There seems to be an awful lot of indignant flaming here lately. Many of the flames lack considerable knowledge, all lack courtesy, and I would argue that they lack propriety. A few observations:
First, anyone who "blindly follows JM or MJ" is chastised, but anyone who "fails to research purchases" is equally attacked. Just what sort of research, then, is considered of value? The answer: that of whomever happens to be posting the flame. I happen to have gleaned worth from MJ, JM, and the consensus of this group. While this group has been the most helpful, I have greater respect for Michael Jackson, whose no-nonsense notes seem to ring home, at least for me. JM seems all over the place (Teacher's is better than Lagavulin 16?! Imagine how badly I'd be flamed for posting that!).
Second, the 'research' is almost always disagreeable. Does FWP exist? Is Islay the stuff dreams are made of or ass sweat? And so forth. This brings me to the findings of some 'research' that I've done, which will prove that I go to ridiculous lengths to do research. It is posted after my third point below. When research in the academic world is disagreeable, it is rendered inconclusive.
Third, there are few guarantees, even if proper 'research' is conducted. I think that there is only one sure bet: Highland Park. I also believe that it's not a particular taster that any of us identify with, but rather styles. Occasionally one will find a taster whose stylistic preference matches one's own. For me, I like peat, and sherry, so I tend to 'agree' with tasters who like the same. This is a generalization, granted. I will acknowledge that the suggested research will lead one toward better quality whiskies than the ‘popular' Glen-boring whiskies so proudly displayed in many stores. And certainly without any suggestions, the task of selecting malts would be daunting.
Now to the fun stuff: I compared the tasting notes of Jim Murray and Michael Jackson, to see where they agree. In short, they don't. In fact, only two whiskies are rated above 90: HP 12 and HP 18. Coincidence? I don't think so. Below is the comparison. I have posted all accessible (under $125 USD and reasonably available) whiskies that scored high by either poster. MJ is stingier, so anything 87 or above by him, and 90+ for JM. Draw your own conclusions, forgive and correct any false information (I did this for myself, not to publish), and enjoy:
Name of Whisky Variety M.J. J.M. Aberlour 100 proof (57.1%) Speyside 84 91 Aberlour A'bunadh Spey-sherry 86 91 Ardbeg 10yr Islay 85 93 Ardbeg 17yr Islay 86 90 Balvenie 10yr fndr rsv Speyside 85 90 Balvenie 15yr single brl Speyside 85 93 Bladnoch 10yr Lowland 85 94 Bowmore Voyage Islay - 94 Bowmore Darkest Islay 91 69 Bowmore 17yr Islay 86 93 Cardhu 12yr (Cardow) Speyside 72 90 Craggenmore 12yr Speyside 90 85 Craggenmore Dist. Ed. Speyside 90 88 Dailuaine 22yr Speyside 77 93 Dalmore 12yr Highland 79 91 Dalwhinnie 15yr Highland 76 94 Glenfarclas 12yr Speyside 87 90 Glenfiddich 15yr Sola rsv Speyside 78 93 Glenfiddich 18yr Ancnt rsv Speyside 78 92 Glenlossie 10yr Speyside 76 91 Glenmorangie 10yr Highland 80 94 Glen Moray 12yr Speyside 75 91 Glen Scotia 14yr Campbelltown 87 90 Glen Scotia SMWS cask Campbelltown - 94 Highland Park 12yr Highland 90 92 Highland Park 18yr Highland 92 95 (Knockdhu) AnConc 12yr Speyside 76 90 Lagavulin 12yr Islay 89 92 Lagavulin 16yr Islay 95 88 Lagavulin Dist. Ed. Islay 95 86 Laphroig 10yr Islay 86 90 Laphroig 10yr cask str Islay 88 93 Linkwood 12yr Speyside 83 90 Longmorn 15yr Speyside 87 93 Macallan 12yr Speyside 91 77 Macallan 15yr Speyside 92 - Macallan 18yr (by year) Speyside 94 88 (Springbank) Longrow 13yr Spey-sherry - 91 Springbank 10yr Campbelltown 88 90 Talisker 10yr Skye 90 86 Talisker Dist. Ed. Skye 90 87 Talisker 20yr Skye - 95