Old Tom Gin by Ransom Spirits

Ransom Old Tom Gin is a historically accurate revival of the Old Tom style, a slightly sweeter gin that was popular in the 19th century and the Golden Age of American cocktails, before Prohibition. It’s produced by Ransom Spirits in Sheridan, Oregon, in collaboration with cocktail historian David Wondrich.

Production:

• Base Spirit: It has a unique base, starting with a mash bill of 85% malted barley and 15% unmalted barley, combined with corn. This gives it a subtle maltiness more akin to some genevers or whiskies.
• Botanicals: A separate grain-based distillate (high-proof corn spirits) is infused with a blend of botanicals, including:
  • Juniper
  • Orange Peel
  • Lemon Peel
  • Coriander Seed
  • Angelica Root
  • Cardamom
• Distillation: The malted barley spirit and the botanical-infused spirit are combined and then distilled together in a hand-hammered, direct-fired French alembic pot still. This traditional method is used to preserve maximum aromatics, flavor, and body. Only the “heart of hearts,” the finest portion of the distillate, is selected for bottling.
• Aging: After distillation, the gin is aged for 3 to 6 months in used French oak wine barrels. This short barrel aging imparts a subtle color and additional complexity, making it one of the first domestic barrel-aged gins since Prohibition.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Enticing aromas of juniper berries and a “coastal forest” note, accented by apothecary spices like cardamom and angelica. Some detect zesty citrus, fresh pine, and a hint of honey.
• Palate: Rich and silky texture with malt flavors balanced by vibrant citrus zest and exotic hints of coriander and sometimes a note described as “teak.” It can also present bright juniper and evolve with floral and spicy (cardamom) notes.
• Finish: Warm and rich with a long, elegant character. The malt carries clean, focused botanicals with lingering orange and sometimes a hint of cedarwood.

Awards and Recognition:

Ransom Old Tom Gin has received numerous accolades, including:

• Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013).
• Gold Medal, Best in Category at the San Diego Spirits Festival.
• Best of Category at the 7th Annual American Distilling Institute Judging.
• 95 Points from Tasting Panel.
• 93 Points from Beverage Testing Institute.
• Gold Medal at the American Craft Spirits Association Judging (2015).
• Gold Medal at the Seattle International Spirits Awards (2017).
• Category Winner for Best Old Tom Gin at the World Gin Awards (2019).

Overall Impression:

Ransom Old Tom Gin is highly regarded as a historically accurate and exceptionally well-crafted revival of the Old Tom style. Its unique malted barley base, combined with a thoughtful selection of botanicals and a touch of barrel aging, creates a complex and flavorful gin that is both sophisticated and versatile. It’s excellent on the rocks and shines in classic cocktails dating back to the pre-Prohibition era, such as the Martinez and the Tom Collins, and can even add a unique twist to whiskey cocktails like an Old Fashioned.

The cost varies according to your country of residence.

Once you receive the order at home, you have a period of 14 calendar days to manage the return or report an issue for free through your online account. Read more on our Shipping & Returns page.