The Tea on Everyone's Favorite Purple Gin
It’s hard to miss the beautiful hues of purple sitting on any liquor shelf. Empress Gin is known for its delicate flavor and ability to make fun, colored cocktails. While consumers have only enjoyed this gin since 2016, which is rather new in terms of contemporary style Gin, the inspiration dates back to the Iconic Empress Hotel that opened its doors in 1908.
For over 100 years, royals, celebrities, and other notable figures frequented the Empress Hotel. Named after Queen Victoria, the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India, it’s no surprise that the hotel was most known for its afternoon tea.
In 2016, Victoria Distiller set out to make a modern gin with influence from their home region Victoria, Canada. What truly sets this gin apart beyond the butterfly pea blossom that gives Empress its gorgeous indigo hue, is a black tea. A signature tea served at the hotel, this blend adds a floral, oaky flavor to what has become one of the most recognizable gins on the market.
Botanicals
Taste Notes
- Citrus
- Floral
- Earthy
Drink of Choice
On the Rocks
So what’s so special about Empress beyond the spirits look?
Ironically enough, I see this gin being used to enhance the taste and look of craft cocktails, but Empress wins me over in a very simple way. As a religious gin drinker, this is one, time and time again, you can find me sipping on the rocks.
As a citrus forward gin lover, Empress not only carries citrus notes from grapefruit peel, but wins me over with the use of lavender. Lavender can be tricky as it holds a pungent floral taste and can easily overpower the rest of the botanicals, yet, this is a gin that holds a beautiful balance between citrus, floral, and earthy notes.
Brand: Empress 1908
Distiller: Victoria Distillers
