Ballantine's Shines in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

I quote a few successes for some of my favourite whiskies from "Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2013" (released October 2012). Ballantine's Finest & Jameson Irish Whiskey is readily available in South Africa from reputable outlets. You will find Redbreast 12 Year Old as well as Ballantine's 17 year old in leading premium liquor outlets but some searching will be necessary.

• Scotch whisky of the year - Ballantine's 17 year old (also voted 'Scotch Blend of the year' & 'Best Blended Scotch' 13 - 18 years old)
• Best Blended Scotch no age statement (Standard) - Ballantine's Finest
• Irish Whiskey of the year - Redbreast 12 year old Cask Strength (also voted Irish Pot Still whiskey of the year)
• Irish Blend of the Year - Jameson Irish Whiskey

Jim Murray also votes 3 whiskies as the best three in the world no matter country of origin. The following whiskies are Jim Murray's top 3 for 2013.

1. 2013 World Whisky of the Year - Buffalo Trace's 'Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 64.3% ABV'. (bottom left bottle)
2. 2013 Second Finest whisky in the World -  Buffalo Trace's 'William Larue Weller 66.8% ABV'. (middle bottle)
3. 2013 Third Finest Whisky in the World - Ballantine's 17 year old (right bottle)

Please read my previous blog for details on how to obtain Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2013 or visit www.whiskybible.com and click on 'Dram Good Book Shop".