Barr Hill's Distillery started in a majestic area of Vermont endearingly named the Northeast Kingdom. Tom Cat Kingdom Strength is their way of marrying the historical category of Navy Strength Gin with the robust flavors of a Barrel Strength spirit. Higher proof equals stronger flavor profiles, and with less honey than the 'standard' Tom Cat gin, Kingdom Strength is for the oak barrel lovers out there.
This release gives you full-bodied and barrel strength and warm spice notes with a hint of vanilla and smoky oak. A touch of juniper and honey cuts through with bright citrus and cedar aromatics. As a 112-proof gin aged in charred and toasted new American oak, Kingdom Strength offers a chance to taste their popular Tom Cat Reserve Gin at full strength, straight from the barrel—the way their distillers taste it. The higher proof creates a bold, flavorful expression that stands out in cocktails and when sipped neat or on the rocks.
From Lee Diaz, Topflight Series Panel Member:
Unlike any other, the Barr Hill Tom Cat Kingdom Strength takes its gin up a few notches with this selection that is typically ONLY available at their distillery in Montpelier, Vermont. When offered the chance to be the first to introduce this incredibly versatile spirit to a broader audience, we jumped at it. It is unique to the gin space and will serve as a distinct bottle on your bar. The Barr Hill Gin, at its core, is distilled once in their custom-built botanical extraction still with hand-crushed, organic juniper and then finished with raw honey from their property and throughout their region. Tom Cat then uses new American oak barrels to develop a bolder expression at 86-proof. This exclusive Kingdom Strength amps up the proof and bold flavors as a 112-proof release.
This pour offers warm spice aromas and hints of vanilla, cedar, juniper, and citrus. You'll discover the essence of wildflowers, honey, graham crackers, and toasted oak on the palate. The finish is long-lasting, revealing deep juniper notes, cardamom, cinnamon, peppercorn, and citrus. The result of these flavors is a perfectly sippable gin, either neat or on ice, and something high-proof enough to offer real character to elevate your favorite gin cocktails. And unless you frequent Vermont, this is a rare bottle that will surprise and astound the most discerning spirits collectors.
TOPFLIGHT: Series 2, Barrel No. 14
PROOF: 112.00
AGE: 9 months
FINISHING BARREL: Oak Barrel
CHAR / TOAST: Charred
WAREHOUSE LOCATION: Montpelier, VT
DATE PULLED: July 2023
