Empress 1908 Gin: A Deep Dive Into the Indigo Icon
Discover the science, style, and mixology secrets behind Empress 1908 Gin’s mesmerizing color-changing experience.
Standing out on the shelf with its regal indigo color, Empress 1908 Gin is one of the most visually captivating spirits in the world of craft mixology. It’s more than a pretty face: this Canadian-origin gin has developed a cult following thanks to its color-changing properties, nuanced botanicals, and ability to merge classic gin traditions with innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Empress 1908 invites exploration. Here’s everything you need to know about what makes this purple gin tick—from its roots and chemical magic to how it tastes and mixes.
What Makes Empress 1908 Gin Special?
- Indigo Color: Naturally derived from butterfly pea blossoms, giving Empress its iconic hue.
- Color-Changing Reaction: Changes color from deep blue to pink or lavender when mixed with citrus or tonic due to changes in pH.
- Botanical Blend: Includes eight distinctive botanicals, with Empress Black Tea as a signature ingredient.
- Modern Craftsmanship: Distilled in copper pot stills at Victoria Distillers in British Columbia, Canada.
- Versatile Mixing: Ideal base for cocktails ranging from classics to contemporary showstoppers.
Origins and Inspiration
Crafted in collaboration with Victoria Distillers and inspired by the historic Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, Empress 1908 Gin pays homage both to the city and its royal connections. The hotel, whose own blend of black tea is a key ingredient in the gin, first opened its doors in 1908, which reflects in the name. The choice of indigo color echoes the traditional royal colors, captured by the infusion of butterfly pea blossoms during distillation.
Empress 1908 has rapidly become a social media darling thanks to its dramatic color and interactive, transforming visual effect when mixed.
Breaking Down the Botanicals
The backbone of any gin is its botanicals. Empress 1908 uses a blend that balances classic flavors with contemporary innovation. Each botanical contributes unique characteristics, creating a spirit that is both complex and inviting.
| Botanical | Flavor Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Juniper | Pine, resinous, earthy | Traditional gin base, delivers classic flavor |
| Grapefruit Peel | Citrusy, zesty, bright | Upfront, clean citrus bouquet |
| Coriander | Warm, spicy, herbal | Depth and lingering finish |
| Empress Black Tea | Earthy, tannic, subtly bitter | Signature for the brand, inspired by the Empress Hotel |
| Rose Petal | Delicate floral, hint of fruit | Very subtle, not overly sweet |
| Cinnamon | Dry spice, warmth | Present in the finish without Red Hot sweetness |
| Ginger | Spicy, peppery | Provides gentle complexity |
| Butterfly Pea Blossom | Indigo color, mild earthiness | Responsible for gin’s vibrant color and color-changing properties |
The Science Behind the Color-Change
The star attraction is the mesmerizing ability of Empress 1908 Gin to change color when mixed with acidic ingredients such as tonic water, lemon juice, or lime.
- Indigo Base: The gin’s natural blue-purple shade comes from butterfly pea blossoms.
- Acidic Mixers: When the gin meets acids (like tonic or citrus), the pH changes, transforming the color to pink or lavender.
- No Artificial Dyes: The process is entirely natural and safe, leveraging chemistry for visual drama.
This natural color shift gives Empress Gin cocktails a highly Instagrammable edge, making them favorites for parties and social gatherings.
Tasting Notes: Drinking Empress 1908 Gin Neat
The unique color can lead to misconceptions about flavor: many expect heavy florality or sweetness. The reality is more complex, and perhaps surprising:
- Aroma: Bold juniper and grapefruit peel dominate, with undertones of spice and tea. Some tasters note an initial sharpness or astringency, typical of contemporary craft gins.
- Palate: The first impression is classic—with piney juniper, citrus zest, and earthiness. Rose petal floats gently but is never overpowering. Grapefruit add brightness, while ginger and cinnamon bring spice to the mid-palate.
- Mouthfeel: Slightly astringent, warm, and dry; not as smooth as some sipping gins but robust and expressive.
- Finish: Warmth from the base spirit lingers, with coriander and cinnamon staying on the edges, and a subtle tea bitterness rounding out the experience.
Many reviewers highlight that, despite its dramatic hue, Empress 1908 Gin is not overtly floral or sweet, and the tea botanicals remain subtle.
Comparing Empress 1908 Gin to Other Craft Gins
Where does Empress 1908 stand among modern and classic gin brands? Here’s how it stacks up on color, botanical composition, and taste:
| Gin Brand | Visuals | Flavor Profile | Main Botanical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empress 1908 | Indigo (color-changing) | Juniper, citrus, tea, spice, mild floral | Butterfly pea blossom, black tea |
| Hendrick’s | Clear | Cucumber, rose, coriander, floral | Rose, cucumber |
| Nolet’s | Clear | Fruit-forward, floral | Rose, peach, raspberry |
| Glendalough Rose Gin | Pink | Rose, floral, juniper | Rose petals |
| Bluecoat | Clear | Citrus, juniper, elderflower | Elderflower |
While other gins highlight florals (rose, elderflower, jasmine), Empress combines these with robust classic notes, and its color-changing effect sets it visually and sensorially apart from the competition.
How to Drink Empress 1908 Gin: Serving Suggestions
Empress 1908 is hugely versatile in cocktails, but its astringent mouthfeel makes it less ideal as a sipping gin. Here’s how to get the most out of its profile:
Best Mixes and Cocktails
- Gin and Tonic: A natural fit—mix with Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic or any tonic water to showcase color change and mellow astringency. Garnish with citrus for a pink flare.
- Martini: Looks stunning; earthy spice and tea add dimension, though classic martini aficionados may prefer a smoother gin. For a creative twist, add fruit liqueurs.
- Negroni: Empress thrives in a Negroni, adding juniper and heated bitterness that moves the cocktail deeper and bolder.
- Gimlet & French 75: Its citrus notes lift these sparkling or lime-based drinks, turning them visually spectacular.
- Punches and Contemporary Cocktails: Empress is ideal for garden party punches, seasonal sippers, and Instagram-ready drinks.
Serving Tips
- Store away from light to preserve color intensity.
- Pair with fresh herbs or edible flowers for garnish to heighten aroma and color drama.
- Experiment with different tonics and acidic mixers to maximize the color-changing effect.
Who Will Love Empress 1908 Gin?
Adventurous gin lovers and cocktail enthusiasts who are drawn to visual flair and a unique drinking experience will appreciate Empress 1908 Gin most. It’s not for everyone—those who favor ultra-smooth sipping gins, or want heavy floral sweetness may find it less aligned with their tastes. But for anyone looking for a conversation starter, a vibrant centerpiece spirit, and a genuinely complex gin, Empress 1908 delivers.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning, natural indigo color Color-changing effect Balanced botanical blend Versatile in cocktails Canadian craftsmanship | Astringent mouthfeel Not ideal for sipping neat Subtle tea/floral notes may be missed by those seeking bold flavors Color fades with exposure to light and over time |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What gives Empress 1908 Gin its color?
A: Butterfly pea blossom infusion imparts the natural deep indigo hue. This color is pH-sensitive and can shift dramatically when mixed with acidic ingredients.
Q: Does the color affect the taste?
A: The butterfly pea blossom has mild earthy notes, but its main function is visual. The overall flavor profile blends juniper, citrus, spice, and subtle tea.
Q: Is Empress 1908 Gin sweet or floral?
A: Despite its color, Empress 1908 is neither overly sweet nor floral. The gin is juniper- and citrus-forward, with subtle spice and mild rose and tea notes.
Q: What cocktails is Empress 1908 Gin best in?
A: Gin & tonic, Negroni, gimlet, French 75, and color-forward garden punch cocktails are the best uses.
Q: Will the color fade?
A: Yes. Exposure to sunlight and air can fade Empress Gin’s color over time; it’s best stored in a cool, dark place.
Q: Where is Empress 1908 Gin made?
A: It’s made at Victoria Distillers in British Columbia, Canada, and inspired by the Empress Hotel’s signature tea blend.
Q: How strong is Empress 1908 Gin?
A: It’s bottled at 42.5% ABV (85 proof), making it robust and ideal for mixing in cocktails without losing character.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Empress 1908 Gin?
If you appreciate gin that offers an interactive drinking experience, visually mesmerizing cocktails, and a balanced—not overpowering—botanical blend, Empress 1908 should feature in your home bar. The color alone sparks conversation, but its versatility and nuanced profile reveal there’s real substance behind the spectacle. For classic cocktails with a stunning visual edge, or creative contemporary libations, Empress 1908 delivers a sensory adventure rarely matched in the world of craft spirits.
Quick Recap: Empress 1908 Gin Essentials
- Origin: British Columbia, Canada
- Signature Color: Indigo, naturally derived, changes to pink/purple with mixers
- Flavor Profile: Juniper-forward, citrus, subtle tea, spice, mild floral
- Best Served: In cocktails that highlight its color-change
- Audience: Adventurous drinkers and social cocktail creators
