DRINK : Review of Penny Drop, Cornish Old Tom Gin from Drink Finders
Much like whisky that must be matured in barrels for a minimum of three years, so must gin contain juniper in order for it to be called a gin. No juniper = no gin.
Old Tom is a particular type of gin and was once popular in the 18th Century. Today it experiencing a resurgence and it sits snuggly somewhere between London Dry and the Dutch Genever (other different types of gin) in that it is slightly sweeter than London Dry and slightly drier than the Dutch Jenever.
However all that Old Tom Gin requires to call it Old Tom Gin, is that it needs to have juniper. It can be sweet, any proof percentage and doesn’t require ageing.
REVIEW OF PENNY DROP, CORNISH OLD TOM GIN FROM DRINK FINDERS.
This is my first review of an Old Tom Gin and what a lovely gin to review. Penny Drop Gin is hand crafted in Cornwall and is Drink Finder’s creation. Drink Finder is an online store, one of the largest in the South West of England providing wine and spirits, including over 600 gins!
The reason for the gin being called Penny Drop is ….. You’ll of heard of the phrase ‘when the penny drops’, well this actually refers to the illegal activity that followed once The Gin Act of 1736 was introduced. It is said customers would drop a penny into a slot in the wall beneath a wooden plaque in the shape of a black cat. The distiller would pour a shot of gin through a lead pipe directly into the patron's mouth.... But, only after that penny had dropped. Love that! It reminds me of the wine windows in Tuscany!
I love the label on this bottle - a winking cat and a nod to the Victorian times, with a greenish turquoise set off against the black and gold.
Pop the cork and you get the very distinctive aroma of juniper, although not as heavy as some gins and then comes the honey. Every botanical in this gin plays its part with nothing overwhelming the other. It takes you on a very light, refreshing journey of one taste after the other, complimenting as it goes - juniper then honey, then onto the spice notes of coriander and black pepper, back to some subtle sweetness with a hint of vanilla.
For me this isn’t a gin that’s harsh or packs a powerful punch; it’s delicate and made for easy sipping or to be enjoyed with a cold tonic. Its a drink made for Summer, sitting in the garden enjoying a late sunset.
Penny Drop Old Tim Gin is available directly from Drink Finder HERE and retails for £35.99.
This penny Drop Old Tom Gin was gifted to me by Drink Finder in return for a review. The gin was complimentary but the views are very much my own.