Empress 1908

INDIGO GIN

Distilled in copper-pot stills, Empress 1908 Gin contains eight signature botanicals, including exotic butterfly pea blossom, discovered in a tea blend served at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C. These blossoms impart a warm herbal earthiness, soft texture, and deep indigo colour. Explore a new aesthetic of extra-sensory, extra-sensational cocktails. The moment of creation is at hand.

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Natural & Distinct

Our Unique Colour

Butterfly pea blossom gives Empress 1908 its distinct indigo hue. Discovered in another bespoke Empress tea blend, the pea blossom imbues the gin with a distinctive earthy note that balances traditional citrus notes and yields a rich pigmentation. This deep indigo hue changes to bright lavender, soft pink, or fuchsia depending on the mixer, adding to the rich sensory experience of enjoying an Empress 1908 cocktail. No artificial colours or stabilizers are used, so while the flavour will last forever, the unique indigo colour will fade over time. Fading is accelerated by exposure to sunlight, so we recommend that you experience each bottle within a year of purchase and store it in a cool, dark place. After all, a gin this beautiful is meant to be enjoyed at its best.

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Inspired Ingredients

Our Unique Botanicals

Empress 1908 Indigo Gin’s distinct flavour profile is a result of the fine balance of 8 natural botanicals. On top of traditional elements, we add a signature blend of black tea served at the Empress Hotel and butterfly pea blossom, an exotic herb that balances the traditional citrus notes of gin with a warm herbal earthiness, and gives the gin its natural indigo colour. Keen to learn more? Explore a selection of the ingredients that set this gin apart.

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BLACK TEA

The signature tea at the Empress Hotel, this blend is a selection of seasonal, quality teas from Assam, Kenya, South India, Ceylon, and China, created exclusively by the Metropolitan Tea Company. At once floral, fruity and oaky, it is one of the finest blends in the world.
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Juniper Berries

The classic taste found in most gins, it provides a complex flavour with notes of pine and citrus. And while London Dry Gins like a big juniper burst, our Pacific Northwest style gin uses a subtle varietal that isn’t too pushy, and balances nicely with the other less traditional botanicals.
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Butterfly Pea Blossom

We chose this flower for its warm, herbal earthiness, and the softness it contributes to the texture. It plays a flavour role similar to that of angelica in other gins. This botanical is also responsible for the gin’s unique colour.
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Grapefruit Peel

While lemon and orange are fairly traditional gin botanicals, we prefer grapefruit for its unique citrus flavour that’s both slightly bitter and suggestively sweet. It provides an aromatic, lively bright note that pairs very well with tonic.
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Rose Petals

A traditional element, the sweet flavour of rose contributes to the softness and warmth of our gin, providing a nuance that balances out the spices with an elegant floral note. We use whole rosebud from India.
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Memorable

Awards

“All of this is to say, that it is exciting to see that the brand has just released a new gin for spring 2023. The Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin is now available in BC and Alberta and, much like its main product, it offers a striking hue that catches one’s eye at first glance.”

Dan Clapson, Eat North

“Empress 1908 has launched its latest Elderflower Rose Gin in British Columbia, Canada. The Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin is handcrafted in copper-pot stills in small batches by Victoria Distillers in Sidney, British Columbia. Additionally, the gin is inspired by the company’s location at Victoria in, British Columbia, known as The City of Gardens.”

Mickey Phoon, Trendhunter

“The butterfly pea blossom balances the traditional citrus notes of the gin with a warm herbal earthiness. With a delicate aroma, soft texture, and remarkable presentation, Empress 1908 Gin is the perfect base for Swifties to enjoy Lavender Haze.”

Jill Weinlein, Luxe Beat Magazine

“One of the favorites that we have brought into the bars recently was the Empress 1908 gin, the bartenders love using it behind the bar, and I have enjoyed making some gorgeous indigo cocktails with it (Empress Gin was a Silver medal winner in the 2019 NY International Spirits Competition).”- Story by: Amy Sherman

Jessica Christensen, Alcohol Professor

“First of all, the vibrant color comes from one of its eight botanicals, butterfly pea blossom. Second of all, the flavor profile is among the most exquisite in the gin world. From Victoria Distillers in Canada, Empress has risen to become one of the most popular expressions on the market.”

Ethan Brehm, HiConsumption

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