Scofflaw Old Tom Gin 750ML

Scofflaw Old Tom Gin 750ML is a 90-proof (45% ABV) Old Tom-style gin produced by North Shore Distillery in Lake Bluff, Illinois. What distinguishes this expression from the broader Old Tom category is its use of osmanthus blossoms — a rare botanical in gin production — alongside a six-week steeping process that yields unusually layered, integrated flavors.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 proof)  |  Origin: Lake Bluff, Illinois, USA  |  Old Tom Style  |  Distillery: North Shore Distillery

Production & Heritage

North Shore Distillery, one of Illinois' pioneering craft distilleries, produces Scofflaw Old Tom Gin on a pot still affectionately named "Ethel." The botanical bill — juniper berries, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, anise seed, fresh orange and lemon peels, and osmanthus blossoms — is steeped for a full six weeks before distillation, a notably patient maceration that allows the more delicate aromatics, particularly the apricot-like character of the osmanthus, to fully integrate. The result is a gin that sits comfortably in the Old Tom tradition of gentle sweetness while carrying far more botanical complexity than many expressions in the category.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Juniper leads, followed by bright orange peel and a distinctive floral lift from the osmanthus blossoms, which lend an apricot-like perfume. Cardamom and cinnamon warm the edges without dominating.

Taste: The entry is soft and mild, with classic juniper giving way to a mid-palate wave of coriander, candied citrus peel, and gentle spice from the anise and cinnamon. A subtle underlying sweetness — consistent with the Old Tom style — rounds out the mouthfeel, keeping the 45% ABV remarkably smooth despite its higher proof.

Finish: The finish is long and clean, with lingering floral and fruity notes that slowly fade into a gentle warmth. A slight peppery burn arrives at the very end, grounding what is otherwise a silky conclusion.

How to Drink Scofflaw Old Tom

At 90 proof, this gin holds up well neat or over a single large ice cube, where the extended steeping pays dividends in aroma and texture. Its Old Tom character and botanical depth make it a natural cocktail base:

• Tom Collins: The gentle sweetness and citrus peel notes complement the lemon and soda without needing extra sugar.
• Martinez: The floral osmanthus and warm spice notes pair beautifully with sweet vermouth and maraschino in this classic pre-Prohibition cocktail.
• Bee's Knees: Honey syrup amplifies the apricot and candied fruit undertones already present in the gin.

Best For

• Cocktail enthusiasts exploring pre-Prohibition gin styles
• Gifting a craft spirits collector who values unusual botanicals
• Building an Old Tom gin tasting flight alongside London Dry expressions
• Home bartenders looking for a higher-proof gin that still drinks smoothly

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Scofflaw Old Tom taste like? Scofflaw Old Tom delivers layered juniper and citrus peel flavors with a floral, slightly fruity sweetness from osmanthus blossoms, finishing long and clean with warm spice notes from cardamom and cinnamon.

How does Scofflaw Old Tom compare to Hayman's Old Tom Gin? Hayman's Old Tom leans toward a more traditional, sugar-forward sweetness at a lower 80 proof, while Scofflaw runs hotter at 90 proof and derives much of its complexity from its unusual osmanthus botanical and extended six-week maceration. Scofflaw tends to present as more floral and spice-driven, whereas Hayman's offers a simpler, more classically sweet profile.

Is Scofflaw Old Tom good for cocktails? Yes — Chicagoist described it as "a star player in cocktails" that "takes even the simplest cocktail to a whole new level," and its higher proof ensures the botanical character carries through dilution and mixers.

Where is Scofflaw Old Tom made? Scofflaw Old Tom Gin is distilled at North Shore Distillery in Lake Bluff, Illinois, a small-batch craft distillery on Chicago's North Shore that was among the first legal distilleries to operate in the state since Prohibition.

What foods pair well with Scofflaw Old Tom? Smoked salmon, where the juniper and citrus echo classic curing flavors; stone fruit desserts like apricot tart, which mirror the osmanthus character; mild goat cheese, whose tanginess plays off the gin's sweetness; Thai green curry, where the coriander and cardamom find natural harmony; and dark chocolate with candied orange, which parallels the gin's citrus-and-spice backbone.

What sizes does Scofflaw Old Tom come in? Scofflaw Old Tom Gin is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Scofflaw Old Tom worth the price? Scofflaw Old Tom positions in the craft-premium tier, above mass-market gins but in line with other small-batch American distillery offerings — its unusual botanical bill, extended maceration, and 90-proof potency give it a strong value proposition relative to similarly priced competitors.

Why Scofflaw Old Tom?

The six-week botanical steep is the headline here — most gins macerate for hours or a few days at most, meaning Scofflaw extracts a depth of flavor that shortcuts cannot replicate. The inclusion of osmanthus blossoms, almost unheard of in Western gin production, introduces a genuinely distinctive aromatic dimension that separates this bottle from both traditional Old Tom expressions and contemporary American gins. At 90 proof, it carries enough backbone to stand up in spirit-forward cocktails while remaining smooth enough for sipping. For drinkers who think they know what Old Tom gin tastes like, Scofflaw is a compelling argument that the category has more range than most realize.