Orkney Rhubarb Old Tom Gin

Orkney Rhubarb Old TomOld TomAn 18th-century English style, lightly sweetened or rounder, halfway between genever and London Dry. It is back in favour for classic cocktails.GlossarySee Old Tom gins Gin is produced by the Orkney Gin Company on the island of Burray in Scotland. It follows the traditional Old Tom style, a historical gin category dating back to the 18th century in which the spirit is lightly sweetened to give a softer finish than a London Dry ginLondon DryA style, not a place of origin: every flavour comes from distilling natural botanicals. After distillation only water and a trace of sugar may be added, with no flavouring or colouring.GlossarySee London Dry gins while remaining drier than liqueur-like styles. The recipe builds on the long standing use of rhubarb in Orcadian cooking, where the ingredient has featured in local recipes passed down through generations.

Citrus · Spicy · Floral · Fruity

The gin is made by combining a classic juniper ledJuniper-forwardA classic profile where juniper clearly dominates, with resinous, piney notes.Glossary botanical base with large quantities of chopped Scottish rhubarb. The botanical line up includes juniper berriesJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary, cinnamon, rose petals and Seville orange peel, which are infusedInfusionFruit or plants are steeped in the spirit to release their flavour. Done after distillation, infusion often adds colour too, and the gin can no longer be called London Dry.Glossary together with the rhubarb to create a full strength gin at 43% ABV that retains a natural fruit character rather than the heavier sweetness of a liqueur. The spirit is lightly sweetened in keeping with the Old Tom tradition, with the aim of rounding the edges of the rhubarb rather than masking its tartness.

On the nose, Orkney Rhubarb Old Tom shows clear rhubarb and rose notes with a gentle juniper heat in the background. Seville orange peel adds a subtle bitter citrus accent that keeps the aromatics lifted.

On the palate, the flavour profile is zesty and fruit driven, with more emphasis on rhubarb zest and freshness than on sugar. Cinnamon contributes a measured spicy warmth and the rose component delivers a floral thread that runs alongside the fruit.

The finish sees the rhubarb character continue, joined by delicately balanced rose and a smooth juniper warmth. The overall impression is of a lightly sweetened, fruity and floral Old Tom that keeps enough structure and spice to work in mixed drinks. The gin can be served with tonic or ginger beer, often with fresh berries or citrus as a garnish, and is well suited to cocktails that benefit from a rhubarb accent without the intensity of a liqueur style. Orkney Rhubarb Old Tom Gin has also attracted attention on the competition circuit, with recognition at events such as the Great British Food Awards and the World Gin Awards.