Ransom The Original Old Tom Gin 750ml

Ransom Old Tom Gin represents a historically accurate recreation of the sweeter gin style that bridged the gap between Dutch genever and London Dry gin. Produced in collaboration with cocktail historian David Wondrich, this amber-hued gin uses historical recipes and production methods to create an authentic taste of 19th-century gin, complete with barrel aging and light sweetening.

The production process follows historical methods rarely seen in modern gin-making. The base spirit includes malted barley, giving it a fuller, more whiskey-like character than contemporary gins. After distillation with juniper and other botanicals, the gin is lightly aged in oak barrels, adding color and complexity. A small amount of sugar is added, as was common in the Old Tom style, creating the subtle sweetness that made these gins popular in early cocktails. The result looks and tastes unlike modern gin.

Tasting Ransom Old Tom is like drinking liquid history. The appearance immediately sets it apart - a beautiful golden amber from barrel aging. The nose presents juniper mingled with malty notes from the barley, plus vanilla and spice from the oak. On the palate, the sweetness is subtle, more like an off-dry wine than a liqueur. The botanical character is gentler than modern gins, with juniper playing alongside barrel notes. The texture is remarkably full, almost creamy, while the finish combines gin botanicals with whiskey-like warmth.

For cocktail enthusiasts, Ransom Old Tom opens doors to authentic historical recipes. Classic cocktails like the Martinez, Tom Collins, and Ramos Gin Fizz were designed for Old Tom gin, and using Ransom reveals why these drinks became classics. The barrel aging and subtle sweetness create complexity impossible with modern dry gins. For those interested in cocktail history or seeking to understand gin's evolution, Ransom offers an authentic taste of the past, meticulously researched and beautifully executed.