Old Tom gin

Old Tom Gin is a type of gin, a distilled alcoholic beverage. It is considered a sweeter style of gin, often compared to the more commonly known London Dry Gin. The name "Old Tom Gin" purportedly comes from wooden plaques shaped like a black cat (an "Old Tom") mounted on the outside wall of some pubs above a public walkway in 18th century England.

History

Old Tom Gin has a rich history dating back to the 18th century in England. It was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, but fell out of favor in the 20th century. The resurgence of cocktail culture in the 21st century has led to a renewed interest in Old Tom Gin.

Production

Old Tom Gin is made through the distillation of grain mash, similar to other types of gin. The unique sweetness of Old Tom Gin comes from the addition of a sweetening agent, such as sugar or honey, after distillation. This is a key difference between Old Tom Gin and London Dry Gin, which is not sweetened after distillation.

Usage

Old Tom Gin is often used in cocktails, such as the Tom Collins and the Martinez, which were originally made with Old Tom Gin. It can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Brands

Several brands produce Old Tom Gin today, including Hayman's, Ransom, and Tanqueray, among others. Each brand has its own unique recipe and method of production, leading to variations in flavor and sweetness.

See Also

• Gin
• London Dry Gin
• Tom Collins
• Martinez