Often talked about as the missing link between
Dutch Genever and modern London Dry Gin, Old Tom is a sweetened style
of Gin that was popular in the 19th century, it is also a style that
almost disappeared entirely until its recent comeback.
History
I thought I would start with the history first because
this time because as you will see the modern day versions are likely somewhat
different from their predecessors.
Old Tom Gin became popular in the early 19th
century there is evidence that in its early days it was around 20% and more of
a liquer. By the end of the 19th century it was closer to the 40%
strength we know today.
There are a few different possible stories as to
where the name Old Tom came from and no real evidence linking any of them to
the name. The most common and interesting is that of Captain Dudley Bradstreet
in the 1730s. So this is before the name Old Tom was popularised. The legend goes
that to get around the clampdown on Gin sales at the time the enterprising
captain nailed a black cat sign to the side of its house with a led pipe
concealed in one of its paws. Customers would simply push a coin in the cats
mouth and the captain would pour Gin down the pipe into the customers
cup/mouth.
