Zuidam Dutch Courage Old Toms Gin

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 40% | Colouring: No

Special Features:

This Old Tom gin from Zuidam spends a short period in new American oak. The base spirit is produced in a pot still, then redistilled with ten botanicals. The distillates are subsequently blended, brought to bottling strength and briefly matured in oak casks with a capacity of 200 litres. The gin is bottled at 40%.

The recipe includes juniper, elderflower, angelica root, cardamom and Italian orris root. These are joined by coriander from Morocco, sweet oranges and fresh whole lemons from Spain, Indian liquorice root and whole vanilla pods from Madagascar. On the palate, light sweetness contrasts with earthy juniper and spicy wood notes.

By maturing the gin in wood, Zuidam draws on a historical aspect of the Old Tom style: in the 18th century, glass bottles were expensive and uncommon. The distillery therefore takes inspiration from the likely practice of storing, transporting and serving gin from wooden casks. The gin is particularly suited to classic cocktails such as the Martinez and Negroni.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, juniper and cardamom combine with gentle vanilla notes to create a spicy aroma. Fresh citrus notes and elderflower complete the bouquet.
• Palate: The palate has a light sweetness. Earthy juniper notes meet vanilla and spicy wood tones. Orange, lemon, cardamom and liquorice complement the full, spicy flavour.
• Finish: The finish is smooth and rounded, with subtle wood notes and lingering spice.

Distillery/Bottler:

Zuidam Distillers is an independent family distillery in Baarle-Nassau in the Netherlands. Fred van Zuidam founded it in 1975, starting with a small copper still. His wife Hélène later shaped the design of its labels and packaging, contributing to the company's development.

The family produces its own distillates and extracts, using natural ingredients without artificial colours, fragrances or flavourings. Alongside Dutch Courage Gin, its range includes genever, liqueurs and whisky. For the Old Tom, redistillation with botanicals is followed by a short period of maturation in wood.

Facts: