13 Peaks Old Tom Gin won gold at the 2026 World Gin Awards. The same competition named it Canada's category winner in 2025. It comes from Tonik Distillery in Crescent Valley, on the highway between Nelson and Castlegar in British Columbia, below the peaks of the Valhalla range that give the brand its name. The label describes it as a premium small-batch gin made with glacier-fed water, bottled at 39% ABV; the bottle holds 750 ml.

Co-owner Rick Nixon explains that the botanicals are steeped like tea rather than placed in a gin basket on the still. The long infusion brings out different sides of the herbs and spices, and the recipe was refined between competitions using the judges' feedback. As an Old Tom, it is softer and slightly sweeter than a London Dry, and its colour ranges from medium amber to gold. The label sums it up in two words: fruity and spicy.

Tonik's tasting notes describe strong tones of citrus and stone fruit on the nose. The palate is medium sweet with low acidity and a full mouthfeel, bringing citrus fruit and a touch of pepper. The finish is smooth and fairly short, with a moderate warmth. A splash of water or a single ice cube makes the stone-fruit side easier to pick out. Its gold colour and gentle sweetness distinguish this bottling from the drier gins in the 13 Peaks range.

The distillery points to the Tom Collins, the classic long drink that was originally made with this style of gin. Fresh lemon juice cuts through the rounded palate, a little syrup is enough because the gin is already gently sweet, and soda water lengthens the drink without hiding the spice. It also suits a Martinez or simply a glass over ice.