Overview: The world of gin is vast and varied, with numerous styles and sub-styles vying for attention. Among these, the Old Tom category stands out as one of the most historically significant yet confounding to shop for. In this guide, we’ll delve into six exceptional Old Tom gins under $30 from around the globe.
The Full Story
The term “Old Tom” conjures up images of a classic cocktail, but its origins are shrouded in mystery. Historians believe that it originated in England during the 18th century, with some attributing its creation to William Hesketh Lever’s father-in-law. The name ‘Tom’ is thought to be an affectionate term for gin itself.
From this murky past emerges a style characterized by being sweeter than London Dry and drier than Jenever, often featuring citrus-forward palates balanced by mild juniper notes. Old Tom gins typically have a lower ABV compared to other styles but offer more complexity in flavor profiles due to their unique blend of botanicals.
With the resurgence of craft distilling comes an influx of creative interpretations on this classic style. Our selection includes bottles from Sweden, Illinois, Washington State, Texas, and New Mexico – each offering something distinct while staying true to its roots.
The first bottle we’ll be exploring is Purity Gin 34 Nordic Old Tom Gin, a Swedish creation built upon copper-distilled winter wheat and malted barley vodka. Finished with organic cane sugar, this gin boasts an impressive array of flavors that transition smoothly from juniper and spice into caramelized citrus.
Next up is the highly-regarded Hayman’s Old Tom Gin – distilled using a 160-year-old family recipe passed down through generations. With its robust juniper-forward taste balanced by traditional botanicals, it serves as an ideal benchmark for any aspiring gin enthusiasts.
Another standout in this lineup is Brothers Old Tom Gin, produced at Left Turn Distilling in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This locally-sourced bottle showcases a rich regional story and exceptional quality with its citrus-forward palate balanced by juniper notes.
Rounding out the top three are two American creations: Counter Old Tom Gin from Washington’s Batch 206 Distillery, offering an herbaceous yet floral profile; and Scofflaw Old Tom Gin, produced using hand-prepared organic botanicals in Illinois. These innovative approaches not only showcase regional flavors but also highlight the incredible diversity within this style.
Last but certainly not least is Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin from Treaty Oak Distilling Co., Texas – an example of how a specific region can uniquely contribute to its craft through unique ingredients such as yaupon holly and makrut lime. This blend results in a crisp, botanical-forward profile unlike any other.
Each bottle within our selection offers something distinct yet authentic to the Old Tom style while catering well under $30. Whether you’re looking for smoothness, sweetness, or regional flair – there’s an option here that should fit your preferences perfectly.
Production & Profile
The production process of these exceptional gins varies greatly due to their differing approaches and geographical locations. From copper-distilled winter wheat and malted barley vodka in Sweden (Purity Gin 34 Nordic Old Tom) to hand-prepared organic botanicals used by Scofflaw Distillery, each bottle showcases its manufacturer’s unique technique.
The flavors within this selection range from the classic juniper-forward profiles found in Hayman’s Old Tom Gin and Brothers Old Tom Gin; through more herbaceous notes presented by Counter Old Tom Gin; to a crisp, citrus-dominated palate offered by Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin. Purity Gin 34 Nordic sets itself apart with its use of organic cane sugar as an additional finishing touch.
While some bottles achieve their desired effects solely through the natural flavors imparted during distillation (such as Brothers’ balanced juniper notes), others incorporate various techniques such as aging or post-distillation infusion to create distinct profiles.
Brand & Industry History
The history behind these brands is an integral part of understanding their production methods, flavor profiles, and the regional context in which they were created. From Hayman’s Old Tom Gin having a 160-year-old family recipe that has been passed down through generations to Brothers Distilling Co.’s innovative approach using locally-sourced ingredients from Albuquerque.
Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin takes pride in its use of yaupon holly, makrut lime, and Texas wildflower honey – elements native to the region. Similarly, Purity’s commitment to organic production methods adds another layer of authenticity.
The resurgence of craft distilling brings both an opportunity for innovation as well as a chance for brands like Hayman’s Old Tom Gin or Scofflaw Distillery to pay homage to their rich heritage while still pushing boundaries.
What This Means
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