Product description
Langley's Old Tom Gin debuted in the summer of 2016 from Charter Brands after approximately twelve months of development.
Old Tom, hugely popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, has a slightly milder and sweeter profile than the classic London Dry, and is drier than Dutch jenever. There are several theories about the name Old Tom (meaning Cat). Supposedly, in the 18th century, when the British government was fighting excessive gin consumption by imposing huge taxes on producers and distributors and raising licensing prices, wooden images of black cats appeared on the walls of some pubs. Under the cat's paw was a hole, and right next to it was the end of a lead pipe. A coin was dropped through the hole, and a portion of gin poured inside flowed down the pipe. Langley's Old Tom is distilled with eight botanicals, including juniper berries, fennel, coriander, nutmeg, tangerines and lemon peel (the producer does not disclose the other two) at Langley's Distillery in Warey, West Midlands.
Langley's Old Tom has much stronger citrus notes than Langley's No. 8 London Dry, balanced to some extent by juniper, a touch of anise and nutmeg. It tastes great with tonic and lime, and also works well in a Tom Collins cocktail.