One of the talented minds behind Empress 1908 Indigo Gin says this modern juniper spirit is “not your grandparent’s gin.” (Photo: Empress 1908) I have been able to pass on what I have learned to my team,” he shared. “I truly enjoy teaching and mentoring. It’s an amazing feeling to watch my team grow in their roles here at Victoria Distillers.” Shake without ice to foam the egg white. Add ice and shake to chill. Strain into a pretty glass and enjoy. What Is Empress 1908 Gin? Despite how large of an impact gin has on the spirits industry around the world, the juniper-based liquor still seems to be reduced to its Christmas tree-like tasting notes (even if we know it is so much more than that). Therefore, it can be difficult to persuade new or juniper-averse imbibers to give gin a go. To this, Lecours explained that Empress 1908 is “not your grandparents’ gin.”

With now over 13 years of spirit industry expertise developed through his work with Victoria Distillers, Lecours has made a great impact on the distillery and its incredible staff. Empress Gin is a beautiful indigo color, somewhere between purple and blue, that gets its all-natural color from being distilled with the blossoms of butterfly pea plants. While you might expect this gin to taste different or have floral notes, it still has the same citrus, juniper, and coriander notes that make gin such distinctive alcohol. We don’t try to punch you in the mouth with heavy juniper,” he continued. “This is a complex, inviting gin.”The palate has a hint of rose early. If you’re looking for an overtly floral gin— this isn’t it. Ripe, boiled grapefruit, resinous juniper cones take hold mid-palate.

Yes, I said color-changing gin. While it’s in the bottle the gin is dark purple, but once it is mixed with the lemon juice, the acid turns this gin a pretty pink color. It definitely adds an extra fun element you won’t find with your everyday gin. What You Need Empress 1908 is a slightly contemporary style gin with a heady citrus, juniper and coriander accord that takes copious cues from gin’s 300 year history. I don’t think of Empress 1908 Indigo Gin as just a color-changing gin. That is one of its attributes for sure, however, flavor and quality are what sets it apart. If the spirit in the bottle wasn’t great, we wouldn’t have the following we enjoy today.” The doors of the Fairmont Empress Hotel opened in 1908. It is situated in Victoria, British Columbia Canada and looks over the city’s renowned harbor. Empress 1908 Gin is named for and inspired by the hotel’s century plus of history.Despite the color, don’t come to Empress 1908 Gin expecting something floral or violet-flavored. This is a mixing gin with a strong emphasis on showmanship. First things first: That vibrant blue liquid is gin — not violet liqueur, not sloe gin, not something from the planet Zebulon. It’s a straight gin colored to be blue, thanks to the addition of butterfly pea blossoms to the distillate.