Edinburgh Gin has planted some exciting roots in their shiny new home at The Arches Edinburgh, where they officially settled in December last year. This state-of-the-art gin distillery isn’t just about making award-winning gin; it’s an experience. From immersive tours to jaw-dropping views of Edinburgh’s iconic skyline, it’s a must-visit for any gin enthusiast—or anyone looking to soak in some Edinburgh charm.
This new space is where all the magic happens, with Edinburgh Gin now proudly producing every drop in their two stunning 2000L stills. Meet Annie and Lina, named in tribute to the trailblazing first female gardeners at the Royal Botanical Gardens back in 1897. These stills are more than just functional—they’re a nod to history, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a key part of bringing Edinburgh Gin’s innovative creations to life. It’s where gin-making, meets storytelling!
Edinburgh Gin has just unveiled their latest creation, and trust me, you’ll want to get your hands on this one. Introducing Old Tom Gin, a brand-new addition that’s steeped in history and brimming with flavour. David Wilkinson, Head Distiller was inspired by a 200-year-old recipe, allowing this gin to strike the perfect harmony between sweet and dry—elevating it to an entirely new level.
For those of you who haven’t came across an Old Tom Gin and are now wondering about its intriguing history, this style of gin dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when it gained popularity for its sweeter profile. Old Tom Gin sits perfectly between the bold, juniper-heavy gins of the past and the smoother, more refined London Dry Gins we enjoy today. Its name comes from wooden plaques shaped like a cat (“Old Tom”) that adorned pub walkways back in the day. Beneath the cat’s paw was a discreet money slot—drop in your coin, and voilà, a shot of gin would magically appear, courtesy of the bartender inside. All thanks to clever ingenuity when government taxes and strict licensing regulations forced gin trading underground! Cheers to history’s resilience.
Edinburgh Gin’s Old Tom is crafted with care by the distillers, under the watchful eye of David of course, and is a contemporary twist on a classic. The result? A gin that pays homage to its historical roots while exuding modern sophistication. Priced at £34, this beauty boasts a nose of vanilla and almonds; a palate of rich nuttiness with a smooth and viscous mouth feel. You’ll most immediately taste the vanilla with the sarsaparilla root (liquorice) providing that bold after-taste. There’s a touch of meadowsweet flowers in there too. And if you’re a fan of trending flavours, you’ll love the addition of tonka bean, which lends a luxurious edge to the mix alongside traditional botanicals.
For those itching to mix things up, Edinburgh Gin suggests their Old Tom Martinez using a sweet vermouth and cherries to create a bittersweet cocktail which you can find HERE —a perfect way to showcase this gin’s versatility.
Head Distiller, David Wilkinson, sums it up beautifully: “We’ve reimagined the Old Tom style by focusing on botanicals that naturally impart sweetness. Sarsaparilla root delivers earthy sweetness, tonka beans add vanilla and almond tones, meadowsweet flowers bring honeyed floral notes, and macadamia nuts round it all out with a silky-smooth finish.” No added sugar needed here, just pure botanical magic.
I sampled this neat, and it’s very sweet and mellow. I also used it for a good ol fashioned straight up Gin and Tonic with a lemon wedge and for me this is how to serve it! Ice cold in the garden!
So why not treat yourself to a bottle and taste history reimagined? Edinburgh Gin’s Old Tom awaits!
Cheers to that.
Adele Conn “TartanSpoon”