Jensen's London Distilled Old Tom Gin

A modern revival of a classic from the 1840s.

The story of the Bermondsey Distillery starts in Japan in 2001 when founder Christian Jensen lived there and discovered one of Japan’s legendary hidden bars. The barman poured Jensen a Martini, which was unlike anything he’d ever tried before. The Gin used was something that’s no longer produced, with the label almost worn away. On his return to London, Jensen set about finding the recipe to this now-defunct Gin. After months of thorough research, he enlisted the help of Charles Maxwell at Thames Distillers, and the two began experimenting and trying to recreate the Gin.

After 10-15 trial distillations, they settled upon a recipe that was true to the original, and Jensen’s Gin was born. In 2014, production moved to the Bermondsey Distillery. Production remains small, but the distillery not only houses a John Dore & Co. still but also opens as a bar on weekends.

Jensen’s Old Tom Gin is a modern revival of a classic. The recipe was taken from a distiller's handbook from the 1840s. This is a true Old Tom Gin, similar to those bartenders used to make Martinis in the mid-to-late 1800s. Unsweetened and earthy, it has a deep flavor that adds complexity to many drinks.