Tom Cat Gin is Caledonia Spirits' exploration into bolder expressions for American gin. Once distilled, they barrel age their gin in new American oak producing a rich color, deep flavor and an enticing oaked juniper aroma. A touch of raw honey is added for complexity. Tom Cat is a memorable delight for gin, whiskey and rum lovers alike.
Where did they get such an idea? Old Tom gin (or Tom gin or Old Tom) is a gin recipe popular in 18th-century England. According to Wikipedia, "The name Old Tom gin purportedly came from wooden plaques shaped like a black cat (an "Old Tom") mounted on the outside wall of some pubs above a public walkway in 18th-century England. Owing to the Gin Craze, the British government tried to stem the flow of gin with prohibitive taxes and licensing, which drove the scene underground. Under the cat's paw sign was a slot to put money into, and a lead tube. From the tube would come a shot of gin, poured by the bartender inside the pub. Old Tom gin was formerly made under licence by a variety of distillers around the world; however, one was recently relaunched by Hayman's Distillery based on an original recipe."
Old Tom gin is specified for Jerry Thomas' cocktail called the Martinez in his 1887 Bartender's Guide, How to Mix All Kinds of Plain and Fancy Drinks.It was also used in the Tom Collins cocktail was the 1882 book, Harry Johnson's New and Improved Bartender's Manual.
Caledonia has been making Tom Cat for more than a dozen years. I have long been a fan of their gin program.
Outstanding! You gottta try this. In a snifter straight. Or, in a Martinez, as a variation of a Manhattan or Boulevardier. An absolute winner!