Old Tom gins are expected to be slightly sweeter than the London Dry style. Anchor's Old Tom achieves this sweetness with botanicals rather than with sugar, which give it a perceived sweeter flavor.
On the palate, it’s immediately sweet — not overdone, but lightly sugary and touched with a bit of cinnamon. A lightly woody, almost smoky element arrives after some time in glass, until, finally, the licorice/anise element hits solidly as the finish builds.