Sacred is a name that carries real weight in the world of craft gin, and their Old Tom expression is one I find particularly compelling. Old Tom is a category that fascinates me — it sits in that beautifully rich middle ground between the dry juniper punch of a London Dry and the malty sweetness of a Genever, and it's a style that was absolutely central to the golden age of cocktails in the nineteenth century.
A Modern Take on a Historic Style
What strikes me immediately about Sacred Old Tom Gin is the bottling strength. At 48% ABV, this is a gin that means business — considerably punchier than many Old Toms on the market, which tend to sit closer to 40-42%. That extra strength tells me Sacred are confident in the depth of their botanical recipe and want those flavours to hold their own, particularly when mixed. It's a decision rooted in craft, and I respect it enormously.
The Old Tom style traditionally carries a gentle sweetness that softens the spirit and rounds out the botanical character, making it extraordinarily versatile behind the bar. At this strength, I'd expect Sacred's version to deliver that characteristic sweetness with real backbone — enough structure to stand up in stirred drinks without losing its identity.
Best Served
This is a gin that belongs in a Martinez. Equal parts Sacred Old Tom and sweet vermouth, a barspoon of maraschino liqueur, two dashes of orange bitters, stirred long over a single large ice cube until properly diluted, then strained into a chilled coupe with a lemon twist. That 48% ABV will cut through the vermouth beautifully. At £41.75, it's an investment — but a bottle that earns its place on any serious home bar. I'm scoring this 7.9 out of 10: a well-considered Old Tom from a respected producer, bottled at a strength that shows genuine intent.
