Empress 1908 Gin
About the Empress 1908 Gin
Empress 1908 Gin is a Canadian gin that is named after the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. The gin is known for its distinctive purple color, which comes from the infusion of butterfly pea flower petals during the distillation process. In addition to the butterfly pea flower, the gin is also made with eight other botanicals, including juniper, coriander, grapefruit peel, ginger root, and rose petal.
One of the unique aspects of Empress 1908 Gin is that its color changes when mixed with tonic water or citrus juice. The addition of acid changes the pH of the gin, causing it to change from purple to pink. This makes for an interesting and visually appealing cocktail experience.
Empress 1908 Gin has won numerous awards and is popular among gin enthusiasts who appreciate its complex flavor profile and stunning appearance. It can be enjoyed on its own or in a variety of cocktails, including gin and tonics, martinis, and even a purple-hued gin sour.
(Picture by Chris J. Davis)
What makes the Empress 1908 Gin special
Empress 1908 Gin is a unique and distinct gin because of its deep indigo color. This color comes from the infusion of butterfly pea blossom, a botanical that is known for its natural blue hue. The butterfly pea blossom also adds a subtle floral note to the gin’s flavor profile. Empress 1908 Gin is also made with a blend of eight botanicals, including juniper, rose, coriander seed, and grapefruit peel. It has a smooth and complex taste that makes it ideal for sipping on its own or mixing in cocktails. Additionally, Empress 1908 Gin is gluten-free, vegan, and organic, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Suggested tonic waters for the Empress 1908 Gin
Since the Empress 1908 Gin has a distinctive color, you might want to pair it with a tonic water that will not overpower its flavor and aroma. Here are some tonic waters that could work well with this gin:
- Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water
- Schweppes Tonic Water
- Q Tonic Water
- East Imperial Tonic Water
- Fentimans Tonic Water
These tonic waters have a mild flavor and a hint of sweetness that can complement the Empress 1908 Gin’s unique taste. However, you can always experiment with different tonic waters to find the perfect pairing for your taste buds.
Make a perfect gin tonic with Empress 1908 Gin
To make a perfect gin and tonic with Empress 1908 Gin, you will need:
- 1.5 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 4 oz premium tonic water
- Ice
- Lime wedge or other garnish
Here are the steps to follow:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. The ice should be fresh and of high quality.
- Pour 1.5 oz of Empress 1908 Gin over the ice.
- Pour 4 oz of premium tonic water over the gin.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to mix the gin and tonic.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or other garnish of your choice, such as a sprig of mint or a slice of cucumber.
- Enjoy your perfect gin and tonic!
Note: It’s important to use a premium tonic water to complement the unique flavor of Empress 1908 Gin. You can also experiment with different garnishes to enhance the taste of the drink.