A NEW gin is flowing at a Stratford-based distillery thanks to a mischievous cat.
‘Old Tom Gin’ is the latest new product from Shakespeare Distillery and customers visiting their High Street shop can pour a sample from their own bespoke ‘Puss and Mew’ device.
The gin’s name harks back to 18th century England, where it earned its name from the black cat – often referred to as “Old Tom” or “Puss and Mew” – plaques that adorned the outside of gin houses, where patrons could deposit a coin in exchange for an illicit shot of gin.
The “Puss and Mew” was a genius solution for folks who wanted to sip in secrecy and now Shakespeare Distillery, the independent artisan spirit producer, have their own version now proudly on display at their shop.
Shakespeare Distillery’s Old Tom Gin is a very light, citrus forward gin which is naturally sweetened with local honey and is slightly sweeter than London Dry Gin. With its rich history and versatile profile, it offers a sweetly nostalgic taste of the past.
Distillery director Simon Picken said: “We’re thrilled to launch this delicious, traditional gin and a fun new way for customers to try it in our Stratford town centre shop. Come and enjoy a taste of Old Tom Gin and raise a toast to the clever folks of the past who, with the help of a mischievous cat and a little ingenuity, kept the gin flowing and the spirits high.”
For more information visit https://shakespearedistillery.com/product/old-tom-gin/
