Hayman's Old Tom Gin

Hayman's Old Tom Gin shines in classic gin-forward cocktails, where its subtle sweetness and botanical complexity can take center stage. While delightful year-round, this gin truly comes alive in spring and summer, perfect for sipping on the rocks with a twist of lemon or pairing with light, herbal dishes that complement its juniper and citrus notes.

Nose: Bright juniper leads, followed by subtle citrus notes of lemon zest and orange peel. There's a delicate sweetness reminiscent of candied violets and a hint of coriander spice.

Palate: Smooth and slightly sweet entry. Juniper is present but not overpowering, balanced by licorice root and a touch of cinnamon. The gin's trademark sweetness comes through as vanilla and almond, with a gentle earthy undertone.

Finish: Medium-long finish with lingering sweetness. Juniper and citrus notes fade, leaving a pleasant warmth and subtle spice. A faint hint of star anise appears at the very end.

Hayman's Old Tom Gin is crafted using a traditional two-day process, starting with a botanical recipe that dates back to the 1870s. The gin is distilled in small batches using a century-old copper pot still, then lightly sweetened with sugar to create its distinctive smooth, rounded flavor profile that bridges the gap between the sweeter genever-style gins and the drier London Dry style.

• Hayman's Old Tom Gin is made using a family recipe that dates back to 1863, making it one of the few gins still produced today that captures the authentic taste of Victorian-era London gin.
• Unlike most modern gins, Hayman's Old Tom is slightly sweetened with sugar, a practice that originated in the 18th century when gin makers used it to mask the harsh taste of impurities in poorly-made spirits.
• The "Old Tom" name is rumored to come from wooden plaques shaped like black cats (or "Old Toms") that were mounted on walls in 18th-century London. Thirsty patrons would deposit a coin in the cat's mouth and receive a shot of gin from a tube between its paws, allowing them to purchase gin anonymously during a time when gin sales were restricted.