Hayman’s Old Tom Gin is a faithful reproduction of a gin style that was extremely popular in Victorian England, now considered a fundamental piece for any historical mixology enthusiast. Compared to London Dry, Old Tom stands out for its softer, richer, and slightly sweeter profile, a characteristic that made it the preferred choice in 19th-century cocktails before the advent of modern gins.
Hayman’s of London - Old Tom Gin
Hayman’s Old Tom is produced following the original family recipe meticulously preserved in their archives since 1860. This gin style acts as a "missing link" between ancient Dutch Jenever and modern London Dry. Its peculiarity lies in a higher concentration of botanicals and a touch of natural sweetness that enhances the spirit's body without overpowering its complexity. Distilled in small batches, Hayman’s Old Tom is renowned for its versatility and its ability to lend a velvety roundness to drinks, making them less harsh and more aromatic.
Sensory Profile
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Color: Crystalline, with a slightly denser consistency in the glass.
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Nose: The bouquet is intense and inviting. Juniper is accompanied by marked notes of ginger, sweet spices, and a floral hint. Aromas of candied citrus peel and a delicate almond note stand out.
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Taste: On the palate, it is full and silky. The slight initial sweetness quickly evolves into a harmonious mix of fresh citrus, coriander, and juniper. The finish is persistent, soft, and characterized by a very pleasant spicy warmth.
Production Process As with the entire Hayman's range, the botanicals are steeped for 24 hours before distillation in copper pot stills. The balance of ingredients is designed to obtain a more intense distillate, where the sugary base is precisely dosed to respect the historical canons of the Old Tom style.
Serving Suggestions (Mixology) It is the indispensable ingredient for cocktails from the golden age:
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Tom Collins: Enhances the citric and sugary part of the drink, making it extraordinarily fresh.
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Martinez: (The precursor to the Martini) Finds the perfect partner in Old Tom for Red Vermouth and Maraschino.
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Gin & Tonic: For those who desire a softer, less bitter version of the classic G&T, garnished with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Technical Data
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Producer: Hayman’s Distillers
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Style: Old Tom Gin (Historic English Style)
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Origin: London, United Kingdom
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Main Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander, Lemon and Orange Peel, Licorice, Angelica.
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ABV: 41.4% Vol.
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Format: 70 cl