10 Best Old Tom Gin Brands April 2015

#1 of 10 Top Old Tom Gin Labels of 2015 - The Dorchester Old Tom Gin is one that has been around since 1840. It has a simple taste, making it a drink that is commonly used in mixing with other beverages. The recipe that is used is similar to what was used in 1840, but there have been some updates to give a modern twist. There isn't an abundance of juniper flavors, and the drink isn't too sweet. There are subtle hints of citrus in the gin.

#2 of 10 Best Old Tom Gin Labels of 2015 - Perhaps the most famous and instantly recognizable English gin is Old Tom’s, which originated in London in the Victorian era. The Hayman Family Distillery, located just 40 miles east of London, is a place where the old English gin tradition is alive and well. Unlike traditional gin distillation, Old Tom Gin is softer and rounder, making it easier on the palate than the most intense contemporary cousins. A complex assortment of botanicals, which include cassia root, licorice and orange and lemon peel, bring an intense and flavorful complexity to the forefront of this quintessentially English gin.

#3 of 10 Best Old Tom Gin Labels of 2015 - Brothers Old Tom Gin goes back to the Victorian era. It is a sweet gin that is made from a barley base. Other grains are used in making the gin, taking away from the juniper aromas and flavors. The company that produces the gin is located in New Mexico. There are hints of citrus when you open the bottle as well as when you taste the gin. You will likely notice an increased burning as the alcohol content is 45%.

#4 of 10 Top Old Tom Gin Labels of 2015 - Xoriguer is a product of Spain with an alcohol content by volume of 38%. It comes in a green bottle with a red topper. This is a dry gin with very few flavor components. There isn't a lot of sugar added to the drink. This is a drink that is used in mixing. Flavors that are used in the gin include mint, lemon grass and a slight hint of pepper. This isn't a gin that has a high alcohol taste, making it very smooth to enjoy.

#5 of 10 Leading Old Tom Gin Labels of 2015 - Jensen Old Tom remains faithful to the original 1840's recipe with this reproduction of that classic. Where it parts ways with the modern gin market of today, however, is that it is left unsweetened. Jensen supports its decision with historical evidence that proves that its unsweetened interpretation of the legendary spirit is the most accurate representation of the Old Toms that were being used as mixers in 19th century society. This is an earthy, rich, deeply complex gin that works well with any cocktail such as a Tom Collins. Where it shines, however, is in a classic gin and tonic.

#6 of 10 Best Old Tom Gin Labels of 2015 - Sound Spirits finds its home in the port city of Seattle, Washington, and holds the distinction of being the first legal distillery in the city since Prohibition. They take great pride in crafting some of the finest spirits around, and their Old Tom Gin is no exception. This Pacific Northwest interpretation of the classic English gin reduces the intensity of the traditional juniper berry, allowing the subtly sweet flavors of cardamom, elder flower and orange peel to take front row seats. This Old Tom sits for a month in oak barrels to provide an exceptionally soft, smooth delivery.

#7 of 10 Best Old Tom Gin Labels of 2015 - Ransom Old Tom Gin is aged for three to six months and has an alcohol content of 44%. This is one of the few older gins still for purchase in the United States. There is a barley malt base used when making the gin. The botanical essences that you smell come from the fresh corn and juniper that are used. This gin has a bronze color. On the palate, you will notice hints of fruits along with subtle spices that give a gentle heat.

#8 of 10 Leading Old Tom Gin Labels of 2015 - Among gin styles, the old tom variety may be the most distinct. It involves placing clear, refined gin into wooden barrels and aging it for six months or more. In the end, the barrels turn the gin brown and infuse flavors from the wood that cannot be tasted in other gin styles. Arcus Golden Cock Old Tom Gin is a gin that can be enjoyed solemnly or with a group of toast-happy revelers. You can sip it neat, on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail. No matter the way you choose to serve this gin, do it responsibly.

#9 of 10 Top Old Tom Gin Labels of 2015 - Downslope Ould Tom is not distilled from grain, but from cane. The spirits that are infused within it are first pot distillations, used specifically for their lack of neutrality. The subsequent introduction of the eleven carefully selected botanicals is done in a small, hybrid still, where instead of being left to marry there, the botanicals and spirit are joined together in the vapors that rise inside the column. The fragrance is one of juniper, spice, and scintillating citrus, all carried on a strong, caramel base. A pleasant viscosity brings the botanicals across the tongue, finishing with juniper and pungent cardamom.

#10 of 10 Top Old Tom Gin Labels of 2015 - Secret Treasures Old Tom Gin is a fine spirit that stays true to the old tom gin style. This reappearing take on gin involves placing a wonderful gin made with rich, botanical ingredients into wooden barrels and aging it for six months before bottling it. The result of such aging is a brown gin that looks like bourbon and tastes like a blend of gin and whiskey. Pick up a Secret Treasures Old Tom Gin, and always drink it responsibly. You can enjoy it as a replacement for regular gin or whiskey in your favorite mixed beverage.