Review

Hayman's Old Tom Gin

Christopher Hayman of Hayman Distillers Ltd. (and Thames Distillery), London, England, UK - although the production and storage is in Witham, Essex. Distributed in the USA by Haus Alpenz, Manhasset, New York.

Hayman Distillers, Hayman’s Old Tom and Haus Alpenz.

Haymans have been distilling Gin in London for 150 years and started with James Burroughs (of Beefeater Gin fame) as James Burroughs Ltd. The company was sold in 1987 to Whitbread, although part of the business was retained and renamed Hayman’s. Today Christopher Hayman is supported by his son (James) and daughter (Miranda), the great-great-grandchildren of James Burroughs. This is the longest serving family owned gin distiller in England today.

Old Tom Gin having all but died out by the 1970’s, was relatively unknown in the modern market place, until Hayman’s launched their version of this Gin back in 2007. Since then there has been something of a revival, as other producers have added their own Old Tom Gins to their product portfolio’s, and people seek a traditional style Gin for their Martinez, Tom Collins and Ramos Gin Fizz cocktails (to name but a few).

Made from an old 1870’s family recipe from their archives.

Old Tom Gin.

40% (80 Proof).

$$ - $$$. Try Merwin Liquors, Drink Up NY or K&L Wine Merchants.

Unknown.

Named after founder, Christopher Hayman and the category of Gin – Old Tom.

On the nose are sweet and fruity notes. On the palate is a light sweetness with juniper and citrus (lemon) tastes, followed by a spicy coriander and piney juniper finish. I have heard many people comment saying this is like a slightly sweet version of a Plymouth Gin!

This is a nice sipping Gin with very little tingling on the lips or tongue. It almost seems a shame to mix it but…this is a traditional drink to make old fashioned cocktails (the way they would have been made) and it does not disappoint. The sweetness is pleasant and not overpowering as you might expect, with about 2 to 3 % sugar added – think somewhere between a London Dry Gin and a light liqueur or sweet wine. Christopher Hayman does it again, a good standard classic Old Tom for classic Old Tom drinks – our thanks to him and his team for taking the risk in launching their Old Tom and thus revitalizing this Gin category.

94 Points, Wine Enthusiast.

Silver Medal, International Spirits Challenge, 2013.

Bronze Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2013.

Gold Medal, International Spirits Review, 2008.