Old Tom Gin

A barrel aged gin that pays tribute to our forebears. Our Old Tom Gin is crafted in copper pot stills in Everett, Massachusetts before resting in whiskey barrels and slightly sweetened. An aroma of pine and oak leads to soft notes of citrus and vanilla, with a long spicy finish.

History of Old Tom Gin Old Tom Gin plays a significant role in the history of gin. It emerged in 18th. century England during the Gin Craze, when spirits were harsh and alcohol consumption was heavy. To increase profit margins, distillers would cut gin with turpentine and sulphuric acid, creating spirits that were barely drinkable and sometimes even deadly. To make this gin taste better, the English started sweetening it with liquorice or sugar, making it a sweeter, less botanical version of what was being consumed at the time. This new spirit became known as Old Tom Gin.

So what’s in a name? There are many tales, but the name “Old Tom” allegedly comes from a picture of a black cat named “Tom” that hung outside of a bar in London. If you saw a bar with an old tom cat in the window, you could drop a coin into a lot underneath the cat’s paw and get a shot of gin in return. Old Tom dominated the gin scene for decades, but as distillation techniques improved, there became less of a need for sweetening agents, and folks became more interested in drier styles of gin (i.e. London Dry).  Old Tom recently made its comeback and we’re excited to share our version with you.

Where to find it Purchase bottles through our online shop or look for it at one of the many liquor stores we partner with throughout Massachusetts. Orders placed through our online shop can be picked up anytime within regular business hours. Unfortunately we’re unable to ship spirits at this time.

Why the Winter Wren?

As legend has it, this tiny bird once challenged the powerful eagle to a race. The wren was so small he was able to sneak on the eagle’s neck once the race began. The wren jumped off the eagle’s neck right before the finish line, flying past him to win the race. The king of all birds was declared! Barrel aged spirits are the kings of all spirits, which is why the Winter Wren was chosen to represent Old Tom Gin.

Cocktail Recipes
Let’s Drink!

New Be-gin-ings
• 1oz Short Path Distillery Old Tom Gin
• 1oz Short Path Distillery Pommeau
• 1/4oz Short Path Distillery Americano Blanc
• 1/4oz Simple Syrup
• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
Stir all the ingredients over ice, then strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Express a lemon peel over the drink, then set it on the edge of the glass.

Martinez
• 1.5oz Short Path Distillery Old Tom Gin
• 1.5oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1 Teaspoon Maraschino Liqueur
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Stir all the ingredients over ice, then strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with an orange peel expressed over the drink.

Old Tom Fashioned
• 2oz Short Path Distillery Old Tom Gin
• 1/4oz Simple Syrup
• 1 Dash Angostura Bitters
• 1 Dash Orange Bitters
Stir all the ingredients over ice, then strain into a rocks glass filled with one large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel expressed over the drink.

Availability: Year-round
Volume: 200ml & 750ml
ABV: 43%
Proof: 86
Bird: Winter Wren