Old Tom gin is a style of gin that has been around since the 18th century. It is made in a slightly sweeter and more robust way than other types of gin, with the addition of sugar or sweetener to the recipe. Old Tom gin has a fuller body and less juniper flavor than London dry gins and tends to have more complexity and sweetness.
There are several different styles of Old Tom gin, from lightly sweetened to heavily sweetened. The flavor also varies depending on the botanicals used in its production, making it unique from other gins. Some of the most common ingredients used in Old Tom gin production include juniper berries, coriander seed, angelica root, orange peel, cardamom, cinnamon and licorice root.Old Tom Gin is a style of gin that is sweeter than London Dry Gin. It is made from a mash of grain alcohol and juniper berries, which give the gin its distinctive flavor. The name “Old Tom” was derived from the wooden plaques, with a carved cat’s head, that were used to dispense the spirit in 18th-century England.
Old Tom Gin has a slightly sweeter taste compared to London Dry Gin due to the addition of sugar or other sweetening agents. This makes it an excellent choice for cocktails such as Martinez and Tom Collins. The botanical notes of Old Tom Gin are more pronounced than those of London Dry Gin, making it ideal for those who want more complexity in their drinks.
The Alcohol by Volume (ABV) level of Old Tom Gin typically ranges from 37-40%. This is slightly lower than the average ABV level for London Dry Gin, which is typically around 40-47%.
In conclusion, Old Tom Gin is a type of gin that has a slightly sweeter taste due to added sugar or sweetening agents. It has less Alcohol by Volume (ABV) than London Dry Gin and its botanical notes are more pronounced, making it great for cocktails and drinks that require more complexity in their flavor profiles.
Contents
Distinctive Characteristics of Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin is a type of gin which has been around since the 18th century. It is characterized by its sweeter flavor which is attributed to the use of botanicals such as juniper, coriander, and angelica. The gin has a distinctive color and aroma that sets it apart from other gins. It also usually has a higher concentration of alcohol than other gins, making it more potent in flavor. In addition to its sweeter taste, Old Tom Gin is known for its fuller body and smoother mouthfeel. Its rich flavor often makes it the perfect choice for sipping straight or mixing into classic cocktails like the Martinez and Gin Fizz. Old Tom Gin also typically has less juniper than other gins, making it great for drinks with complex flavors such as a Negroni or Aviation.
Old Tom Gin can be enjoyed neat or with mixers depending on your preference. It pairs nicely with citrus juices and tonic water, as well as syrups like honey or ginger. When used in cocktails, Old Tom Gin can bring out subtle notes in other ingredients such as herbal liqueurs or bitters that would otherwise go unnoticed. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to experiment with different flavors and create unique drinks.
Overall, Old Tom Gin is an excellent choice for those seeking a traditional gin experience with a twist. Its distinctive flavor profile makes it perfect for classic cocktails or new creations alike. With its rich flavor, smooth mouthfeel and balanced botanical character, Old Tom Gin will bring any drink to life!
History of Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin is a type of gin that was popular in England during the eighteenth century. It was distilled using a mixture of botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, and orris root. The exact recipe varied by manufacturer. Old Tom gin was made in a variety of styles and strengths, ranging from light and sweet to strong and dry. In its heyday, it was the most popular type of gin in England.
Old Tom gin’s popularity began to decline in the early 19th century with the rise of London Dry Gin. This new style of gin used fewer botanicals and had a much drier taste than Old Tom gin. As a result, many distilleries stopped producing Old Tom gin. However, it remained popular in certain regions throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Old Tom gin due to its historical significance and unique flavor profile. Many craft distilleries now produce their own versions of Old Tom gin, often using traditional recipes and techniques to create something that tastes like it did centuries ago. These modern-day interpretations are often slightly sweeter than London Dry gins, making them more approachable for those who prefer less bitter spirits.
Gin Varieties and How They Differ
Gin is a spirit that is derived from juniper berries, giving it a unique flavor profile that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. There are many different varieties of gin, each with its own distinct characteristics and taste. The most popular types of gin include London dry gin, Plymouth gin, Old Tom gin, Genever gin, Navy Strength Gin, and Sloe Gin.
London dry gin is the most common type of gin and is noted for its clean flavor with a strong juniper presence. It has a neutral alcohol base which is then distilled with botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root and citrus peel. This type of gin was named after the city in England where it originated.
Plymouth Gin is classified as a protected geographical indication within the European Union meaning that it must be produced in Plymouth, England to legally be called Plymouth Gin. It has a slightly sweeter and softer taste than London Dry Gin due to the addition of licorice root as one of its botanicals during distillation.
Old Tom Gin was developed in England during the 18th century as a sweeter version of London Dry Gin. It was often sold as “Old Tom” from barrels placed outside pubs or from street vendors. This type of gin contains more sugar than London Dry variety resulting in a more subtle flavor profile that some prefer to the drier versions.
Genever (or Dutch) Gin is an older style of spirit that originated in Holland around 1550 and takes its name from the Dutch word for “juniper”. It has a slightly malty flavor with notes of juniper and other botanicals such as coriander and angelica root. This type of gin is traditionally served neat or on the rocks but can also be enjoyed in cocktails when mixed with other ingredients like tonic water or lemon juice.
Navy Strength Gin has an alcohol content ranging from 57% to 75% ABV which makes it one of the strongest gins available on the market today. This type of spirit was named after its invention for use by sailors who needed something strong enough to light gunpowder if spilled on deck during battle! Its high alcohol content gives Navy Strength Gin an intense flavor profile with strong notes of juniper and other botanicals making it ideal for use in cocktails where you want to add some “punch” without overpowering other flavors present in your drink.
Finally, Sloe Gin is not technically classified as gin due to its lower alcohol content (often between 15% – 30%). It has a sweet flavor thanks to the addition of sloe berries during distillation which gives it its characteristic red coloration as well as notes of almond and cherry-like flavors on the palate when sipped neat or over ice cubes. Sloe Gin can also be enjoyed mixed into various cocktails for those who prefer something sweeter than traditional gins!
No matter what type you choose, each variety offers its own unique experience so there’s sure to be something for everyone when it comes to enjoying this classic spirit!
Old Tom Gin Taste Profile
Old Tom gin has a unique taste profile that sets it apart from other styles of gin. It has a sweeter, softer flavor than other styles, due to the addition of sugar or sweeteners. The flavor is often described as being slightly malty and having hints of spice, citrus, and juniper. Its flavor profile makes it popular for cocktails like the Martinez and the Gin Fizz.
Old Tom gin also has a higher proof than other gins, usually around 40-50% ABV. This gives it a stronger presence in cocktails and adds complexity to its flavor. Its complexity makes it an ideal choice for classic cocktails like the Martinez or Negroni.
In terms of production, Old Tom gin is made in a similar way to London Dry gin, with the same botanicals used to make them both. The difference lies in how they are distilled; Old Tom is distilled in a pot still, giving it more character and flavor than London Dry gin which is distilled in a column still.
Overall, Old Tom gin has a unique taste profile that sets it apart from other styles of gin. Its sweetness and complexity make it an ideal choice for classic cocktails and its higher proof creates more depth and character in drinks. It’s an excellent option for any home bar looking for something special!
Old Tom Gin is Different from Other Gins
Old Tom Gin has a unique flavor and aroma that distinguishes it from other gins. It is sweeter than other styles of gin, with a distinct malty flavor that comes from the addition of natural sugars during the distillation process. The sweetness also helps to balance out the strong juniper taste and alcohol content, allowing for a smoother drinking experience. Old Tom Gin has a higher ABV than other gins, ranging between 40-50%, making it slightly more potent than London Dry or Navy Strength varieties.
The botanicals used in Old Tom Gin also differ from those used in other gins. While London Dry and Navy Strength varieties are typically heavy on juniper and citrus, Old Tom recipes generally contain more cardamom, coriander, cinnamon and nutmeg for a spicier experience. This combination of botanicals gives Old Tom its characteristic sweet and spicy aroma.
Finally, the distillation process itself is quite different when it comes to Old Tom Gin. Unlike London Dry or Navy Strength gins which are distilled at high temperatures for long periods of time to create their dry flavor profiles, Old Tom gin is distilled at lower temperatures over shorter periods in order to preserve its sweetness. This method results in a smooth drinking gin with a unique flavor profile that stands out from other styles of gin.
In conclusion, Old Tom Gin is different from other gins due to its sweeter taste profile, higher ABV, distinct botanical blend and unique distillation process. It’s an ideal gin for those looking for something outside the traditional London Dry or Navy Strength varieties and offers an interesting new way to enjoy your favorite drink.
Ingredients Used in Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin is a style of gin that was popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is characterized by its sweeter flavor than modern dry gin. The ingredients used to make Old Tom Gin are juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orris root, orange peel and sometimes other botanicals such as licorice root or cinnamon. Juniper berries and coriander are essential ingredients in any gin, but Old Tom includes other botanicals for a sweeter flavor.
Juniper berries have been used for centuries to flavor food and drinks, and their woody aroma and taste make them a key component of many gins. Coriander is another key component of gin that adds a citrus-like aroma and flavor. Angelica root is a herbaceous plant with a sweet taste, while orris root has an earthy aroma and woody notes that add complexity to the gin. Orange peel adds zestiness to the drink while licorice root gives it a sweet flavor. Other botanicals such as cinnamon can also be added to give the gin more depth of flavor.
The combination of these ingredients creates a unique flavor profile for Old Tom Gin that differs from other styles of gin. It has sweeter notes than dry gins but still retains the distinct juniper berry aroma and taste that makes it unmistakably gin. Its combination of flavors makes it perfect for creating classic cocktails like the Martini or Negroni or simply enjoyed on its own.
Old Tom Gin Cocktails
Old Tom Gin is a sweetened style of gin made popular during the 18th century. It’s a great choice for cocktails as its sweetness can balance out the tartness of citrus and its malty character adds complexity to drinks. Here are some delicious cocktails you can make with Old Tom Gin:
Tom Collins: This classic gin-based cocktail features tart lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water for a refreshing drink that’s perfect for summer. Simply combine 1 ½ ounces of Old Tom Gin, ½ ounce of lemon juice, and ¾ ounce simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into an ice-filled collins glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Gin Sour: This tasty sour combines equal parts Old Tom Gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup for an easy-to-make cocktail that packs in tons of flavor. Start by combining 1 ½ ounces of Old Tom Gin, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into an old fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry if desired.
Gin Rickey: This classic cocktail is as refreshing as it is simple to make – all you need is Old Tom Gin, lime juice, and soda water! Start by combining 2 ounces of Old Tom Gin and 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice in a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Top off the glass with soda water and give it all a quick stir before garnishing with lime wedge or wheel. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Old Tom Gin is a unique type of gin that stands out from the rest. Its sweeter, more mellow taste set it apart from other gins and makes it a favorite among bartenders and drinkers alike. It is made with a unique combination of botanicals that create its signature flavor, as well as its distinctive aroma and color. The use of malted barley, which gives Old Tom Gin its characteristic sweetness, makes it truly one-of-a-kind.
Overall, Old Tom Gin is a great option for those looking for a different type of gin or just looking to try something new. Its mellow flavor is sure to please most palates and make every cocktail an unforgettable experience. So if you’re feeling adventurous, grab yourself a bottle of Old Tom Gin and give it a try!
0 Comments