Professor Cornelius Ampleforth has been at it again, and this time he's recreated a traditional style of gin that was very popular in 18th and 19th century England. Old Tom is a slightly sweetened gin, created by the professor following a request from The Handmade Cocktail Company, which needed a tasty Old Tom gin for use in their Martinez cocktail. Old Tom got its name from an usual dispensing method used by London gin houses. A tom cat-shaped plaque would be hung outside where passers-by could drop a coin in the animal's mouth. The proprietor would then dispense a shot of gin from a tube under the cat's paws. This almost-forgotten style of gin is perfect in sweet gin cocktails - it's how the classic Tom Collins got its name - and makes a tasty G&T.