Empress 1908 Indigo Gin

Empress 1908 Indigo Gin. Victoria Distillers, Victoria, British Columbia — the original color-changing gin, naturally tinted indigo blue by butterfly pea blossom, which transforms to soft pink with the addition of citrus or tonic.

Empress 1908 is named after the Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia — a landmark built in 1908 and famous for its grand afternoon tea service. That heritage is baked into the gin itself: the hotel's own signature Empress Tea blend is one of eight botanicals, contributing a subtle earthy depth and tannin structure that you don't find in other gins. Victoria Distillers produces it in small batches using a copper pot still, with all botanicals being organic and the base spirit derived from non-GMO corn.

The indigo color comes entirely from an infusion of butterfly pea blossom — no artificial dyes. The color shift when citrus is added is a result of the flower's natural pH sensitivity. Beyond the visual drama, Empress 1908 is a genuinely well-made contemporary gin: juniper-forward enough to satisfy gin traditionalists, with grapefruit peel, rose petal, ginger, and cinnamon adding brightness, florality, and spice. It's equally compelling in a classic G&T, a gin sour, or poured neat over ice where the color spectacle can be fully appreciated.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Citrus pith and bitter root upfront, with juniper, grapefruit peel, and a floral lift from rose petal and butterfly pea blossom. Hints of ginger and cinnamon spice in the background.
• Palate: A slightly sweet violet perfume leads into a round, glycerol mouthfeel. Juniper anchors the mid-palate alongside grapefruit, coriander, and warm ginger. Cinnamon adds spice depth.
• Finish: Smooth and medium-length with lingering floral and citrus notes and a soft herbal warmth.

Specs

• Distillery: Victoria Distillers, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
• Style: Contemporary Gin
• Botanicals: Juniper, grapefruit peel, coriander seed, rose petal, ginger root, cinnamon bark, Empress Tea blend, butterfly pea blossom (color agent)
• Base Spirit: Non-GMO corn
• ABV: 42.5% (85 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is Empress 1908 Gin blue? The indigo color comes entirely from an infusion of butterfly pea blossom, a natural botanical with no artificial dyes involved. When citrus juice or acidic tonic is added, the gin's pH changes and the color shifts from indigo to soft pink or lavender.
• What does Empress 1908 Gin taste like? Citrus pith and grapefruit peel on the nose with rose petal and juniper. The palate is round and slightly floral with juniper, grapefruit, coriander, ginger, and cinnamon. The finish is smooth with lingering citrus and floral warmth.
• What are the botanicals in Empress 1908 Gin? Eight organic botanicals: juniper, grapefruit peel, coriander seed, rose petal, ginger root, cinnamon bark, the Empress Hotel's signature tea blend, and butterfly pea blossom for the natural color.
• What cocktails is Empress 1908 best in? The color transformation makes it exceptional in a G&T or a gin sour with citrus — the visual effect alone makes it a conversation piece. It also works well in a gin fizz, spritz, or served neat over ice.
• Where is Empress 1908 Gin made? At Victoria Distillers in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada — named in honor of the historic Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, built in 1908.