Review: Freeland Spirits Old Tom Gin

Old Tom gin was popular in the eighteenth century and appears to be making something of a comeback today. That stated, there is no clear definition of what Old Tom gin actually is. It typically describes a gin that has added sugar or sweeteners and can spend time aging in wood. For their version, Freeland Spirits took the distillery’s high-proof Dry Gin and rested it for 6 months in barrels that previously held Uncle Nearest Tennessee whiskey. The result is basically a barrel-aged gin — but it’s good gin aged in barrels that previously held good whiskey, so let’s pour a glass and see how they play together.

The nose showcases the assertive, integrated botanicals that appear in Freeland Spirits Dry Gin, including juniper, lemon rind, and grapefruit, but the strong note of alcohol that previously came with them is virtually absent here. There’s a touch of vanilla circling the botanicals, but it’s a subtle aroma. Taking a sip, I found the alcohol was more noticeable, but it has been tamed by aging.

The flavors, however, are not tamed at all. Distinct, lightly sweet notes of pine, black pepper, candied lemon peel, grapefruit, mint, and vanilla assert themselves boldly and roll together playfully over the palate. I tried it in a G&T, and while it was quite good, I’m not sure it was better than one made with the Dry Gin. This gin stands out and is at its best poured neat on a cold night or sipped with an ice cube or two. Is it an Old Tom Gin, a barrel-aged gin, or maybe both? I’m not sure, but it is delicious.

114 proof.

A / $50 / freelandspirits.com

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