Gooderham & Worts 4 Grain

I've never had the "basic" Gooderham & Worts whisky so I figured I owed it to myself to try it.

• Nose: There’s sweetness at first with brown sugar and caramel, followed by some surprisingly assertive rye spice (cinnamon and cloves mostly). Given a few minutes to breathe, there’s some fruitiness coming through; pears at first followed by peaches and apricots. There’s also a touch of mint hanging around on the outskirts.

• Palate: While I wouldn’t call it thick and chewy, this whisky is richer than I expected. Let’s call it medium-bodied. The rye bread flavours come through first and quickly turn to cinnamon and cloves, followed by over-steeped black tea. This last flavour note is one I often find in the ryes made at the Hiram Walker distillery and I absolutely adore what it brings to the party. The fruitiness is still present albeit more subdued than on the nose.

• Finish: medium length with the spicy cinnamon and cloves cutting through the sweetness and the oak tannins contributing a slight drying effect.

• Conclusions: Gooderham & Worts presents excellent value for money. Those outside Canada might not understand that $40 is still very much a great deal on a bottle of whisky in these parts. This particular whisky, while still sweet, presents enough complexity and spice to stand out from the pack.

• Would I accept a glass if it were offered? Absolutely

• Would I order this in a bar or pub? Indubitably.
• Would I purchase another bottle? I’m sure I will.