Barr Hill Vodka

 

Here is a detailed and comprehensive article on Barr Hill Tom Cat Reserve Gin — covering its origin, production, tasting profile, serving suggestions, common questions (“People Also Ask”), and a concluding analysis. I also include some community insight and background on the distillery. (Note: I don’t have the capability to embed direct images, but I’ll describe what typical branding and bottle visuals look like.)

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Distillery: Caledonia Spirits & Beekeeper Roots
3. What Is Barr Hill Tom Cat Reserve Gin?
4. Historical & Style Context: Old Tom Gin
5. Production & Ingredients
6. Aging Process
7. Tasting Profile
   • Appearance
   • Nose
   • Palate
   • Finish
8. Serving & Cocktail Suggestions
9. Food Pairings
10. Sustainable Philosophy & Brand Values
11. Reception, Awards & Reviews
12. People Also Ask — Common Questions & Answers
13. Potential Drawbacks or Criticisms
14. Pricing & Availability
15. Conclusion

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1. Introduction

Barr Hill Tom Cat Reserve Gin (often just called Tom Cat Gin) is a barrel-aged gin from Caledonia Spirits, distilled in Vermont, USA. Unlike many gins, it begins life as their signature Barr Hill Gin — made from juniper and raw Vermont honey — and then receives further depth and complexity through several months of aging in new American oak barrels. The result is a spirit that bridges gin and whiskey: botanical and honeyed, yet warm, woody, and richly layered.

This article dives deep into everything you might want to know about Tom Cat Reserve: where it comes from, how it’s made, what it tastes like, how to enjoy it, plus answers to common questions people ask on Google, and a balanced conclusion.

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2. The Distillery: Caledonia Spirits & Beekeeper Roots

To fully appreciate Tom Cat Gin, it’s essential to understand the people and philosophy behind it.

• Caledonia Spirits is a craft distillery based in Montpelier, Vermont. (Wikipedia)
• Its founder, Todd Hardie, is a beekeeper by heart. He spent decades caring for bees before founding the distillery. (Wikipedia)
• The brand’s flagship is Barr Hill Gin, which is distilled using juniper and raw, local Vermont honey. (Caledonia Spirits)
• Their production is grounded in a landcrafted philosophy — meaning their spirits are deeply tied to the land, to small-scale agriculture, and to sustainable beekeeping. (Caledonia Spirits)
• Caledonia Spirits also runs initiatives to support pollinators: for example, their “Bee’s Knees Week” helps fund the planting of native bee habitats. (d7a3216312da6f8c5faa-a6c4a22c6d23d8694e5e3f94c3d57dde.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com)

This foundation is not just marketing — the use of raw honey in their spirit is deeply connected to their identity as beekeepers, and to their commitment to ecological stewardship.

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3. What Is Barr Hill Tom Cat Reserve Gin?

“Tom Cat Reserve” (or simply Tom Cat Gin) is Caledonia’s barrel-aged gin expression:

• It starts as Barr Hill Gin, which is made with juniper and raw honey. (Caskers)
• After distillation, this gin is aged in new American oak barrels, which imparts woody, smoky, and caramel-vanilla notes. (Barr Hill)
• According to Caledonia Spirits, the aging contributes to a “deep flavor” and “enticing oaked juniper aroma.” (Barr Hill)
• The ABV (alcohol by volume) is 43% (86 proof). (reservebar.com)
• It’s positioned as a “bold exploration” of gin — ideal for both gin lovers and those who enjoy whiskey or rum. (Barr Hill)

In short, Tom Cat is a hybrid: it retains gin’s botanical character (especially juniper and honey) but gains structure, depth, and warmth through barrel aging.

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4. Historical & Style Context: Old Tom Gin

To understand Tom Cat Reserve’s stylistic roots, it’s useful to look at Old Tom gin:

• Old Tom gin was a style popular in 18th- and 19th-century England. (Wikipedia)
• It is typically sweeter than London Dry gin but not as malty or viscous as genever. (Wikipedia)
• The name “Old Tom” is said to come from black cat signs that hung outside pubs in England, indicating illicit gin sales during restrictive “Gin Acts.” (Wikipedia)
• Tom Cat Reserve is explicitly tied to this tradition: Caledonia Spirits refers to it as a modern adaptation of Old Tom Gin. (brescomebarton.com)

By aging in oak and employing raw honey, Tom Cat Reserve embodies the slightly sweet, smooth, botanically rich spirit that Old Tom represents — but with a 21st-century, craft-distillery sensibility.

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5. Production & Ingredients

Here’s how Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin is made, from conception to barrel:

1. Base Spirit
   • Caledonia uses a neutral grain spirit as the base. According to their materials, the Barr Hill line (including Tom Cat) is made from a corn-based neutral spirit. (brescomebarton.com)
   • This neutral spirit provides a clean canvas for botanical flavors.
2. Botanicals
   • Juniper berries are the principal botanical used in Tom Cat (as in Barr Hill Gin). (Caskers)
   • Raw Vermont honey is a key ingredient. The same raw honey used in their Barr Hill Gin is added, giving a floral, slightly sweet backbone. (Caskers)
   • The honey is not heavily processed: Caledonia emphasizes that their honey retains ar­omatics from the bees’ foraging. (Wikipedia)
3. Distillation
   • According to Caledonia’s documentation, they use a botanical extraction still. (brescomebarton.com)
   • Juniper is “hand-crushed in house,” which helps preserve its essential oils and aromatic richness. (brescomebarton.com)
   • After distillation, the raw honey is incorporated, contributing both flavor and a subtly viscous texture. (Caskers)
4. Quality & Purity
   • The production aligns with Caledonia’s “landcrafted” ethos — small-batch, handcrafted, tied to local agriculture. (Caledonia Spirits)
   • Their raw honey comes from a wide variety of flowers, giving complexity and depth: more than 100 floral sources are often cited. (Wikipedia)

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6. Aging Process

One of the most defining aspects of Tom Cat Reserve is its aging. Here’s what happens:

• Type of Barrel: The gin is aged in new American oak barrels. (Caskers)
• According to several sources, Caledonia uses a “charred” inside in the barrels — this imparts smoky, toasty, and woody notes. (reservebar.com)
• Aging Duration: While different sources vary slightly, most report 3–4 months in the barrel. (Finest Kind Wine + Liquor)
  • Distiller notes suggest 4–6 months in American oak. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
  • According to the “Spirits Booklet” from Caledonia, the aging may go for approximately six months. (brescomebarton.com)
• During this time, the gin transforms: the barrel influences the spirit, contributing color (a brown/amber hue), warmth, and woody depth. (Caskers)
• After aging, the gin is bottled at 43% ABV. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

The barrel-aging process is critical: it adds layers of flavor (oak, vanilla, caramel, spice) but keeps the honey and juniper brightness rather than overwhelming them.

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7. Tasting Profile

Here is a breakdown of how Barr Hill Tom Cat Reserve Gin typically tastes, according to the distillery, reviewers, and the spirit-drinking community.

Appearance

• The spirit has a golden amber to light brown tone, thanks to its time in new charred oak barrels. (Finest Kind Wine + Liquor)
• Visually, it evokes resemblance to light whiskey or aged rum more than a traditional clear gin.

Nose (Aroma)

• Oak and wood are prominent: charred barrel aroma, toasted wood. (reservebar.com)
• Juniper is still present but more subdued than in a straight gin — woodsy and forest-like. (reservebar.com)
• Honey: the raw honey backing from Barr Hill comes through subtly, giving floral, wildflower undertones. (Caskers)
• Additional notes reported by reviewers include vanilla, spice, and perhaps a hint of citrus or warm baking spice. (drinkhacker.com)
• Some tasters note cloves, leather, and even hoppy or IPA-like character emerging with time. (drinkhacker.com)

Palate (Taste)

• On tasting, the barrel influence is clearer: flavors like burnt caramel, vanilla, oak tannins, and baking spices(gingerbread, clove) appear. (drinkhacker.com)
• Juniper remains, though softened: less piney and more integrated with the wood and honey. (reservebar.com)
• Honeyed sweetness weaves through — but it is not cloying; rather, it is “robust and bountiful” per the producer. (Caskers)
• Other tasting notes from community sources mention licorice, orange peel, and brown sugar. >
  

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

• The texture is smooth and slightly viscous, helped by the honey and barrel maturation.

Finish

• The finish tends to be warm, long, and layered.
• You might find lingering oak, vanilla, and honey, with a subtle return of juniper and spice.
• Some note a “deep, sweet” fade, with darker notes like chocolate or brown sugar coming through. (Reddit)

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8. Serving & Cocktail Suggestions

Tom Cat Reserve is flexible: you can sip it neat, or use it in cocktails. Here are common serving ideas:

Neat or On the Rocks

• Because of its barrel-aged character, Tom Cat is very enjoyable neat. The wood, honey, and botanicals make it sip-worthy, similarly to a whiskey.
• A large ice cube can be used to mellow it slightly without overly diluting.

Classic Cocktails & Riffs

1. Old Fashioned (Gin-style):
   • Use Tom Cat in place of whiskey to make a gin-whiskey hybrid Old Fashioned. The caramel, vanilla, and wood notes play beautifully with sugar and bitters.
2. Negroni (or Barrel-Aged Negroni):
   • Swap in Tom Cat for gin in a Negroni (equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth, Tom Cat). The aged spirit adds richness, depth, and warmth.
3. Au-Tom Collins:
   • A riff mentioned by cocktail fans: 2 oz Tom Cat, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz apple cider (unfiltered), 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup, topped with club soda. >
     

     “It has incredible notes of fall, nature and cozy fireplaces.” (Reddit)

4. Martinez / Martinez-Style Variants:
   • Because Tom Cat bridges gin and aged spirit, it works well in Old Tom–style cocktails reminiscent of the Martinez.
5. Spirit-Forward Winter Cocktail (e.g., “Pressure Drop”):
   • In a Reddit-shared recipe, someone used Tom Cat with Amaro Meletti, some pear brandy, bitters, and vermouth in a stirred cocktail — giving a rich, wintery, warming drink. (Reddit)

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9. Food Pairings

Tom Cat’s complex profile makes it an interesting match for food. Here are some pairing ideas:

• Cheese Boards: Aged or semi-hard cheeses (older cheddar, gouda, aged goat) complement the oak, honey, and spice.
• Charcuterie & Cured Meats: Smoky or cured meats (prosciutto, cured ham) pair well with Tom Cat’s barrel influence.
• Desserts: Think gingerbread, brown sugar-based sweets, honey cakes, or vanilla custards.
• Smoked or Grilled Dishes: Smoked fish, roasted pork chops, or grilled vegetables resonate with the smoky-woody aspect of Tom Cat.
• Fruits & Nuts: Dried fruits (figs, apricot), nuts (almond, pecan), and caramelized nuts would also be interesting partners.

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10. Sustainable Philosophy & Brand Values

As with other Barr Hill spirits, Tom Cat Reserve is deeply tied to sustainable and agricultural values:

• Beekeeper Heritage: The founder’s background in beekeeping is central. (Wikipedia)
• Raw Honey Use: They use raw, unpasteurized honey, preserving floral aromatics, pollen, and wax elements — a direct connection to the bees’ environment. (Wikipedia)
• Landcrafted Approach: Their distilling philosophy emphasizes small-batch, handcrafted production tied to the local terroir. (Caledonia Spirits)
• Bee Habitat Support: Through initiatives like Bee’s Knees Week, Caledonia Spirits helps fund the planting and preservation of pollinator habitats. (d7a3216312da6f8c5faa-a6c4a22c6d23d8694e5e3f94c3d57dde.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com)
• Ethical Farming Mindset: Todd Hardie often speaks about the importance of “the footprint of a farmer” — caring for the land, bees, and community. (Caskers)

These values are embedded in Tom Cat Gin, not just the liquid but the story, production, and brand mission.

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11. Reception, Awards & Reviews

Tom Cat Reserve Gin has gained respect among both gin drinkers and spirits enthusiasts. Here’s a summary of how it’s perceived:

• Distiller Community Rating: On Distiller.com, Tom Cat Gin has a 4.37 out of 5 community rating. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
• Drinkhacker Review: Christopher Null praised it as “a playful spin on Old Tom,” noting the intense licorice, cloves, burnt caramel, orange peel, and baking spice. (drinkhacker.com)
• Retailer Notes: On Caledonia’s own site, they describe the gin as having “enticing oaked juniper aroma” and “touches of raw honey … caramel, vanilla.” (Barr Hill)
• User Reviews (Reddit):
  

  “Licorice and caramel, followed by orange peel and vanilla … Dark chocolate, gingerbread, brown sugar … Very interesting gin.” (Reddit)
  “It’s definitely a splurge buy … whiskey glass & neat. What an awesome treat.” (Reddit)

• Cocktail Community: The Au-Tom Collins riff (see Serving section) is a highly praised seasonal cocktail that brings out Tom Cat’s autumnal richness. (Reddit)

While not universally mainstream (since barrel-aged gin is more niche), Tom Cat Reserve is a hit within its community and among those who appreciate hybrid spirits.

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12. People Also Ask — Common Questions & Answers

Here are some of the most common Google-style questions people ask about Barr Hill Tom Cat Reserve Gin, along with well-sourced answers:

Q1: What is Barr Hill Tom Cat Reserve Gin?
A1: It is a barrel-aged gin from Caledonia Spirits (Vermont), made by taking their Barr Hill Gin (juniper + raw honey) and aging it in new American oak barrels for 3–6 months, yielding a rich spirit with oak, caramel, vanilla, and honey notes. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Q2: What is the ABV of Tom Cat Reserve Gin?
A2: The ABV is 43% (86 proof). (reservebar.com)

Q3: Why is it called “Tom Cat”?
A3: The name references the “Old Tom” gin tradition from 18th-century England, where pubs would hang a black cat sign (“Old Tom”) to discreetly indicate gin sales during the Gin Acts. (Wikipedia)

Q4: What type of barrels are used for aging?
A4: Tom Cat Gin is aged in new American oak barrels, charred inside to impart smoky, woody character. (reservebar.com)

Q5: How long is Tom Cat Gin aged?
A5: While sources vary, most state 3–4 months of aging in new American oak, though some mention 4–6 months. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Q6: What does Tom Cat Gin taste like?
A6: It offers a combination of oak (vanilla, caramel), juniper, wildflower honey, baking spices (clove, gingerbread), licorice, and some citrus or brown sugar on the finish. (drinkhacker.com)

Q7: How should I drink Tom Cat Gin?
A7: You can drink it neat, on the rocks, or use it in cocktails — especially whiskey-style ones like a gin old fashioned, Negroni, or a seasonal riff like an Au-Tom Collins. (See serving suggestions above.)

Q8: Is Tom Cat Reserve Gin sustainable?
A8: Yes — the distillery’s ethos centers on beekeeping, pollinator support, and sustainable agriculture. (d7a3216312da6f8c5faa-a6c4a22c6d23d8694e5e3f94c3d57dde.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com)

Q9: Is this truly a gin or more like a whiskey?
A9: It’s still a gin (made with juniper + honey), but because of its barrel aging, it has many qualities of aged spirits like whiskey (oak, warmth), making it a hybrid.

Q10: Where can I buy Barr Hill Tom Cat Reserve Gin?
A10: It’s available at various online retailers (e.g., Caskers, Whiskey Caviar) and in many U.S. liquor stores, though availability may vary depending on state/region. (Caskers)

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13. Potential Drawbacks or Criticisms

While Tom Cat Reserve Gin is widely loved in certain circles, here are some potential criticisms:

1. Not a Classic Gin:
   • Traditional gin purists (expecting many botanicals, very dry style) may find it unusual or too “woody” or “whiskey-like.”
2. Sweetness & Viscosity:
   • The raw honey adds sweetness and texture; some might find it too sweet or syrupy, especially if used in delicate cocktails.
3. Barrel Influence Limits Versatility:
   • Its strong barrel character may overpower lighter gin cocktails, so it’s less suited to some classic highball or gin & tonic applications.
4. Availability & Price:
   • As a craft, small-batch gin, it may not be widely available in all markets. Pricing can also vary depending on the retailer and shipping.
5. Aging Duration:
   • Some may wish for longer aging for deeper barrel influence; with only 3–6 months in barrel, it may feel “light” compared to well-aged whiskey.
6. Expectations vs Reality:
   • For customers expecting a straight honey gin, the oak and wood might surprise them. Conversely, for whiskey drinkers, it may lack some of the depth or tannin of aged whiskey.

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14. Pricing & Availability

• On Caskers, a 750 ml bottle of Tom Cat Reserve is listed for around US$ 51.99. (Caskers)
• On Caledonia Spirits’ own website, the price is US$ 54.99 for 750 ml. (Barr Hill)
• On other retailers like Whiskey Caviar, it’s similarly priced. (Whiskey Caviar)
• Because it’s distributed through a craft distillery, availability depends on state liquor laws and retailer stock.

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15. Conclusion

Barr Hill Tom Cat Reserve Gin is a standout spirit that elegantly bridges the worlds of gin and barrel-aged whiskey. It’s not merely a novelty: it’s a thoughtfully crafted expression rooted in Caledonia Spirits’ beekeeping heritage, its landcrafted ethos, and a spirit-making philosophy that cares deeply about both flavor and sustainability.

Strengths:

• Rich, layered flavor profile: oak, honey, juniper, caramel, vanilla, spice.
• Versatility in serving: neat, on the rocks, or in whiskey-style cocktails.
• Strong brand identity: beekeeper founder, pollinator support, raw honey use.
• A unique niche: appeals to both gin enthusiasts and those who enjoy aged spirits.

Considerations:

• May be less ideal for those who prefer very dry, botanical gins.
• Barrel influence may limit use in lighter cocktails.
• Availability and price may be a factor depending on region.

Overall, Tom Cat Reserve Gin is a memorable and sophisticated spirit. It is perfect for people who want more than just a juniper-forward gin — for those who appreciate depth, warmth, and craftsmanship. If you enjoy sipping spirits, exploring hybrid expressions, or building cocktails with character, Tom Cat Reserve is absolutely worth your attention.

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If you like, I can pull together professional reviews and tasting scores for Tom Cat Reserve Gin, or compare it with other barrel-aged gins on the market — do you want me to do that?