Sound waves play a part in Rogue Tom, the Old Tom gin of Tonalicious Spirit Co, which works just off Sturt Street in the centre of Adelaide. The distillery, founded by the DJ Kerrie Campbell, known as L'il Miss K, and the engineer Frank Buechele, uses an acoustic sonicator to break down its botanicals before distillation, a process it calls sonic dissipation. Each bottle carries a Spotify code linking to a soundtrack chosen for the gin; Rogue Tom is paired with acid jazz and early hip-hop.

Citrus · Dry · Spicy

Rogue Tom, bottled at 41% ABV, was named Australia's Country Winner in the Old Tom category of the 2025 World Gin Awards. The judges described a bright herbaceous aroma reminiscent of Benedictine and a golden hue, followed by rich juniper, orange peel and a delightful honey sweetness, with intriguing notes of turmeric and saffron. The distillery itself calls it a richer, maltier style of gin, and its sister gin Lucky 13 was named the world's best compound gin at the same awards. Benedictine, the French herbal liqueur, is a fitting reference for its spiced, honeyed nose.

Old Tom is the slightly sweeter style of gin that was popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, before London Dry took over. Here the sweetness feels honeyed rather than sugary, and the turmeric and saffron notes, matched by the golden hue, add an earthy warmth. Orange peel lifts the palate, and juniper remains clearly present beneath the spice.

Its rounded style makes it a natural choice for classic cocktails such as a Martinez or a Tom Collins. For a simple long drink, top it with Indian tonic over large ice and add a twist of orange. Served neat over a single large cube, it shows its herbal, Benedictine-like side best.