The Art of Whisky

From the World’s leading whisky authority Jim Murray.

A superb selection of over 70 nineteenth and early twentieth century posters and showcards designed to advertise the Scotch and Irish whiskies of the time in hardback.

£19.95

Description:

Of all the many books on whisky I have written in the last 25 years and more this was the one screaming to be published in hardback.

Indeed, when I first researched and wrote The Art of Whisky there were plans afoot to make it into a lush coffee table celebration of the stupendous artwork which depicted the whisky advertising scene of the late 19th and early 20th century.

However, the publication was being carried out by, in effect, a British government department and once they saw the cost of producing a full colour in hardback they made the decision to publish in paperback instead.

Had then been now I have no doubt they would have gone for the coffee table option. But back in 1998 the single malt whisky movement was still very much in its infancy and the Public Record Office, the holder of these extraordinary whisky relics, quite understandably felt it better to err on the side of caution.

The whisky world of 2020 is nothing like the one of 22 years before. So I bought the rights of the title from the P.R.O – to whom I am truly grateful – and decided to republish it under my own company’s imprint of Dram Good Books.

And now in hardback, of course.

It was great fun updating the The Art of Whisky from the tail end of the 1990s into the now maturing 21st century.

Not least because I suspected that the audience likely to discover this book would be a more knowledgeable, appreciative and international one than that on their first, faltering steps into the nouveau whisky world of a generation before.

Because this is for whom this book is now published: both the new generation of whisky lovers and the previous one in whose footsteps they followed. A book to delight an audience in their 20s right through to their 80s and 90s.

For despite the dated style of these advertisements, there is a timelessness, too.

Like a great whisky, this is a book that demands to be visited and re-visited. And like the finest whiskies, be they Scottish or Irish –the more time you spend with it, the greater the pay back, the more intricate your discoveries.

Because a dip into these pages, like any great malt, will each time reveal something you hadn’t quite discovered before. And then you can sit back and drink in the whole picture – before returning it, charmed and satisfied, onto your coffee table.

I very much hope you enjoy The Art of Whisky; and, indeed, I am sure you will. For so far as the colourful history of Scotch and Irish whisky is concerned, it will most certainly put you in the picture.

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No book shelf should be

No book shelf should be without this version of the bible.
A dram in one hand and the bible in the other.

Sally Walker
November 24, 2024

This is a gift for

This is a gift for a good friend and whiskey connaisseur together with a recommended bottle out of this book.

Reto Rechsteiner
October 16, 2024

I’ve every Whisky Bible from

I’ve every Whisky Bible from number 1, eagerly look forward to the next one. Keep them coming Jim!!

Mike Taylor
November 23, 2023

I’m very honored to have

I’m very honored to have on my bookshelves the 19 volumes. Each of them allow to follow the history – up and down – of the industry.
This is the must have for all connoisseur.
I consider Monsieur Jim Murray as the best expert on the planet.
I’ve never been deceived, following his commentaries.
Monsieur Jim Murray is THE LIVING PROOF of freedom of speech, expertise and commitment to help the industry to achieve upper quality levels.
I really appreciate the promotion of young unknown whisky makers.
Long life to Jim Murray’s whisky Bible and his author.

Frédéric Voize
December 14, 2023

Many thanks for the last

Many thanks for the last 20 years of leading me down the paths to some amazing whiskies, such stuff as drams are made on!

Kingdon Dietz
December 28, 2023

There is no better whisky/whiskey

There is no better whisky/whiskey book anywhere. I have all 19, soon to be 20 editions and was so pleased Jim won out against ill-informed jealous woke nonsense. Mr Murray is an acknowledged true expert and his book is jaw-dropping in the information it conveys.

Richard Mann
December 1, 2023

Thank you Jim for all

Thank you Jim for all your wisdom in the whisky world. We buy one for our eldest son and a very dear friend of ours. He looks forward every year for your new bible. You are the best.

Thelma Ogden
November 24, 2023

Excellent work by a talented

Excellent work by a talented expert in his subject.
AJ.

Anthony Greenaway
November 25, 2023

I’m a hug fan of

I’m a hug fan of the whiskey Bible

Michael Artz
November 25, 2023

My favourite Christmas prestent for

My favourite Christmas prestent for my son. This IS his beloved book. Thank you.

Irena Kadlecová
November 18, 2023

Our family eargerly awaits Jim’s

Our family eargerly awaits Jim’s whisky Bible every year with anticipation and delight once we open it …love Jim….

Natalie
November 19, 2023

Ett oumbärligt verktyg för den

Ett oumbärligt verktyg för den som vill bruka allvar med att göra det yttersta med sin dram.

Stefan Lindnert
October 23, 2023

The Whisky Bible is the

The Whisky Bible is the most authentic expression of the love of whisky there is.

Dennis Dart
August 8, 2023

When drinking a whisky by

When drinking a whisky by yourself, you need to know what someone thinks of the whisky, Jim is that someone. Sorry Jim, we disagree a lot but that it what I love about whisky.

John Connolly
January 28, 2023

A Bíblia do Whisky é

A Bíblia do Whisky é uma publicação de referência internacional, talvez o mais completo do mundo. Sem duvida e o meu livro de consulta. O Jim Murray escreve com independência, o que valoriza muito os seus comentários e da credibilidade ao assunto abordado.

RODRIGO ALEXANDER GOMES DE ARAUJO
January 15, 2023

The only guide I use.

The only guide I use.

Steve Plasterer
January 11, 2023

The only Bible that I

The only Bible that I have bought every edition and read from cover to cover!

Ingemar Nordblom
January 4, 2023

Jim is a personal hero

Jim is a personal hero of mine who has been treated extremely shabbily by the very people who used to hang on every word he wrote about their whisky!!

Chris Fiplock
January 2, 2023

The good of Whiskey I

The good of Whiskey I love . oldman

RAY R HUMAN
December 9, 2022

I”ve been a huge fan

I”ve been a huge fan of Jim’s writing since before the Bible began. It’s wonderful when a critic’s taste is similar to my own, because they can try everything. Perhaps the best testimonial I can think of is when I spoke with Jimmy Russell at length and brought up Jim, he was really enthusiastic and mentioned that Jim had a house nearby. When the only surviving God of bourbon in the 20th century knows and likes you, you’ve arrived.

Sat Tara Khalsa
December 8, 2022

I don’t always agree with

I don’t always agree with Jim Murray’s judgements, but I know exactly how a whisky will taste. Just brilliant writing – always going to the heart of the matter and explaining …..

Alan Winkleman
December 6, 2022

Been following Jim Murray’s Whisky

Been following Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible for several years now. Jim brings another level of enjoyment to an already enjoyable pastime.

Proßt

Christian Zobel
November 22, 2022

Jim’s approach is unique!I had

Jim’s approach is unique!

I had a chance a to discuss with Jim personally and at length how he approaches the whole job of bringing so many whiskies and tastings together, year after year, and I was really astonished to what a degree of meticulousness he goes. There are many great whisky writers and gurus, but Jim’s approach is unique!

And as a good author, when you have to describe thousand different whisky expressions every year, you try to make it colourful and diverse, using parallels from life.

Sometimes I prefer different whiskies than Jim does. Yet, I am happy to see the 2023 version is here!
Petr Hosek
November 22, 2022

Petr Hosek
November 22, 2022

Love to follow your books.

Love to follow your books. Precise, comprehensive and a brilliant guideline. Thanks a lot

Christoph Hennigfeld
November 18, 2022

All the best……..whiskey.

All the best……..whiskey.

Mark dingwall
November 18, 2022

Since 2005 I have been

Since 2005 I have been following Jim Murray’s advice in choosing my Scottish single malts. Thanks Jim

Oberdan Parodi
November 19, 2022

Jim Murray, the best there

Jim Murray, the best there is !

Wolfgang Riemann
November 18, 2022

The definitive reference!My tastes don’t

The definitive reference!
My tastes don’t align exactly with Jim Murray’s but I’ve learned some of the differences and use his scores as a benchmark for making purchases. Personal tastes aside, his ratings are a great measure and I can always find useful info in his reviews. I don’t buy a new bottle without looking for his review! Bravo Mr. Murray!

S Wurster
November 1, 2022

The best guide ever thanks

The best guide ever thanks

Pascal De Loose
August 31, 2022

Beacon of guidance in the

Beacon of guidance in the whiskey world . Greetings from HongKong .

Gordon Tsang
August 17, 2022

The only one to whom

The only one to whom I trust.
Whisky bible – must have

Dr.Viktor Benzhytskyy
June 5, 2022

I find the whiskey bible

I find the whiskey bible an excellent addition to the bookcase.

ANTHONY GREENAWAY
December 29, 2021

Have been and will continue

Have been and will continue to be an avid reader and follower of Jim. My two son’s are also followers and purchase our Single Malt selections on Jim’s ratings. Many Thanks for your dedication to advance and improve the Scottish Single Malt Legacy!

Ronald Gregory Hunt
December 30, 2021

The best bible to the

The best bible to the most fluid of religions!

George Freedman
December 23, 2021

best book on the subject

best book on the subject

chris mather
December 19, 2021

Following the absurd article in

Following the absurd article in a national newspaper of a woke nutcase cancelling a well grounded and responsible author of well and documented whiskey products, I will now buy as many for friends who love the stuff and a fat middle finger to those with an OTT attitude of offensiveness to attempt to end it.

Dop
December 12, 2021

I do enjoy a dram

I do enjoy a dram or two, but never felt it necessary to buy a bible on said subject. But having read of the treatment of Jim Murray. Another victim of this insidious cancel culture that now pervades our society. I feel an overwhelming need to purchase one of said volumes. And I shall read it cover to cover.

I most sincerely hope that common sense & decency will ultimately prevail.

John Devis
December 11, 2021

After reading the ridiculous Daily

After reading the ridiculous Daily Mail article, I am delighted to buy the Whisky Bible for my whisky-loving Husband, and also to raise a middle finger to the UNlady PUKEskin of the anti-human woke brigade.

Merry Christmas Jim!!

Lady Leah Victoria Ambergenal
December 12, 2021

As the long time Secretary

As the long time Secretary of the Parliamentary All Party Scotch Whisky Group and a Keeper of the Quach we need people like Jim to be free to express their views. Keep up the good work the Industry needs you

Sir Brian Donohoe
December 11, 2021

I have purchased your invaluable

I have purchased your invaluable guide for several years now, just for the record I think it’s an absolute gem. I was wondering whether I needed an update but now I have learnt of your current situation I am about to invest in a 2022 version and put it on my list of Christmas presents for good friends.
Good luck Jim, I hope there are sufficient of us to ensure that, far from being cancelled, the word spreads and your position as a, no, the leading whisky commentator is enhanced.

Jon
December 11, 2021

I buy this every year,

I buy this every year, best book on Whisky there is. I use it all the time and agree with all Jim’s reviews and ratings. Found some absolute belters Id never have tried based off the reviews in this book.I also love his style of writing and encourage him to continue to write this way for his legions of appreciative fans around the world. Up yours woke brigade. Long live Jim and the Whisky Bible!

Paul Jackson
December 11, 2021

Good old Jim we need

Good old Jim we need more people like you, I never bough your book before but I am buying one now

Joseph
December 11, 2021

Having read Jim’s story, I

Having read Jim’s story, I am delighted to buy the Whisky Bible, not only as the perfect Christmas present for my whisky-loving son-in-law, but also to raise two fingers to the mindless sheep of the woke brigade.

Merry Christmas and the best of luck Jim

Mike Cribley
December 11, 2021

Just read about Jim and

Just read about Jim and I support him 100 percent in fact I’m going to get a few t/shirts printed with W O W war war on woke feel free to follow suit and support freedom of speech Also jim

William townsley
December 11, 2021

I am not a whisky

I am not a whisky drinker but i despise the spineless corporate assholes who dumped him on an unproven woke whim

Andrew Czezowski
December 11, 2021

I read about this story

I read about this story and thaught id show my support for jim and against the woke brigade.

daniel chamberlain
December 11, 2021

Cannot believe iv only found

Cannot believe iv only found this book due to Jim being cancelled cancel the woke I say
Long live the whiskey Bible.

Steve jones
December 11, 2021

Going to buy this, just

Going to buy this, just to counter Woke cancellation of this intrepid researcher.

jean rasbridge
December 11, 2021

A true gent. Respectful of

A true gent. Respectful of all in our industry. Men and women. A nose for what is wonderful and the words to place it in the minds of men and women through written words and yes some are sexualised because he can only use his experiences through life to justify his writing. Or in short his books wouldn’t be so real and necessary. I have our industry owes you a debt or gratitude. You are the maker and the breaker of distillery’s and a champion of both male and female in our industry. Long may you continue.

Tom morley
December 11, 2021

Brilliant

Brilliant

Paul Cunningham
December 10, 2021

Solid mooring in troubled seas,

Solid mooring in troubled seas, also good whiskey advice.

Dr. Laurence S. Masuoka
November 2, 2021

Customer since 2005,always look forward

Customer since 2005,always look forward to every edition

John senior
November 1, 2021

Old customer since 2011

Old customer since 2011

Stellan Karlsson
October 31, 2021

My go-to whisky book. Always

My go-to whisky book. Always a pleasure to read Jim’s reviews – he has such a great feeling and sense for the small details and nuances in the whisky. Can’t wait for the 2022 edition.

Greetings from Denmark.

Stefan Jeppesen
October 25, 2021

The number one book for

The number one book for any whisky lover

James Henderson
October 18, 2021

For a novice in whiskey

For a novice in whiskey i have to acknowledge the amount of time ,effort and whiskey, that goes into making an excellent whiskey bible.
Make Jim Murray continue to do so. Looking fwd to 2022 edition.
Best Regards
Ynot the novice

Anthony Greenaway
October 14, 2021

As a complete novices to

As a complete novices to both collecting and drinking whiskey, i find the whiskey bible an excellent addition to the bookcase.
May you continue in your efforts to keep us all up to date.
Best Wishes
Ynot the Novice

Anthony Greenaway
October 14, 2021

I’ve been buying the bible

I’ve been buying the bible for at least 10 years. It’s not the whisky, it’s not the reviews, it’s the side-splitting humours observations and Jim’s literary style and language!!! Actually, I also like the bravery Jim has to recommend outside the accepted norms, like Johnny Black and Balentines. Usually frowned on by so-called experts.

Mike Cramb
May 30, 2021

I love using my bible

I love using my bible to compare my thoughts on a whisky compares with Jim. Also useful when deciding on what Whisky to buy.

John Connolly
September 2, 2020

I love the whisky bible,

I love the whisky bible, a true religion for the whisky enthusiast, its a mind opener.

Veldeman ivo
September 23, 2020

I have them all

I have them all

Freydar Olsen
September 14, 2020

Have bought the Bible every

Have bought the Bible every year since 2007. Jim Murray is the foremost authority on whisky and his reviews are entertaining as well as informative. Can’t think of buying whisky without consulting it!

Mark Alan Vanstone
March 31, 2021

the guidance of good whisky

the guidance of good whisky all over the world .

Spencer Wu
February 23, 2021

Having visited distilleries in Scotland

Having visited distilleries in Scotland and Ireland books on the history have made the enjoyment of Whisky greater. The Movie ‘The Angels Share’ made Jim’s books come to life.

Rhonda SHEEN
November 17, 2020

Always enjoy the Bible. I

Always enjoy the Bible. I was lucky this year, having purchased three bottles of Alberta Premium Cask Strength about a week before the 2021 edition came out!

B. Rask
October 19, 2020

Year after year it is

Year after year it is still a pleasure to read this poetry about whisky (for a French man). Alaways humoristic and never “over serious” a

marc
October 19, 2020

Looking forward to see it

Looking forward to see it

Eric Lahra
October 12, 2020

Great book for Whisky lovers

Great book for Whisky lovers

Milind Desai
September 26, 2020

I love the Bible, it

I love the Bible, it is very easy to understand the taste of a whisky before buying and is very appetizing, makes you dream of the taste of the whisky just by reading!

Olivier
February 11, 2020

Supporter of good whiskey

Supporter of good whiskey

Lars Robinn Simmelkjaer
September 24, 2019

Simply Great For a Wishkey

Simply Great For a Whiskey lover .

Raajkumar Gupta
October 19, 2019

Past editions have been instructive.

Past editions have been instructive. Looking forward to receiving the 2020 offering.

David B Heasley
October 19, 2019

“May the water of life

“May the water of life flow through our veins just as the words of freedom escape our breath.”

Christo Ry
September 19, 2019

Very simply the go-to book

Very simply the go-to book for all things whiskey. Authoritative, clear, comprehensive.

David Pruett
September 18, 2019

We might need to get

We might need to get another bookshelf. This is my husband’s ‘go to’ book for any whisky information. The reviews are often amusing, and are referred to at the tastings he both runs and attends.

Susan Holford
September 20, 2019

Most honest and entertaining book

Most honest and entertaining book in this business since 2003 👍

Christine von Allwoerden
September 18, 2019

Have all of Jim’s books

Have all of Jim’s books dating back to 2006.
It’s a must have in every whisky lovers library.

Kevin Westbrook
September 19, 2019

A must for any whiskey

A must for any whiskey lover’s bookshelf.

Jean-Marc Demers
September 20, 2019
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