ whiskies were tasted and rated. The 2008 edition addresses no less than 3,750 different whiskies. What is amazing is that the Bible has gone from 256 pages in 2004 to 360 pages in 2008, yet the price of the first and latest editions remain the same – the best tenner’s worth anywhere. The Bible is also very easy to use and is well organised, disciplined and logical in its approach. The flexi cover and compact size makes it an easy fit for hip pocket or sporran alike, as you set out on the whisky trail.
