Ransom Old Tom Gin

Bourbon Enthusiast Explores Gin: Part 10 Part 9: Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Part 11, 1/11/25: Copperworks Cask Finished Gin: Imperial Stout Cask >>>~~~~~~~~~~<<< I haven't tried many gins. It's been a long time since my last one. I'm not very familiar with the terminology or flavor profiles for describing gin. But I'm starting to get it... maybe? Any recommendations??? This is a bourbon aficionado attempting to comprehend gin. Many thanks to the pour from a friend! >>>~~~~~~~~~~<<< Observation: the color is amber. This led me to research why, and it turns out this spirit was aged for 6 months in French oak wine barrels. I'm eager to see the impact of that on a gin! Nose suggests sangria, plum, sugar, grapes. There's a mild alcohol sharpness, but it reminds me more of vodka than gin. This is exceptional. I could smell this indefinitely. Body is heavily influenced by the wine. Notes of stone fruits, brine, vanilla. Cherry. Pineapple, surprisingly? Finish has sugar, cinnamon, more vanilla. Cola! Floral. Very complex. I'm thoroughly enjoying this. I'm unsure if it's fair to call this a gin I love, as the wine finish is so prominent. Floral and briny notes are the only indications to me that it's gin-based, and it genuinely tastes like a skillfully made cocktail. That said, it's incredibly delicious. So, while it might not be fair to purists (used affectionately 🫶), I will state it anyway: this is my favorite gin to date. I will seek this out.

I frequently reach for Ransom Old Tom gin when crafting cocktails that require that style of sweet gin. The barrel-aged version is meant to emulate the old-school style, but I rarely drink it straight. As I was nearing the end of the bottle, I decided to review it. On the nose, I detect barley, a hint of juniper, and citrus (orange peel). The palate still presents citrus and a touch of sweetness, but it's accompanied by spices like coriander and cloves. The finish is quite whiskey-like, with notes of grain/barley and a slight warmth. Overall, it's not a bad spirit neat, and I could see someone who enjoys whiskey finding it acceptable. It's certainly not as sweet as other old tom gins, leaning more towards grain/barley than juniper. I wouldn't go out of my way to choose this over whiskey, but it's decent straight. I might rate it a 3-3.5, but due to its versatility in cocktails, I'm elevating it to a 3.75.

It smells rich and citrusy, reminiscent of Verner's ginger ale. The palate is smooth and creamy, with undertones of ginger ale spice. The flavor profile includes surprising bursts of rich menthol, adding depth and complexity, similar to another unique, rich, slightly sweet beverage I'm struggling to identify. Perhaps cherry and molasses, or maybe cola or Dr. Pepper? The creaminess combined with sweet richness creates an exquisite taste that balances refreshing and indulgent qualities. I could enjoy this all day. It also features intricate notes of chamomile, lemon, orange, and ginger. Its malty character is beautifully executed. This spirit bridges the gap between gin and whiskey, offering an interesting and delightful experience. The finish is also superb. It boasts a multitude of fantastic flavors that harmonize perfectly without any apparent shortcomings. While its pronounced floral notes and persistent juniper might not appeal to everyone, it is an exceptional gin.

Appearance: amber and clear, resembling a young Whiskey. Aroma: undeniably Gin. Juniper and citrus are prominent, yet there's also a subtle sweetness that emerges. First taste: a blend of sweetness, juniper, citrus, and a slight malty quality. Finish: slightly sharp when sipped neat (typical for most Gins), but smooth when diluted or mixed, with a lasting maltiness and floral undertones. It's quite unique yet still distinctly a Gin. It certainly doesn't lack character; the malty sweetness allows it to stand out in any cocktail, and the underlying Gin backbone remains evident even when diluted. Overall, it might take some time to adjust to the bolder flavor profiles and find the perfect cocktail applications, but I don't dislike it.

It's not my preferred Old Tom gin (Hayman's), and I had trouble finding the right cocktail for Ransom, despite numerous attempts. However, I eventually succeeded. It makes a very flavorful and intricate Gimlet with 2 oz of Ransom, 0.75 oz of simple syrup, and 0.75 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice. Delicious! It's an aged Old Tom from Oregon with juniper, citrus, and cardamom. Light and piney. It's a bit expensive, but worth trying.

This gin has a classic gin aroma, juniper-forward with a lingering floral, almost perfumed scent. It doesn't mix like a typical gin; avoid mixing it with tonic. The malted barley flavor dominates, making it best enjoyed neat or in an old fashioned, like a bourbon substitute. It's not ideal for a summer day but might suit a late fall cocktail when gin could feel too light. Worth sampling, but I wouldn't repurchase.