4bars.com.au catches up with James Hayman, Marketing Director from Hayman Distillers…

The Hayman family’s links to the gin world date back to the mid-1800s with the production of Beefeater, which was owned by James Burrough. Chris Hayman, the Chairman of Hayman Distillers is the Great Grandson of Burrough and his son James was recently in Australia to talk all things gin, in particular their two gin brands: City of London Dry Gin and Hayman’s Old Tom Gin (which are distributed in Australia through Southtrade International.

1. You have joined the family business, Hayman Distillers and your family has a long tradition in the distilling game. Did you always know you would follow this career path?

Yeah I mean, some of my earliest memories were going around the distillery with my dad.  So even though I ventured away to do something else it was an eventuality that I would return to the distilling game.  I’m the 5^th generation now and it has been going for so long that it’s actually in my blood and my hopes are that my children will continue in that tradition.

2. Your family is reviving a lost classic, Old Tom Gin. Can you tell us more about this spirit?

This gin is from a recipe made in the 1870’s by my great great grandfather (James Burroughs).  Our recipe really reflects the traditional gin used in the 1880’s first cocktail era. Botanically intense balanced by a light sweetness, a more well-rounded gin than the Dry in style.

3. What do you think is the biggest misconception about the gin category?

People think of Gin and they think London Dry Gin style.  But there are so many variations, Old Tom, Sloe, Damson, etc..  Also that Gin can only be drunk in a Gin & Tonic but there are so many other ways of enjoying its full potential, it’s about making people realize that the original martini is with Gin not vodka.

4. What’s your favourite gin cocktail?

Martinez, ironically followed by the Gin & Tonic

5. Do you see the gin category building in the next couple of years? Why or why not?

Yes I do. Including Rum and Tequila they’re all growing.  These days a new vodka brand comes out and there is very little interest if any but the launch of something like the Hayman’s Old Tom has peaked interest in the bartending and drinking communities. This spirits allows the ability to create interesting cocktails as well as the classics and that is something very exciting that will drive the growing bartender/cocktail culture.