Old Tom gins hold a special place in my heart. They represent a fascinating chapter in gin history — the slightly sweeter, more rounded style that bridged the gap between the rough jenever spirits of the 18th century and the crisp, dry London style we know today. Boatyard Old Tom Gin is a lovely expression of this tradition, bottled at a very approachable 41% ABV.
A Style Built for Cocktails
What draws me to Boatyard's interpretation is the Old Tom category itself. These gins carry a subtle sweetness that isn't cloying — think of it as the botanical equivalent of rounding off the edges. Where a London Dry might assert itself with sharp juniper and citrus, an Old Tom like this one invites you in more gently. The Boatyard name suggests waterside heritage and craftsmanship, and at £42.25 it sits in that mid-premium bracket where you'd expect genuine care in the production.
Why Old Tom Matters
If you're curious about gin history, Old Tom is essential drinking. It's the gin that made the Tom Collins famous, and it's the style that originally defined the Martinez — the grandfather of the modern Martini. Without Old Tom, half the classic cocktail canon simply wouldn't exist. Boatyard's expression at 41% is pitched perfectly for mixed drinks: enough body to stand up in a cocktail without overpowering delicate modifiers like sweet vermouth or maraschino liqueur.
I'd rate Boatyard Old Tom Gin at 7.8 out of 10. It's a solid, well-positioned Old Tom that respects the category and delivers exactly what you'd want from this style of gin.
Best Served
Mix a proper Tom Collins: 50ml Boatyard Old Tom, 25ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml sugar syrup, topped with chilled soda water. Serve long over plenty of ice in a highball glass, garnished with a lemon wheel and a cherry. The Old Tom's inherent sweetness means you can back off the sugar syrup slightly — try 10ml first and adjust to taste. For something more spirit-forward, a Martinez with 60ml Boatyard Old Tom, 30ml sweet vermouth, a barspoon of maraschino, and two dashes of Angostura bitters is an absolute showstopper.
