Hernö Old Tom Gin
Hernö · Hernö Gin Distillery
Hernö's Old Tom bridges the gap between dry and sweet with the precision of a watchmaker. Jon Hillgren's commitment to organic botanicals and small-batch copper-pot distillation results in a gin that feels both historical and thoroughly modern. Outstanding in a Martinez or simply on its own.
Nose
Juniper leads with a resinous, woody character rather than pine brightness. Meadowsweet brings a gentle honeyed floral layer, while cassia bark and a hint of vanilla create a warm spice backbone. Lemon citrus emerges slowly, adding lift.
Palate
Lush and slightly sweet in the classic Old Tom style, but never cloying. The juniper remains the anchor while coriander seed and lingonberry add a Northern European fingerprint. A peppery bite at mid-palate keeps the sweetness honest.
Finish
Long for a gin, with juniper and meadowsweet lingering through a gentle spice fade. The vanilla note persists as a final whisper.
- Style
- Old Tom Gin
- Botanicals
- Juniper, coriander, cassia bark, meadowsweet, lingonberry, lemon peel, vanilla, black pepper
- Base Spirit
- Organic wheat spirit
- Distillation
- Pot distilled in a 250-liter copper still with organic botanicals
Cocktail Suggestion
Swedish Martinez — 1.5 oz Hernö Old Tom Gin · 1.5 oz sweet vermouth · 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur · 2 dashes orange bitters · Stir with ice, strain into a chilled coupe, garnish with a lemon twist.
Food Pairing
Gravlax with mustard-dill sauce on rye crispbread
In 2012, former advertising executive Jon Hillgren opened Sweden's first dedicated gin distillery in the coastal town of Härnösand, just south of the Arctic Circle, sourcing organic botanicals and distilling in a custom 250-liter copper pot still named Kierstin.
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