There's something deeply satisfying about a well-made Old Tom gin. It's a style that predates the London Dry we all know so well, rooted in the sweeter, maltier gin traditions of 18th-century England — and yet, in the hands of a skilled modern distiller, it becomes something entirely contemporary. Hernö Old Tom Gin is a brilliant example of that duality: a spirit that honours history while showcasing the extraordinary precision of Scandinavian craft distilling.
A Botanical Blueprint Worth Studying
Hernö Gin Distillery sits in the village of Dala in northern Sweden, a location that might seem unlikely for world-class gin production, but has become one of the most respected addresses in the spirits world. Their Old Tom expression brings together a botanical bill that reads like a masterclass in balance. You've got your classical gin foundations — juniper, coriander seed, and angelica root providing that essential backbone — but it's the supporting cast that makes this bottle sing. Cassia bark and black pepper introduce a gentle warmth, while lemon peel lifts everything with bright citrus energy. Then comes the distinctly Nordic character: meadowsweet and lingonberry, two botanicals that root this gin firmly in its Swedish terroir.
What fascinates me about the Old Tom style is how it bridges the gap between gin and the wider spirits world. The addition of vanilla here isn't about making something cloyingly sweet — it's about texture and depth, giving the spirit a rounded, almost silky quality that you simply don't find in a bone-dry London Dry. At 43% ABV, there's enough structure to carry those botanicals with conviction. This isn't a timid gin; it has presence.
Why Technique Matters
The Old Tom category demands a particular kind of skill from the distiller. Push the sweetness too far and you lose the juniper; hold it back too much and you might as well be making a London Dry. Hernö have clearly found that sweet spot — quite literally. The meadowsweet acts as a natural sweetening agent, which I find far more elegant than simply adding sugar post-distillation. It's a choice that speaks to real craftsmanship and an understanding of how botanicals interact during the distilling process.
Best Served
This is a gin that was practically born to make a Tom Collins. Build it long over good ice — two parts Hernö Old Tom, one part fresh lemon juice, a scant bar spoon of simple syrup, topped with chilled soda water. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh thyme to echo that herbal, meadowsweet character. The vanilla and lingonberry notes also make it a superb candidate for a Martinez cocktail, where it can stand up to sweet vermouth and maraschino without losing its identity. I'd also encourage you to try it in a simple Gin & Tonic with a premium Indian tonic and a few cracked black peppercorns — it's a revelation.
At around £42, Hernö Old Tom sits in premium territory, but the quality of the distillate justifies the price entirely. This is an 8.5 out of 10 gin — beautifully crafted, endlessly mixable, and a genuine education in what the Old Tom style can achieve when handled with this level of care. If you're looking to expand your gin horizons beyond London Dry, start here.
