York Gin have launched a campaign to educate drinkers about the classic and underrated Old Tom gin.
There was a launch event for ‘Old Tom Month’ yesterday (Tuesday) at Spark York, which included guests like the Lady Mayoress and Lord Mayor plus the Sheriff of York and her Consort.
The educational celebration of the 18th century gin was attended by over 100 people, and featured cocktails, gin history and a distilling experience by the York Gin team and mixologists from the Star Inn The City.
Old Tom gin was developed in the 1700s but was eclipsed by London Dry in the 20th century – and now York Gin are helping to lead a revival of the classic gin.
Head of sales at York Gin, Adam Cook said: “When we were at the London Junipalooza gin festival in June, it struck me that even massive gin fans didn’t really know what Old Tom actually is. Apart from its association with cats, there is definitely a knowledge gap.
“As makers of a great Old Tom, it struck me that we could do a great job educating people about this style of gin. Old Tom appeared way before London Dry and can be a fabulous style of gin to enjoy.”
Old Tom gin is associated with the ‘gin craze’ of the early 18th century when the quality of gin was lower than today and strong flavours like liquorice root were used to mask the harsh flavour – though no-one is 100% sure where the Old Tom name came from.
York residents and visitors can try free samples of the gin at the York Gin shop on Pavement and at the Station, and in cocktails throughout the city.
York Gin’s Old Tom is considered to be one of the world’s best – and has won multiple gold medals at the world’s top spirits competitions.
Find out more about York Gin and browse their products at their website here.
More photos from the launch event
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