
Hayman's Old Tom Gin
Hayman Distillers Ltd · Hayman's Distillery, London
Old Tom gin was the taste of Victorian London — sweeter than London Dry, the bridge between Dutch genever and the bone-dry gins we know today. It vanished for nearly a century until the Hayman family resurrected it.
Nose
Juniper, citrus peel, gentle sweetness, warm spice, subtle floral notes
Palate
Balanced juniper, candied lemon, coriander, gentle sweetness, smooth mouthfeel
Finish
Clean and softly sweet with lingering juniper and citrus
- Botanicals
- Ten botanicals including juniper, coriander, lemon peel, orange peel, angelica, cassia bark, cinnamon, orris root, nutmeg, and liquorice
- Base Spirit
- English wheat spirit
- Distillation
- Traditional copper pot still distillation with post-distillation sweetening
Cocktail Suggestion
Cocktail — The Martinez: 1.5 oz Hayman's Old Tom Gin · 1.5 oz sweet vermouth · 0.25 oz Luxardo maraschino liqueur · 2 dashes Angostura bitters · Lemon twist.
Food Pairing
Lemon tart with meringue — the gin's gentle sweetness and citrus notes complement the dessert's brightness.
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