OLD TOM AND SWEETENED GINS
The Softer Side of Juniper, Revived with Charm
Old Tom gin bridges the gap between the robust dryness of London Dry and the malty richness of genever. Once the most popular gin style in 18th- and 19th-century England, Old Tom faded into obscurity with the rise of drier styles—but it’s made a triumphant return in the cocktail renaissance. Slightly sweeter and rounder than London Dry, it adds depth, softness, and a subtle kiss of sugar to classic gin drinks. Today’s interpretations range from historical recreations to modern riffs, with sweetened gins appearing under a variety of names but always offering richness, approachability, and old-school appeal.
Key Characteristics
Old Tom is lightly sweetened, with more body and often a slightly lower juniper profile than London Dry. It may be barrel-aged, citrus-driven, or botanical-forward depending on the brand. Sweetened gins can also include fruit or floral infusions, but remain spirituous and mixable—distinct from liqueurs.
Style
Slightly sweetened gin, often vintage-inspired; includes:
Old Tom Gin
Other Sweetened Gins
(e.g. barrel-aged, botanical, or infused)
Body
Medium to full
Texture
Soft, round, slightly oily or honeyed
Primary Botanicals
Juniper, plus bolder additions like licorice root, lemon peel, cinnamon, angelica, cardamom, and sometimes sugar or botanically infused syrups
Typical Flavors
Juniper, candied citrus, licorice, baking spice, honey, dried herbs, rooty earthiness
Origin & History
Old Tom emerged in 18th-century England when early gins were rough, unrefined, and often masked with sugar. It gained popularity in gin palaces and punch houses, and became the standard for pre-Prohibition cocktails like the Tom Collins and Martinez. As distillation improved, dryer styles like London Dry overtook it. But with the modern revival of classic cocktails, Old Tom has returned—often reimagined by craft distillers and bartenders.
How It’s Made
Old Tom gins are typically made by distilling a botanical blend similar to London Dry, then adding sugar, syrup, or botanical extract after distillation. Some are aged briefly in oak to add richness. Modern versions may play with texture, spice, or sweetness, offering everything from historically accurate to creatively interpreted profiles.
Notable Styles
Old Tom and sweetened gins vary from subtle to bold depending on the approach.
Classic Old Tom
Slightly sweet, with licorice and citrus (e.g., Hayman’s)
Botanical-Rich Old Tom
Fuller, more herbaceous, often higher-proof
Barrel-Aged Old Tom
Hints of vanilla, oak, spice; crossover appeal to whiskey fans
Modern Sweetened Gins
Often fruit- or floral-infused, lighter in juniper
Cocktail Pairings
Old Tom is essential for historical gin cocktails and adds smoothness to modern creations. Ideal when you want gin’s structure without sharpness.
Classic Cocktails
Tom Collins, Martinez, Ramos Gin Fizz, Gin Crusta, Improved Gin Cocktail
Modern Mixes
Lavender Lemon Fizz, Barrel-Aged Negroni, Apricot Old Tom Sour, Spiced Honey Gimlet
Food Pairings
Old Tom pairs with sweeter or spiced fare—especially dishes with fruit, glaze, or aromatic herbs.
With Savory
Duck confit, glazed pork belly, citrus chicken, roasted root vegetables
With Cheese
Aged gouda, brie with honey, blue cheese with quince, mild washed-rind cheeses
With Dessert
Lemon tart, orange-blossom panna cotta, spiced shortbread, honey cake
How to Serve It
Glassware
Martini, coupe, or highball depending on the cocktail; also works beautifully in vintage punch service
Temperature
Chilled or shaken in cocktails; not typically served neat, but sippable when barrel-aged
Storage
Store upright in a cool, dark place. Sugar content makes it slightly more sensitive to heat than London Dry—consume within 1–2 years of opening
Fun Fact
Old Tom gets its name from a rumored 18th-century London gin shop trick: patrons would slip a coin into a cat-shaped plaque (a “Tom Cat”) on the wall, and a shot of gin would be poured through a hidden tube into their mouth.
Try This If You Like
Classic cocktails with depth
Lightly aged spirits
Vermouth-forward recipes
Genever or sweeter bourbon cocktails
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of modern gin, where regional ingredients and innovative techniques create uniquely expressive spirits.
Caledonia Spirits – Barr Hill Gin
A Vermont-based distillery blending classic gin botanicals with raw honey, resulting in a smooth, aromatic gin that bridges tradition and local flavor.
Recommended Pours
Caledonia Spirits & Winery - Barr Hill Gin — A distinctive American gin infused with raw honey, offering a smooth, floral sweetness that balances bright juniper and botanicals.