Empress 1908 Original Gin

Empress 1908 Original Gin – Indigo Gin | Empress 1908, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Empress 1908 Original Gin is one of the most visually striking and botanically distinctive gins in the world, produced by Empress 1908 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Named in honor of the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel — one of Canada's most iconic grand hotels, opened in 1908 on the Inner Harbour of Victoria — this gin was crafted in collaboration with the hotel to capture the elegance, heritage, and ritual of the Empress's celebrated afternoon tea tradition. The result is a gin unlike any other: botanically complex, visually breathtaking, and deeply rooted in a sense of place and history.

What immediately sets Empress 1908 apart is its extraordinary indigo color — derived entirely from butterfly pea blossom, a natural botanical that imparts a deep, jewel-toned blue-purple hue to the gin. This color is not merely decorative: it is pH-reactive, meaning the gin changes color when mixed with citrus or tonic, shifting from indigo to a stunning pink-purple — one of the most dramatic and conversation-starting cocktail effects in the spirits world. Beneath the visual spectacle is a genuinely exceptional gin, built on a botanical bill that includes Fairmont Empress Blend tea, juniper, grapefruit peel, ginger root, coriander, rose petal, and cinnamon — a complex, floral, and approachable London Dry-inspired profile that is as beautiful to drink as it is to look at.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Elegant and floral with classic juniper, fresh citrus, delicate rose petal, warm ginger, and a distinctive tea character — the refined, aromatic complexity of a gin built around the Empress Hotel's afternoon tea heritage
• Palate: Smooth and beautifully balanced with juniper, grapefruit, floral botanicals, warm ginger spice, and a subtle earthy tea note — approachable and complex in equal measure, with a silky texture that makes it exceptional both neat and in cocktails
• Finish: Clean, refreshing, and gently lingering with a pleasant floral and citrus character — the hallmark of a well-crafted, botanically rich premium gin

Key Highlights

• ✔ Iconic indigo color — derived from butterfly pea blossom, naturally pH-reactive and color-changing when mixed with citrus or tonic
• ✔ Fairmont Empress Blend tea botanical — a unique ingredient that connects every bottle to the legendary Victoria hotel's afternoon tea tradition
• ✔ Complex botanical bill — juniper, grapefruit peel, ginger root, coriander, rose petal, cinnamon, and butterfly pea blossom
• ✔ From Empress 1908 — Victoria, British Columbia's most celebrated gin producer
• ✔ 750mL bottle — a showstopping gift, bar cart centerpiece, and cocktail ingredient in one
• ✔ Available at Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping

How to Enjoy

Empress 1908 Original Gin is most spectacular served as an Empress & Tonic — pour over ice, add premium tonic water, and watch the indigo gin shift to a stunning pink-purple as the tonic's acidity reacts with the butterfly pea blossom. Garnish with a lemon or grapefruit twist to enhance the color transformation and complement the citrus botanicals. It also makes an extraordinary Empress Gin & Soda for a lighter, lower-ABV option, or a visually breathtaking Empress Martini (Empress 1908, dry vermouth, lemon twist) for a classic with a dramatic twist. For a citrus cocktail, try an Empress Gimlet (Empress 1908, fresh lime juice, simple syrup) and watch the gin turn pink as the lime juice hits. For food pairings, Empress 1908 pairs beautifully with smoked salmon and cucumber canapés, soft cheeses and honey, fresh fruit tarts, floral and citrus desserts, and classic afternoon tea fare — delicate, elegant flavors that honor the gin's Empress Hotel heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does Empress 1908 Gin change color?

Empress 1908 Gin changes color because of butterfly pea blossom — a natural botanical included in the gin's recipe that contains pH-sensitive pigments called anthocyanins. In its natural state, the butterfly pea blossom gives the gin its signature deep indigo color. When the gin comes into contact with an acidic ingredient — such as citrus juice, tonic water, or lemonade — the pH change causes the anthocyanins to shift, transforming the gin from indigo to a vivid pink or purple. This color change is entirely natural, requires no artificial dyes or additives, and is one of the most dramatic and delightful visual effects in the cocktail world.

What is the connection between Empress 1908 Gin and the Fairmont Empress Hotel?

Empress 1908 Gin was created in direct collaboration with the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia — one of Canada's most iconic grand hotels, opened in 1908 and famous for its legendary afternoon tea service. The gin's name honors the hotel's founding year, and its botanical bill includes Fairmont Empress Blend tea — the same proprietary tea blend served at the hotel's afternoon tea — as a key ingredient. This connection gives Empress 1908 a unique sense of place and heritage that is woven into every bottle.

Where can I buy Empress 1908 Original Gin?

You can purchase it online through Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping available.