Hints of playful pine immediately greet you on the nose. Muscular lemon oil builds out most of the aroma, with a dash of licorice root for good measure. Hayman’s Old Tom Gin is pleasant and soft to the nose; even gin novices will recognize there’s a big difference here between this gin and say Hayman classic London Dry Gin. The palate is creamy and unctuous. Early on citrus oils and mild sweetness hold court, before the flavor unfolds. Hayman’s Old Tom Gin segues seamlessly into juniper custard with a hint of baking spice, and then into earthy almost chewy licorice root.