A helpful presence since the 18th century

In distilleries, grain naturally attracts rodents. To safeguard their grain, distillers long ago turned to a highly effective ally: the cat.

"Where there is barley, there are mice," writes spirits journalist Richard Woodard on scotchwhisky.com.

As far back as the 18th century, especially in the U.K., distillers brought in cats to keep their facilities pest-free. It was a simple, low-cost fix.

Tom's story

At Citadelle, we did not “choose” a cat. Tom chose us.

He arrived one evening during lockdown, thin, his tail broken, alone and clearly lost. Debbie Gabriel, Alexandre’s wife, immediately took care of him. She fed him, gave him shelter, and did everything she could to find his owner.

Her search was in vain, but Tom had already found his home.

Of course, we adopted him and named him Lucky Tom. Present every single day during that unusual time, he quickly became part of the Ferrand family.

And if you’ve met the distillery’s own “fairy godmother,” Stéphanie, you know she never lets Tom want for anything.

Old Tom: where history meets heritage

Our No Mistake Old Tom Gin keeps that bridge between tradition and storytelling alive. Inspired by 18th and 19th-century English gin styles, it pays tribute to a legend associated with the name Old Tom.

According to this widely told tale in the gin world, some English establishments displayed a cat-shaped sign. When gin sales were tightly regulated, the sign quietly showed fans where they could snag a dram.

No Mistake Old Tom captures that bygone spirit while adding the Ferrand signature: it’s aged in several kinds of casks and rounded out with toasted, barrel-finished cane sugar for extra depth and richness. Enjoy it over ice or in reimagined classics such as the Old Fashioned or the Tom Collins.

Today, Tom, our distillery companion, proudly graces the label of No Mistake Old Tom, a nod to this blend of reality and folklore. You’ll also find him on a few limited editions such as Cornichon and Maisonnette.

While you’re here, see if you can spot the nine cats tucked around the distillery, a nod to the legend of a cat’s nine lives.

A fun anecdote for visitors

As you walk through the distillery and get to know Tom and his stories, you realize that our cat is a true companion.

He’s woven into our daily routine and into Citadelle’s very character. He’s more than a mascot; like the copper stills and barrels, his presence continues a tradition that has shaped distilleries for centuries.

Book a tour today to explore Citadelle, meet our resident felines, and taste No Mistake Old Tom Gin. Tap the link and jump into the adventure.