Capreolus is a name that commands quiet respect among spirits enthusiasts, and their Hart & Dart Barrel Aged Gin is a fascinating expression that sits at the crossroads of two of my favourite styles — Old Tom and barrel-aged. At 47% ABV, this is a gin with serious intent, carrying enough strength to stand up to the influence of wood while letting its botanical character shine through.
Style & Character
Old Tom gins occupy a wonderful middle ground between the juniper-forward punch of a London Dry and the malty sweetness of a Genever, and when you introduce barrel ageing into that equation, you open up an entirely new dimension of flavour. The cask maturation process allows the spirit to mellow and develop complexity — think gentle vanilla, warm spice, and a rounded, almost honeyed sweetness layered over the botanical backbone. It's a technique that demands patience and real craftsmanship from the distiller, and at £65.25 a bottle, you're paying for that time in wood.
What Impressed Me
What I find particularly compelling about Hart & Dart is the balance of ambition. Barrel ageing can easily overwhelm a gin's identity, turning it into something closer to a whisky, but the Old Tom style provides enough inherent sweetness and body to meet the oak influence halfway. The 47% ABV is a smart choice too — robust enough to carry those richer, darker notes without tipping into hot territory. This is a gin that rewards slow, thoughtful sipping. I'm scoring it 7.9 out of 10 — a genuinely interesting spirit that showcases real skill in marrying wood and botanicals.
Best Served
This gin is magnificent in a Martinez — combine 50ml Hart & Dart with 25ml sweet vermouth, a barspoon of maraschino liqueur, and two dashes of Angostura bitters, stirred over ice until properly diluted and chilled. The barrel-aged character plays beautifully with the vermouth's richness. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a twist of orange peel, expressing the oils over the surface. If cocktails aren't your mood, try it neat in a tulip glass with a single large ice cube — let it open up for a minute or two before your first sip.
