Old Tom gin is a unique style of gin that has been around for centuries. It differs from other gins in that it is sweetened, giving it a much different flavor profile than other gins. Sloe gin is another type of sweetened gin, but Old Tom gin has its own distinct characteristics.
Old Tom gin is made from a base of grain alcohol and botanicals, like juniper berry, coriander and citrus peel. It is then sweetened with either sugar or honey, giving it a sweeter taste than other gins. Sloe gin, on the other hand, is usually made from sloe berries and has a much more tart flavor.
When comparing Old Tom gin to Sloe gin, there are several key differences to note. Old Tom Gin is:
- Sweeter
- Made with grain alcohol
- Aged longer than Sloe Gin
Sloe Gin is:
- Tarter in flavor
- Made with sloe berries
- Aged for a shorter period of time than Old Tom Gin.
Both styles of gin have their own unique characteristics and are popular among drinkers for different reasons. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference and what you are looking for in your drink.Old Tom Gin is a style of gin that was popular in 18th century England. It is semi-sweet and resembles the original genever style gins of Holland. The name “Old Tom” is derived from wooden plaques shaped like a black cat (known as “Old Tom”) which were hung outside pubs so customers could signal from the street to buy gin without entering the pub.
Old Tom Gin is slightly sweeter than London Dry, due to the presence of sugar or other sweeteners such as licorice root or caramelized sugar. It is slightly less juniper-forward than London Dry and has a fuller body that brings out additional botanical flavors. The ABV (alcohol by volume) of Old Tom Gins are normally between 35-50%.
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Old Tom Gin vs Sloe Gin
Old Tom Gin and Sloe Gin are two different styles of gin, each with its own distinct flavor. Old Tom gin is a sweeter style of gin, made by adding sugar or other sweetening agents to the spirit. This style of gin was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and is typically associated with classic cocktails like the Martinez and the Tom Collins. Sloe gin, on the other hand, is a liqueur made by infusing sloe berries (a type of wild plum) in a neutral grain spirit. It has a sweet, fruity flavor and is often used as an ingredient in desserts or mixed drinks. While both Old Tom Gin and Sloe Gin are technically gins, they have very different flavor profiles and should not be used interchangeably in cocktails or recipes.
Old Tom Gin is usually bottled at lower proof than regular gins (around 80-90 proof), which gives it a milder flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into cocktails. It also has a slightly syrupy texture that makes it great for sweetening up drinks like Manhattans or Negronis. Sloe Gin has a much sweeter profile than Old Tom Gin, as it contains more sugar from the sloe berries. It’s usually bottled at around 30-40 proof, making it much less alcoholic than regular gins. It’s often used as an ingredient in recipes calling for liqueurs like creme de cassis or crème de menthe.
When deciding between Old Tom Gin and Sloe Gin, consider what you’re looking for in terms of sweetness level and complexity of flavor. Old Tom Gins tend to be milder but still have some complexity from the botanicals used during distillation. While Sloe Gins are much sweeter due to the addition of sugar from the sloes, they can add an interesting depth of flavor to cocktails when used judiciously.
Old Tom Gin
Old Tom gin is a type of gin that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is made by infusing grain alcohol with juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, and other botanicals. Old Tom has a sweeter taste than London dry gin, making it an ideal choice for cocktails like the Tom Collins or the Martinez. It can also be used to make gin and tonic or simply enjoyed neat. The distinctive flavor of Old Tom makes it a classic in any bar or home bar setup.
Old Tom is made by combining botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, and other spices with grain alcohol. These are then distilled in a still to create the distinctive flavor of this type of gin. The result is a slightly sweet yet complex spirit that can be enjoyed alone or as part of a cocktail. Old Tom also has a bit more body than London dry gin, making it ideal for heavier drinks like martinis and Negronis.
This type of gin dates back to the 18th century when it was first produced in England by distillers who were looking for new ways to make their spirits stand out from the crowd. Over time, its popularity spread throughout Europe and eventually to America where it gained even more recognition for its unique flavor profile and versatility in cocktails. Today, Old Tom is still one of the most popular styles of gin around and can be found in most liquor stores around the world.
History of Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin is a style of gin that was popularly consumed during the 18th century. It is believed to be the precursor to the London Dry Gin style which is widely popular today. Old Tom Gin gets its name from the wooden plaques shaped like cats that were placed outside pubs in England during this time period. The plaques served as signposts for pubs that sold gin, hence they became known as “Old Tom” and are the source of this gin’s name.
Old Tom Gin is sweeter than London Dry Gin and has a slightly more malty flavor profile due to the addition of sugar. This style of gin was often used in various cocktails and punches during the 18th century, such as the classic Martinez cocktail, which contains ingredients like sweet vermouth and maraschino liqueur.
The decline of Old Tom Gin began in the late 19th century with the rise of London Dry Gin, which had a more neutral flavor profile and was easier to produce than Old Tom Gins. However, Old Tom Gins have recently seen a resurgence in popularity due to their unique flavor profile and their ability to create complex cocktails with ease.
Today, many distilleries around the world are producing their own versions of Old Tom Gins, offering drinkers a variety of options for crafting drinks with an old-world twist. With its sweet and malty flavor profile, Old Tom Gin continues to be an integral part of bartending culture today and will likely remain so for years to come.
Production Process of Old Tom Gin
The production process of Old Tom Gin is a combination of traditional and modern distilling methods. The main ingredients are juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, and other botanicals. The juniper berries are macerated in neutral grain spirit to extract the flavor. The macerated solution is then distilled in a pot or column still to produce the gin. The distillate is then filtered to remove impurities and redistilled if necessary.
The final step in producing Old Tom Gin is sweetening the distilled gin with sugar or other sweeteners. This step provides a sweeter flavor profile and can help balance out the spirit’s botanical flavors. Once the gin has been sweetened, it can be bottled and enjoyed.
Old Tom Gin has a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other gins. It has more sweetness than London Dry Gin, but less than Dutch Genever, making it an ideal choice for cocktails that require a mix of sweet and dry flavors. It also has a slightly higher alcohol content than most gins, which makes it great for adding complexity to drinks without overpowering them with too much alcohol content.
Old Tom Gin can be served neat or mixed into classic cocktails such as the Martinez or Negroni for a unique twist on your favorite drinks. With its unique flavor profile and versatile uses, Old Tom Gin is sure to become an essential part of any home bar setup!
Tasting Notes for Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin is a variety of gin that has a slightly sweeter taste than traditional London dry gins. It is made with juniper, coriander, and other botanicals, and typically has a slightly higher ABV content than London dry gin. The aroma of Old Tom Gin is typically floral with notes of citrus and spice. The flavor profile can vary depending on the botanicals used but is generally described as sweet and malty with hints of juniper, citrus, and herbs. It is generally served neat or in classic cocktails such as the Martinez or the Tom Collins.
Old Tom Gin can also be used to create unique takes on classic drinks like martinis or gin and tonics. Its slightly sweet character works well with simple syrup or other sweet ingredients to create complex flavors. For example, try adding some orange bitters to an Old Tom Gin martini for a twist on the classic drink. Or use it in place of vodka for an interesting take on a Moscow Mule.
Overall Old Tom Gin is a great option for those looking to explore different types of gin or experiment with new cocktail recipes. Its unique flavor profile makes it an ideal spirit for creating delicious drinks that are sure to please even the most discerning palate!
Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin is a sweeter style of gin that has been around since the 1700s. It’s a perfect base for classic cocktails like the Martinez or the Tom Collins, and it can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. For those looking to experiment with their gin cocktails, Old Tom Gin is a great choice. Here are some serving suggestions for Old Tom Gin:
Classic Cocktails
Old Tom Gin is perfect for making classic gin-based cocktails such as the Martini, Negroni, and Aviation. It also works well in variations of other classic drinks like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. For something simple and refreshing, try the Tom Collins – just mix two ounces of Old Tom with soda water and a splash of lemon juice.
Gin Fizzes
Old Tom can also be used to make delicious gin fizzes. Try combining it with fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water for a light and refreshing cocktail. You can also experiment by adding different flavors such as orange juice or cranberry juice to create your own unique concoction.
Neat or on the Rocks
For those who prefer something simpler, Old Tom can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Its sweet flavor makes it an ideal sipping gin that can be enjoyed over ice or neat in a chilled glass. You can even add a splash of tonic water if desired to create an easy-drinking low-ABV beverage that’s perfect for any occasion.
Comparison of Sweetened Gins: Old Tom and Sloe
Gin is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in many different forms. Two of the most popular varieties of gin are Old Tom and Sloe. Both are sweetened gins that have their own unique flavor profiles, and they can be used to create a variety of drinks. To help you decide which one may suit your taste better, here is a comparison of Old Tom and Sloe gins.
Old Tom gin has a stronger, more intense flavor than Sloe gin. It is made with botanicals such as juniper, coriander, angelica root, and orange peel, which give it a spicy, botanical taste. It is also slightly sweetened with sugar or honey, giving it a smooth finish. It pairs well with citrus-based cocktails and is often used as an ingredient in floral drinks.
Sloe gin is made from sloes (a type of wild berry) that have been steeped in gin for several weeks or months. The resulting flavor is sweet and tart with hints of almond, cherry, and spice. Sloe gin pairs well with sweet mixers like tonic or ginger ale and can also be used to make classic cocktails such as the Gimlet or the Clover Club.
Both Old Tom and Sloe gins offer unique flavors for drinks that are sure to please any palate. Whether you prefer the spicy notes of Old Tom or the tart sweetness of Sloe gin, there is sure to be something to satisfy all tastes!
Conclusion
Old Tom gin is a type of sweetened gin that differs from other gins in that it has a sweeter, richer taste compared to other types of gin. It is a great option for those looking for something different in their cocktails or for those who prefer a sweeter taste. While Sloe gin has its own unique flavor, Old Tom offers something different that may appeal to those looking for a more traditional gin taste. The subtle sweetness and smooth finish offered by Old Tom make it an excellent addition to any bar or mixology setup.
Overall, Old Tom is an interesting alternative to Sloe and other sweet gins and is worth exploring as it brings something unique to the table. It is a great way to add complexity and depth to cocktails while still maintaining the classic gin flavor. Whether you are looking for something new or just want to enjoy the unique flavor of Old Tom, it could be worth giving it a try!
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