First Impressions
Solway Spirits operates in Dumfries & Galloway, on Scotland's southwest coast — a region better known for its quiet, rolling countryside than its spirits production. Their Classic Gin pays homage to the Old Tom style, which dominated gin production before the London Dry era and is best known as the gin behind classic cocktails like the Tom Collins and the Gimlet. Old Tom sits between the sweetness of genever and the dryness of London Dry, and Solway's interpretation captures that middle ground with considerable charm.
The Distillery
Solway Spirits produces this gin in small batches in Dumfries & Galloway. The botanical bill is deliberately traditional: juniper, angelica, liquorice, coriander, and lemon — ingredients that would have been recognisable to an 18th-century gin maker. The liquorice provides the gentle sweetness that defines the Old Tom style, and the lemon adds the citrus brightness that keeps the gin fresh and modern despite its historical inspiration.
Tasting
The nose places juniper at its heart — properly defined and present — with citrus on the nose providing brightness. Coriander and lemon aromas weave through, creating a clean, inviting nose that promises the sweetness of the Old Tom style without announcing it loudly.
On the palate, a bright lemon burst opens proceedings — vivid and engaging. Herbal undertones of angelica follow, and sweet liquorice provides the gentle sweetness that characterises the Old Tom category. Fragrant juniper maintains the gin's identity throughout, and a lovely earthy note from the liquorice adds depth. The gin is lip-smackingly sweet, as you would expect from an Old Tom, with a kick of citrus at its core. The balance between sweetness and freshness is well judged.
The finish is long and clean, with citrus coming through quite strongly to leave a crisp, fresh conclusion. A smooth dry juniper edge provides the final note, reminding you that this is gin before it is sweetness. It is an effective and satisfying finish.
How to Drink It
The Old Tom style makes Solway Classic the natural gin for a Tom Collins — the sweetness means you need less sugar syrup, and the lemon botanical harmonises beautifully with the fresh lemon juice. It also makes an excellent Martinez — the classic cocktail that predates the Martini — with sweet vermouth and a dash of maraschino.
In a G&T, the sweetness creates a more accessible, easy-drinking serve than a London Dry. Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Bottom Line
Solway Classic earns a 7 for delivering a creditable Old Tom that balances sweetness with freshness and makes its historical inspiration accessible to modern palates. The citrus-forward character prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying, and the traditional botanical bill is well-executed. At around £34, it sits at a fair price point for a Scottish craft gin, and it serves as an excellent introduction to the Old Tom style for drinkers who find London Dry too austere. From Scotland's quiet southwest corner, a gin that connects the present to gin's sweeter past.
