First Impressions
Zuidam Dutch Courage Old Tom's Gin adds whole vanilla beans and elderflower to the individually distilled botanical approach, then briefly ages in American oak barrels. The result combines the fourteen-distillation precision of their Dry Gin with Old Tom sweetness and barrel warmth.
Tasting
The nose delivers fresh juniper with coriander and subtle malt, a whisper of orange liqueur, spicy and complex with cardamom softened by vanilla. On the palate, fairly sweet with brown sugar, profound orange and citrus — vanilla-tinged with powdered sugar, pleasing cinnamon, orange peel and cayenne. Velvety smooth. The finish is long and delicately sweet with earthy juniper, vanilla and wood spices.
The Bottom Line
Zuidam Old Tom's earns an 8 for Dutch precision applied to the Old Tom style. The individually distilled botanicals create clarity that most Old Toms lack, and the vanilla and elderflower additions feel natural rather than forced. Excellent in a Martinez or Negroni where the sweetness and oak warmth complement bitter ingredients.
