Barr Hill Gin & Tom Cat Reserve – Two-Pack

Here is a comprehensive article on Barr Hill Gin & Tom Cat Reserve – Two-Pack, exploring its history, production, tasting, serving, and more. I’ve also included a “People Also Ask” section (frequently searched questions on Google with answers), relevant images, and a conclusion.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Distillery: Caledonia Spirits & Barr Hill Origins
3. What Is Barr Hill Gin?
4. What Is Tom Cat Reserve Gin?
5. The Two-Pack: Why It Matters
6. Production & Ingredients
7. Tasting Notes & Profile
8. Serving, Cocktails & Pairings
9. Awards, Reception & Reviews
10. People Also Ask (Common Questions)
11. Sustainability & Brand Philosophy
12. Pricing & Availability
13. Potential Drawbacks or Criticisms
14. Conclusion

1. Introduction

The Barr Hill Gin & Tom Cat Reserve – Two-Pack is a curated bundle featuring two distinctive expressions from Vermont-based Caledonia Spirits: their flagship Barr Hill Gin and the barrel-aged Tom Cat Reserve Gin. This pairing is deeply rooted in the distillery’s bee-centric philosophy, marrying juniper-forward gin with the sweetness and complexity of Vermont honey — and in the case of Tom Cat, the richness of oak aging. The two-pack makes a thoughtful gift, a way to explore both facets of the Barr Hill spirit family, or simply a versatile addition to one’s home bar.

2. The Distillery: Caledonia Spirits & Barr Hill Origins

To understand the two-pack, one must start with Caledonia Spirits, the craft distillery behind Barr Hill. Based in Montpelier, Vermont, Caledonia Spirits was co-founded by Todd Hardie, a lifelong beekeeper, who leveraged his deep connection to bees and honey into a distillery business. (Wikipedia)

Hardie’s background in beekeeping significantly shaped the identity of Barr Hill. The raw, organic Vermont honey that powers the brand isn’t just a flavor additive — it’s a philosophical foundation. (Wikipedia) Over time, the distillery grew from pure beekeeping into producing gin, vodka, and aged gin, all rooted in sustainable practices and a commitment to the land and pollinators.

The distillery’s address is even on Gin Lane in Montpelier, a symbolic nod to its craft-gin focus. (Wikipedia) Their brand emphasizes not only taste but environmental responsibility and the importance of bees in agriculture.

3. What Is Barr Hill Gin?

Style & Composition

• Type: London-dry style gin (though not typical due to limited botanicals) (Caskers)
• Botanicals: Only two — juniper berries, and raw honey. (Caskers)
• Base spirit: Pure grain neutral spirit. According to the distillery’s materials, they use a clean base to bring out the juniper and honey character. (brescomebarton.com)
• ABV: Around 45% for Barr Hill Gin in the two-pack. (Caskers)

Distillation & Philosophy

Barr Hill Gin is distilled in a relatively small still (the two-pack page mentions a 25-gallon recycled stainless steel still). (Caskers) After the first distillation, the gin is distilled again with honey to build its signature flavor. The honey is not just any processed honey — it’s raw, unheated, preserving aromatics from the flowers the bees visited. (Wikipedia)

Bottle & Presentation

Barr Hill Gin is often presented in a clean, simple bottle that reflects its minimalist botanical approach. In the two-pack, it sits alongside Tom Cat Reserve, making for an elegant pairing. The two-pack page notes that after distillation, Barr Hill Gin is sealed with beeswax — a subtle but meaningful nod to Hardie’s beekeeping roots. (Caskers)

4. What Is Tom Cat Reserve Gin?

Tom Cat Reserve (sometimes called Tom Cat Gin or Tom Cat Barrel-Aged Gin) is Barr Hill’s aged gin expression. Here’s what makes it special:

• It begins as Barr Hill Gin, the same honey-driven base spirit. (SPEAKSPIRITS)
• Then it is matured for 3 to 4 months in new American oak casks. (SPEAKSPIRITS)
• The aging imparts a warm, woody character, along with notes of caramel, vanilla, honey, and juniper. (Caskers)
• ABV is about 43%. (SPEAKSPIRITS)
• According to community tasting notes, aging ranges from 4 to 6 months in some batches. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
• Style-wise, this is often described as a modern take on Old Tom gin, which historically is a slightly sweeter style of gin, bridging the dry gins and the more syrupy genevers. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Name origin: The name “Tom Cat” has historical resonance: in 18th century England, after certain Gin Acts, pubs would hang a black cat sign to discreetly indicate they sold gin on the black market. Patrons would drop coins in a slot under the cat, and gin would be poured. (Ginventory)

5. The Two-Pack: Why It Matters

The Barr Hill Gin & Tom Cat Reserve Two-Pack is more than just two bottles in one box — it’s a curated experience:

1. Contrast and Complement:
   • Barr Hill Gin is bright, floral, honeyed, and classic.
   • Tom Cat Reserve is richer, oaky, and has whiskey-like depth.
     Together, they present two sides of Barr Hill’s spirit philosophy.
2. Gift Appeal:
   • For gin lovers, the pack offers an opportunity to explore barrel-aged gin alongside a traditional (but unusual) honey gin.
   • For those new to Barr Hill, it’s a perfect sampler.
3. Brand Storytelling:
   • Bundling these two communicates the narrative of Caledonia Spirits: beekeeping, sustainability, craft.
   • It echoes the distillery’s commitment to nature (honey) and craft (aging).
4. Versatility:
   • With both bottles, you can make a range of cocktails: bright gin cocktails, whiskey-style sippers, or creative hybrids.

On the Caskers listing, the two-pack is described as celebrating “one farmer’s special connection to the land.” (Caskers)

6. Production & Ingredients

Here’s a more detailed look at how both Barr Hill Gin and Tom Cat Reserve are made, and what goes into them.

Raw Honey

• The honey is a cornerstone. Barr Hill uses raw, organic Vermont honey — often from many floral sources, giving it nuanced aromatics. (Wikipedia)
• Because it’s raw, the honey retains pollen, wax, and floral character, which brings complexity into the spirit.

Juniper

• The only botanical used in the classic Barr Hill Gin is juniper berries. This is deliberately minimal: unlike many gins that use dozens of botanicals, Barr Hill focuses on simplicity. (Caskers)
• The juniper is hand-crushed in-house (or at least handled in a careful way) to preserve its oils and aromas. (brescomebarton.com)

Distillation & Still

• Caledonia uses a 25-gallon recycled stainless steel still for production (according to the two-pack description). (Caskers)
• After the first distillation (making a neutral spirit), they re-distill with honey, which is not trivial: fermenting honey requires skill, because honey has little water and different sugars than grain mash.

Aging (for Tom Cat Reserve)

• The aged version is placed in new American oak barrels for several months (3–4 months is stated on some product pages; other sources suggest 4–6 months). (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
• The barrels are charred, which gives deeper oak interaction. (Caskers)
• During aging, the spirit evolves: wood compounds (vanillin, tannins) infuse, and the raw honey sweetness integrates with oak-derived flavors like vanilla, caramel, and spice. (Caskers)

Filtration & Bottling

• After aging, Tom Cat is bottled at 43% ABV. (SPEAKSPIRITS)
• For its seal, Barr Hill uses beeswax — a poetic detail that reinforces their beekeeping lineage. (Caskers)

7. Tasting Notes & Profile

Barr Hill Gin (in the two-pack)

• Nose: Honeyed florals, gentle juniper, a hint of wax and sweet earthiness.
• Palate: Silky, with juniper upfront but softened by honey. You may perceive ginger or warm floral notes (some sources mention ginger, though the primary botanical is only juniper). (Caskers)
• Finish: Medium length; honey lingers, juniper slowly recedes, leaving a clean, floral sweetness.

Tom Cat Reserve Gin

• Color: Slightly golden or amber due to oak aging.
• Nose: Rich oak, honey, subtle vanilla, juniper, maybe a hint of caramel.
• Palate: A blend of wood-derived flavors (vanilla, toast), honey sweetness, juniper, and a bit of spice. According to Distiller, the gin balances floral/honeyed notes with oak mellowing. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
• Finish: Smooth, warm, with lingering honey and wood spice.

Comparative Experience

• Barr Hill Gin feels lighter, more floral and delicate.
• Tom Cat Reserve is deeper, more contemplative — you can sip it neat, like you might with whiskey, or use it in richer, barrel-inspired cocktails.

Community & Critic Impressions

• On Distiller, Tom Cat Reserve rates about 4.37 out of 5, suggesting a strong positive reception. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
• According to Ginventory, its aging gives “whiskey-like notes of oak, spice” while retaining juniper and honey. (Ginventory)
• A reviewer (Lane Blackmon) noted that the juniper doesn’t dominate; instead, you get a “licorice and caramel” flavor, plus “vanilla.” (brunacathey.blogspot.com)
• On Reddit, a user said:
  

  “Licorice and caramel, followed by orange peel and vanilla … Long, deep, sweet finish. … Dark chocolate, gingerbread, brown sugar.” (Reddit)

• Another Reddit user recommended using Tom Cat in a Negroni, praising its “singularly unique” profile. (Reddit)

These notes indicate that Tom Cat Reserve is not just a gimmick-aged gin, but a genuinely nuanced spirit that appeals to both gin drinkers and whiskey lovers.

8. Serving, Cocktails & Pairings

Serving Suggestions

• Neat: Tom Cat Reserve is great neat — the oak and honey shine without dilution.
• On the Rocks: A large ice cube helps mellow the spirit without diluting too fast.
• Gin Cocktails:
  • Negroni: Swap in Tom Cat for gin to add richness and depth. Several users recommend this. (Reddit)
  • Old Fashioned-style drinks: Because of its barrel age, Tom Cat can serve like a gin-whiskey hybrid. Distiller notes it’s effective in Old Fashioned or Manhattan-like cocktails. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
  • Martinez: Its old-tom style works beautifully in more botanical-forward classics.
  • Bee’s Knees: For Barr Hill Gin (not Tom Cat), the traditional Bee’s Knees (gin, lemon, honey) is especially harmonious given the honey in the spirit.

Pairing with Food

• Cheese: Soft, mild cheeses (goat, brie) complement the honey.
• Charcuterie: The richness of Tom Cat pairs well with cured meats or ham.
• Desserts: Honey-based desserts, nutty pastries, or fruit tarts match Barr Hill’s floral sweetness.
• Savory: Grilled fish or light poultry dishes that have a hint of sweetness (e.g., honey-glazed) can pair well with Barr Hill Gin. Tom Cat, with its oak richness, also complements richer fare or wood-smoked foods.

9. Awards, Reception & Reviews

• Barr Hill Gin won Double Gold at the 2012 New York International Spirits Competition. (Caskers)
• On community platforms like Reddit, many drinkers love Tom Cat’s unique profile; some say it’s “phenomenal” and recommend using it in Negronis. (Reddit)
• In a discussion on r/Gin, a user noted that the aging gives it more depth compared to the regular Barr Hill:
  

  “It’s way more honey than oak … but … the barrel-aged version is exceptional.” (Reddit)

• According to the Hardwick Gazette, Barr Hill Gin was ranked 4th in the USA Today “10Best Craft Gin Distilleries” in 2024, highlighting the distillery’s reputation. (The Hardwick Gazette)

Critically, Tom Cat Reserve is well regarded for how it bridges gin and whiskey-like character without losing its gin identity.

10. People Also Ask (Common Questions)

Here are questions people often search on Google about the Barr Hill Gin & Tom Cat Reserve two-pack, along with their answers:

Q1: What is in the Barr Hill Gin & Tom Cat Reserve two-pack?
A1: The two-pack includes a 750 ml (or similar size) bottle of Barr Hill Gin and a 750 ml (or similar) bottle of Tom Cat Reserve Gin, bundled together for tasting or gifting. (Caskers)

Q2: What is Barr Hill Gin made from?
A2: Barr Hill Gin is made using only juniper berries (as the botanical) and raw, organic Vermont honey, giving it a smooth and floral character. (Caskers)

Q3: What is Tom Cat Reserve Gin?
A3: Tom Cat Reserve Gin is Barr Hill Gin that has been barrel-aged in new American oak casks for 3–4 months (some sources say up to 6), which adds notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and deepens its flavor profile. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Q4: What is the ABV of each spirit in the two-pack?
A4: The Barr Hill Gin in the two-pack is around 45% ABV, while the Tom Cat Reserve is approximately 43% ABV. (Caskers)

Q5: Is Tom Cat Reserve like whiskey?
A5: While it’s technically still gin (because of the juniper and its base spirit), the barrel aging gives Tom Cat Reserve a whiskey-like richness, with woody, vanilla, and caramel notes. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Q6: How should you drink Tom Cat Reserve?
A6: It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. It works well in richer gin classics like Negronis, or even whiskey-style cocktails like an Old Fashioned because of its oak character. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Q7: Why is Barr Hill Honey so important to these gins?
A7: The raw Vermont honey is central: it provides natural sweetness, floral aromatics, and is part of the distillery’s sustainable, bee-centric philosophy. (Wikipedia)

Q8: What style of gin is Barr Hill Tom Cat?
A8: Tom Cat Reserve is often considered a modern take on Old Tom gin, a historically sweeter style of gin, because of its honey and barrel aging. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Q9: Is this two-pack a good gift?
A9: Yes — it’s a great gift for gin lovers, whiskey fans (because of Tom Cat), or anyone interested in craft spirits. The contrast between the two makes it particularly thoughtful.

Q10: Where is this two-pack available?
A10: The two-pack is listed on platforms like Caskers. (Caskers) Availability may depend on your region, local liquor laws, and shipping restrictions.

11. Sustainability & Brand Philosophy

A big part of Barr Hill’s identity is its sustainability ethos, deeply tied to beekeeping:

• Beekeeping foundation: The distillery was founded by a beekeeper, Todd Hardie, and the honey they use comes from his apiaries. (Wikipedia)
• Raw honey use: Because they use raw, unprocessed honey, they preserve aromatic and ecological complexity — even pollen and wax — which translates into richer flavor, but also reflects respect for nature. (Wikipedia)
• Recycled still: The production uses a recycled 25-gallon stainless steel still, reducing environmental footprint. (Caskers)
• Bee conservation: While not strictly detailed in the two-pack listing, the broader Barr Hill / Caledonia Spirits brand often emphasizes pollinator-friendly practices and the critical ecological role of bees.

This philosophy makes the two-pack not just a collection of spirits, but a representation of terroir, ecology, and craft heritage.

12. Pricing & Availability

• On Caskers, the two-pack is listed (though at times marked “Out of Stock”). (Caskers)
• Individual bottle pricing (approximate):
  • Barr Hill Gin (750 ml) is often around US$ ~ 55 on some seller sites (depending on region). (Quality Liquor Store)
  • Tom Cat Reserve (750 ml) is similarly priced (around US$ 54.99 in some listings). (SPEAKSPIRITS)
• Shipping & legal constraints: Spirit shipping is subject to state and country regulation; in some states (or regions) you may not be able to order, or there may be special import/tax concerns.

Because it’s a two-pack, pricing is likely more favorable than buying two separate bottles — but that depends on the seller and local taxes.

13. Potential Drawbacks or Criticisms

While the two-pack is compelling, it’s not without potential downsides or caveats:

1. Limited botanical complexity (for Barr Hill Gin):
   Some gin drinkers who expect gins with many botanicals may find Barr Hill Gin too simple, since it only uses juniper and honey.
2. Short aging period for Tom Cat:
   Aging for 3–4 (or up to 6) months in new oak is relatively brief compared to many whiskies or barrel-aged spirits; some may want deeper oak influence, while others might find this level perfect. It’s a matter of taste.
3. Sweetness vs. dryness:
   Because of the honey, both spirits (especially Tom Cat) will likely lean toward sweetness compared to very dry, botanical-heavy gins. That may not suit those who prefer very dry London-dry gins.
4. Availability & Shipping Restrictions:
   Depending on where you are, the two-pack may be hard to find. Shipping spirits can be legally constrained, and costs may be high.
5. Price sensitivity:
   While not ultra-premium, for some the combined cost of the two-pack may be high if they are only interested in one of the two spirits.

14. Conclusion

The Barr Hill Gin & Tom Cat Reserve Two-Pack is a beautifully conceived set that captures both the purity and innovation of Caledonia Spirits. It weaves together the story of a beekeeper-distiller, honoring Vermont’s rural and ecological roots, and translates that into two expressions that are distinct yet harmonious.

• Barr Hill Gin represents elegance and simplicity: juniper and raw honey, distilled carefully, delivering floral and lightly sweet notes that make it exceptionally approachable and refined.
• Tom Cat Reserve is the distillery’s ode to aging: the same base spirit given depth and warmth through oak; it’s where honey meets wood, and gin flirts with whiskey.

For gifting, for discovery, or for classic-cocktail experimentation, this two-pack is a standout. It offers something for both the gin purist and the barrel-age enthusiast; it’s a testament to craft distilling in Vermont and the thoughtful integration of nature (bees, honey) into fine spirits.

If you like, I can pull together professional tasting notes from multiple sources (award judges, critics) for this two-pack, or compare it to other barrel-aged gins — do you want me to do that?