Gin Lane 1751 Old Tom Gin: A Virtually Forgotten Victorian Era Gin, Currently Regaining Popularity
Our second sampling in our Aldi, Everyday Amazing, Gin reviews, this Gin Lane 1751 sample is the only Old Tom style in the line-up. Old Tom Gins, are sweeter than their London Dry counterparts, and were extremely popular during the 18th and 19th centuries creating a bridge between the sweeter Dutch Genever and the London Dry Gins which would later emerge as a result of advancements in distillation processes. Although popular for decades, Old Tom had fallen out of favour by the 1940s, and continued to decline in popularity in subsequent years. However, the emergence of the recent Craft Cocktail scene, and the pursuit of sweeter style Gins to create a number of classic cocktails, for which Old Tom is ideally suited, has seen a resurgence in the drink's popularity.
Gin Lane 1751 takes its name from William Hogarth’s famous print 'Gin Lane', depicting the debauchery caused by the drink in 18th century England, and the Gin Act of 1751, which cracked down on the sale and consumption of the spirit, banned the sale of Gin in prisons and workhouses, prohibited distillers from selling Gin directly, and publicans from issuing credit. The drink subsequently became less readily available, and more expensive, and, as result, developed an air of respectability by the Victorian era. The brand was created by Charles Maxwell of Thames Distillers, whose family has been distilling gin in London since the 17th century, along with drinks industry group The Bloomsbury Club. Each of the four variants within the Gin Lane 1751 line-up feature the same eight botanicals: juniper, orris root, Seville oranges, angelica, Sicilian lemon, star anise, cassia bark and coriander. To create the Old Tom, the star anise has been increased, and a touch of natural cane sugar added.
On the Nose
Juniper is much more subdued than it is in a London Dry Gin. It's still clearly there, but it plays alongside the other botanicals, most notably star anise, coriander and complex floral and citrus aromas, rather than leading them in a headlong charge to the nose.
Tasting Notes
Tasted neat, a pleasant, peppery, spiciness balances well with refreshing citrus and slightly sweet liquorice encompassed by a pleasing warmth, leading into an unusual finish in that the sweetness dissipates to create a long, slightly more dry, finish. The Gin is not quite as sweet as some Old Tom Gins currently being produced, yet it's clearly not a London Dry...But then there's that long, slightly dry, finish. It's certainly something a little different, but very well balanced. If you're a fan of London Dry Gins, and haven't yet tried an Old Tom style Gin, this may be a good starting point. It's not totally alienated from the London Dry Gins enjoyed by purists, but the slight sweetness will appeal to those for whom more juniper led Gins are just too dry.
Perfect Serve
Paired with Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water, with an orange slice for garnish, the Gin was extremely pleasant and refreshing. Those wanting to cut back on the sweetness may prefer to garnish with lemon peel, but, for us, the former combination really hit the mark.
Conclusion
This is a Gin that can be enjoyed on its own, or with nothing other than ice. It works well in a G&T, with the citrus garnish being tailored to suit individual tastes, but we can imagine this Old Tom really coming into its own in classic cocktails such as a Tom Collins. At only £19.99, this Gin is certainly Recommended.
Where to Buy
To buy Gin Lane 1751 Old Tom Gin from Aldi.co.uk click here.
To buy Gin Lane 1751 Old Tom Gin from Amazon.co.uk click here.
To Buy Gin Lane 1751 Old Tom Gin from Thedrinkshop.com click here.
To buy Gin Lane 1751 Old Tom Gin from Thewhiskyexchange.com click here.
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