Gooderham and Worts Four Grain

I’m not actually sure when I bought this. I think probably in late 2014 but possibly in 2015, and opened shortly after. It may have been an article in the Globe and Mail by Beppi Crosariol that inspired me. Now in 2018 this bottle is half full (I think it has been gassed most if not all of the time), so you can see how often I reach for it. It’s always tasted a little different each time.

When I decided to review the G&W Little Trinity, part of the 2017 Northern Border Collection, I thought it should be compared to this expression, as we did in Maryland about a month ago. The other review can be found here:

connosr.com/gooderham-and-worts-little-tri…

This expression is reviewed in my usual manner, allowing it to settle after which I take my nosing and tasting notes, followed by the addition of a few drops of water, waiting, then nosing and tasting.

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Nose: 20.5/25

Sweet. Caramel, vanilla, some spiciness (stewed fruit pie spices). With time a hint of green apple. Hint of dust. Not too complex. Water adds a little fruity complexity to the nose. (21/25)

Taste: 21/25

Sweet, slightly effervescent, vanilla and caramel forward. Slightly spicy. Slight graininess in the mouthfeel. Water makes it a little more spirity and spicier. (20.5/25)

Finish: 21/25

Vanillins and pepper in the finish. Water makes it more bitter. (20.5/25)

Balance: 21.5/25

The nose and palate complement each other. Maybe a little underpowered. A little less pleasant with water. (21/25)

Score: Neat - 84/100 With Water: 83/100

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This is not a bad whisky, although it tends to live in the very back of the Canadian section of my cabinet. I anticipate it will be another few years before it’s gone, and I doubt it will be replaces, though if offered a dram I might accept it.

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I mixed this about 60:40 with the Little Trinity. The result is not worth describing. Adding a little Lot 40 CS improves it, but not enough.