Empress gin is a unique gin that incorporates the flavor of lavender. This distinctive gin was first created in Victoria, British Columbia by Victoria Distillers in 2017. Since its launch, Empress gin has become popular worldwide for its distinctive color and taste.
But what exactly gives Empress gin its signature lavender flavor? And how did the creators come up with the idea for a lavender gin in the first place? Keep reading to learn more about the history and production process behind Empress gin and its characteristic lavender infusion.
What is Empress Gin?
Empress gin is a premium gin that gets its light purple color and flowery aroma from the addition of lavender and butterfly pea blossoms during the distillation process. In addition to the lavender and butterfly pea blossoms, Empress gin is distilled using a blend of classic gin botanicals including juniper, coriander seed, grapefruit peel, and ginger.
The lavender and butterfly pea blossoms provide Empress gin with its distinctly smooth, floral taste. When mixed with tonic water, Empress gin turns a vibrant shade of purple.
History of Empress Gin
Empress gin was created by Victoria Distillers, a small-batch distillery located in Victoria, British Columbia. The distillery was founded in 2014 by Peter Hunt, a local farmer and businessman passionate about making world-class craft spirits.
Hunt worked with distiller Sebastian De Haan to develop Empress 1908 gin. The number 1908 in the name refers to the year that the legendary Empress Hotel opened in Victoria. Infusing gin with lavender was intended as a nod to Victoria’s elegant Victorian era and local floral bounty.
Empress gin was an immediate success when it launched in 2017, winning “World’s Best Flavoured Gin” at the World Gin Awards that same year. Demand continues to grow worldwide as the gin receives accolades and attention for its unique flavor profile.
The Distillation Process
Empress 1908 gin is distilled using a custom copper pot still nicknamed “Victoria.” The base spirit is first distilled from grain grown on Vancouver Island. Once distilled, it is then infused with the botanical blend, including locally sourced lavender and rare butterfly pea blossoms.
The butterfly pea blossoms must be harvested by hand and immediately dried to preserve their vibrant blue color. When soaked in the gin, they impart a light purple hue. But the color isn’t just for show – the blossoms also enhance the flavor with delicate floral notes.
In total, Empress gin contains eight botanicals. The full list includes:
– Juniper Berries – The quintessential gin botanical, juniper provides the backbone of the spirit’s flavor.
– Coriander Seed – This warm, citrusy spice balances the herbal notes.
– Grapefruit Peel – Bright, tangy grapefruit enhances the gin’s complexity.
– Ginger – Ginger adds a subtle kick of heat.
– Lavender – Locally grown lavender from British Columbia lends its iconic floral aroma.
– Rose Petals – Rose petals contribute a soft, perfumed bouquet.
– Cucumber – Cooling cucumber provides an unexpected twist.
– Butterfly Pea Blossoms – These colorful blossoms impart Empress gin’s signature purple hue and delicate flavor.
It takes just the right proportions of each botanical to achieve Empress gin’s perfectly balanced flavor profile. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret known only to the distillers themselves.
The Lavender Factor
So what about the lavender gives Empress gin such a distinctive essence? Let’s take a closer look at this iconic botanical.
Lavender Fields on Vancouver Island
The lavender used in Empress 1908 gin is sourced from lavender fields right on Vancouver Island. The island’s warm summer days and cool nights provide ideal growing conditions for lavender to thrive.
The lush purple waves of the lavender fields even inspired the gin’s color and name. Empress gin is meant to evoke the feeling of sipping a cocktail on the terrace of the stately Empress Hotel overlooking Victoria’s beautiful inner harbour.
Lavender’s Flavor Contribution
Lavender brings its trademark sweet, floral, herbaceous fragrance to Empress gin. The flower’s aroma translates into a smooth, delicate flavor that gives Empress gin its light, silky texture on the palate.
Yet lavender can be a tricky botanical to balance. Used in excess, its perfume might overwhelm the other ingredients. The master distillers tweak the formula until just the right amount of lavender remains to complement the other botanicals. Too much would make the gin taste soapy, while too little would prevent the lavender’s influence from shining through.
The Color Impact
In addition to its scent and taste, lavender also subtly enhances the purple color of Empress gin. Lavender flowers contain anthocyanin pigments that tint the gin a pale lilac. When combined with the butterfly blossoms, it creates a soft violet hue unlike any other gin on the market.
The alluring color has become a signature part of the Empress gin experience. It looks stunning in the glass and transforms cocktails into an appealing purple elixir. The color also provides a visual cue for the flavor, preparing drinkers for the light and floral taste profile.
Cocktails and Mixes with Empress Gin
Empress gin was made for sipping either neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails that allow its flavor and color to shine. Here are some recommended ways to enjoy this one-of-a-kind gin:
Gin and Tonic
The classic Choice for any gin. Empress Gin creates a light purple gin and tonic when mixed with tonic water. The floral gin pairs perfectly with the bitter bite of quinine. Squeeze in a wedge of lime for an added tang.
Empress 1908 Martini
A crisp and floral twist on the classic martini.
– 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
– 1 oz Dry Vermouth
– Lemon twist garnish
Stir the gin and vermouth together in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Violet Hour
Empress Gin and violet liqueur come together in this delicate springtime cocktail.
– 1.5 oz Empress 1908 Gin
– .75 oz Violet Liqueur such as Creme Yvette
– .75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
– .5 oz Simple Syrup
– Lemon twist garnish
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Empress Mojito
Lavender and mint make the perfect partners in this refreshing mojito riff.
– 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
– .75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– .5 oz Simple Syrup
– 8-10 Mint Leaves
– 4 Lavender Sprigs
– Soda Water
Muddle mint and lavender in a glass. Add ice, gin, lime juice and simple syrup. Top with soda water and stir. Garnish with lavender sprig.
Empress Negroni
The Empress Negroni subs in floral gin for classic gin or Campari in the beloved Italian cocktail.
– 1 oz Empress 1908 Gin
– 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
– 1 oz Campari
– Orange twist garnish
Stir ingredients together in a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with orange twist.
Where to Buy Empress Gin
Part of the mystique surrounding Empress Gin is its limited production and availability. The small craft distillery only creates enough Empress 1908 Gin to meet demand each year. This keeps batches restricted and availability exclusive.
Here are some tips for getting your hands on a bottle of the coveted lavender gin:
Liquor Stores
Check with top shelf liquor retailers in your area to see if they carry Empress Gin. Its growing popularity means it’s easier to find in major metropolitan areas. You can also ask store owners to order a bottle specially.
Empress 1908 Gin Website
Order directly from the distillery at www.empressgin.com. They ship Empress Gin to select states in the US and provinces within Canada.
Online Spirits Retailers
Websites like ReserveBar.com, Caskers.com and Flaviar.com carry Empress 1908 Gin stock for online ordering and delivery in many locations.
Victoria, British Columbia
Visit the Empress 1908 Gin distillery tasting room in Victoria for cocktails, bottle purchases and distillery tours. Check their website for hours and availability.
Canada
Within Canada, Empress 1908 Gin is sold through provincial liquor boards and in liquor stores nationwide. Check online for store listings in your province.
United Kingdom/Europe
Empress Gin recently launched in global travel retail in the UK and Europe. Check duty free shops when traveling internationally.
Conclusion
Empress 1908 Gin stands out for its gorgeous color, smooth floral taste and storied roots in Victoria, British Columbia. The addition of locally harvested lavender and rare butterfly pea blossoms provide Empress Gin with its signature flavor, appearance and connection to place.
Sipping Empress Gin is an experience for the senses between its alluring violet hue, aroma and taste. The limited production gin also carries intrigue as a coveted craft spirit that is difficult to find, but worth seeking out. Empress Gin adds a touch of sophistication and wonder to any gin lover’s home bar collection.