The difference between gin and Old Tom gin lies in their flavor profiles and historical origins. Let's explore these aspects in detail.
1. Flavor Profile:
– Gin: Gin is a spirit that is primarily flavored with juniper berries and various botanicals such as coriander, angelica root, citrus peels, and spices. It has a distinct and robust flavor profile, often characterized by a piney and herbal taste. The botanicals used can vary, leading to different styles of gin, including London Dry, Plymouth, and New Western styles.
– Old Tom Gin: Old Tom gin is a sweeter style of gin that originated in the 18th century. It is known for its milder and less botanical-forward taste compared to other styles of gin. Old Tom gin is typically lightly sweetened with sugar or other sweetening agents, giving it a smoother and more approachable flavor. It is often described as having a slightly malty or grainy undertone, but it is lighter and less pronounced than the flavor profile of Genever.
2. Historical Origins:
– Gin: The history of gin dates back to the 17th century when it was first created in the Netherlands as Genever, a malted spirit flavored with juniper berries. Over time, the production techniques and flavor profiles evolved, and gin became popular in England during the 18th century. The London Dry style of gin emerged as a result, known for its dryness and botanical intensity.
– Old Tom Gin: Old Tom gin is considered a bridge between the older Genever style and the later London Dry style. During the 18th century, gin production faced several challenges due to gin regulations and taxes in England. To circumvent these restrictions, distillers created a sweeter style of gin called Old Tom. It was named after the wooden plaques shaped like a black cat (Old Tom) that were used as a dispenser for the gin in some drinking establishments.
3. Sweetness and Botanical Intensity:
– Gin: London Dry gin, the most popular style today, is known for its dryness and strong botanical character. It typically has a higher concentration of botanical flavors, with juniper being the dominant note. The flavors can range from herbal and floral to citrusy and spicy, depending on the specific botanical blend used.
– Old Tom Gin: Old Tom gin, on the other hand, has a sweeter taste due to the addition of sugar or other sweetening agents. The sweetness helps to balance the flavors and make it more approachable for those who may find the intense botanical notes of London Dry gin overpowering. The sweetness in Old Tom gin is subtle, not cloying, and allows other botanical flavors to shine through.
4. Cocktails:
– Gin: London Dry gin is commonly used in classic gin-based cocktails such as the Martini, Negroni, and Gin and Tonic. Its bold and dry flavor profile adds complexity and depth to these drinks.
– Old Tom Gin: Old Tom gin has a historical significance in cocktail culture, as it was the preferred style of gin during the 19th-century cocktail renaissance. It is a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Tom Collins and Martinez. The sweeter profile of Old Tom gin harmonizes well with other cocktail ingredients, making it a versatile choice for mixologists.
The main differences between gin and Old Tom gin lie in their flavor profiles and historical origins. While gin is known for its robust and botanical-forward taste, Old Tom gin offers a lighter and sweeter alternative. Both styles have their place in the world of cocktails, with gin being favored for its dryness and intensity, and Old Tom gin appreciated for its balanced sweetness and historical significance.