If you know anything about Ableforth's, you know they do things differently. Their original Bathtub Gin earned a cult following for its compound-style production — a method that harks back to the very earliest days of gin-making, where botanicals are cold-compounded rather than redistilled. It's a technique that produces something wonderfully textured and characterful, and with this Old Tom expression, they've taken that philosophy somewhere genuinely interesting.
Old Tom with an Ableforth's Twist
Old Tom gin occupies a fascinating middle ground in the gin spectrum — sweeter than a London Dry, drier than a Dutch genever. It's the historical bridge between those two worlds, and it was the style that originally made gin beloved in Victorian-era cocktail culture. Ableforth's Bathtub Old Tom Gin sits at 42.4%, which gives it enough backbone to stand up in mixed drinks while letting that signature Old Tom sweetness come through with real purpose.
What I find compelling about this bottling is how it marries Ableforth's unconventional compound approach with a style that already rewards richness and body. The result is a gin that feels layered and generous — exactly what you want from an Old Tom. At around £31.50, it sits in sensible territory for a well-made craft gin, though I'd love more transparency on the botanical bill. That slight mystery costs it a fraction in my book, landing at a 7.7 out of 10 — a genuinely enjoyable spirit that earns its place on any back bar.
Best Served
This was born for a Tom Collins. Build it long with fresh lemon juice, a restrained hand on the sugar syrup — the gin's inherent sweetness does much of the heavy lifting — and good soda water over large-format ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of thyme. It also makes a beautifully rounded Martinez if you're in the mood for something stirred and spirit-forward.
