Explore the rich history and unique flavor of Old Tom Gin with Winchester Distillery’s authentic interpretation of this slightly sweet, botanically complex spirit. Popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, Old Tom Gin bridges the gap between the malty Dutch spirit Genever and the lighter, purer Dry Gin, which emerged with the advent of the Coffey Still in the 1830s. Our Old Tom Gin is crafted from a base of pot-distilled malt spirit, reminiscent of a juniper-flavored moonshine rather than vodka, reflecting the historical methods of production. In a nod to tradition, we sweeten our gin using liquorice root, a choice inspired by its historical use as an affordable sweetening agent compared to sugar or honey. The production process involves six traditional botanicals: juniper berries, liquorice root, coriander seed, bitter orange peel, angelica root, and calamus root, distilled with a 96% ABV spirit as required by UK law. We then enhance this blend with our own oak-aged malt spirit, double distilled in our pot still, to add depth and authenticity to the flavour profile. The pronounced use of liquorice root in our botanical mix results in an earthy, sweeter taste, typical of the Old Tom style. This gin is perfect for those who appreciate a rich, flavorful spirit with historical roots. We recommend serving our Old Tom Gin with Fever-Tree aromatic tonic and a slice of orange, enhancing the botanical qualities and making for a delightful and historically rich gin experience. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or a cocktail aficionado, Winchester Distillery’s Old Tom Gin is an exquisite choice, ideal for classic cocktails like the Tom Collins and the Martinez. Experience a taste of history with every sip!
