People are always very curious about Empress Gin because of its intense, deep blue color. After all, there aren’t many spirits that look like Empress which makes everyone ask: what is this purple gin drink?
Well, it’s a gin made with 10 botanicals, one of which happens to be a purplish blue flower. Many assume it will taste sweet or like berries but these and most other assumptions are wrong.
So if you’re wondering what to do with Empress 1908, stick around. I will answer questions like: flavor profile, comparisons, and suggested uses for Empress 1908 Gin. And if you didn’t know about its super power, you’ll definitely want to watch the videos coming up later.
But first, let’s start with how Empress tastes all by itself.
What does Empress Gin Taste Like, Neat?
Empress Gin has a dominant citrus and juniper aroma with the suggestion of berries and spice. There is a hint of rose flavor but Empress is not a sweet or very smooth gin. Grapefruit, coriander and ginger mingle with a faint, unusual creamy vanilla flavor.
The tea botanical in Empress does not have a noticeable presence. Despite its violet color, Empress Gin is not a floral gin and follows the flavor profile of a London Dry Gin.
The Finish Notes
Empress finishes very warm and quite astringent before presenting final notes of coriander and cinnamon.
I would not consider this a sipping gin and opt to have it mixed in a cocktail.
What type of Gin is Empress 1908?
Empress 1908 is a Canadian craft gin produced in small batches. My bottle or what’s left of it, came from Batch 321. It is classified as a contemporary gin but surprisingly tastes much like a London Dry Gin.
You can learn about all the different gin styles on our homepage.
Why is Empress Gin 1908 Purple or Blue? (Butterfly Pea Gin)
Empress Gin is all natural and owes its purple color to the bright blue Butterfly Pea Flower grown in Asia. This edible flower is extremely versatile and has been used for many years as a natural coloring agent in cosmetics, foods and in the textile industry.
The Butterfly Pea Flower can be purchased in bulk (link to product) at a very reasonable price. So if you enjoy experimenting with gin flavors or natural food colorings, you can certainly add butterfly pea flowers to your list of botanicals. You can also use it to make your own blue gin from scratch.
Aside from being a suitable botanical for gin, butterfly pea flower makes an excellent tea which boasts of antioxidant properties. It has a mild sweetness and a gentle floral character.
Who might like Empress 1908 Gin? (Color Changing Gin)
Empress 1908 has an unusually beautiful jewel color which would look great at a special occasion like a baby shower bridal party or any event with a purple or lavender theme.
It’s also a popular gin if you’re looking to please a crowd by making a spectacular color changing cocktail. When citrus or tonic is added, the PH changes and the beautiful cobalt blue turns an equally beautiful pink.
It makes for a memorable cocktail and a fun surprise as most guests won’t be expecting the transformation. For that reason, Empress could be a great drink for a tricky gender reveal party.
To see an example of the color changing gin, check out our upcoming videos
Here is our easy Lemon Elderflower Soda Cocktail video:
Empress Gin and Tonic
Empress 1908 tastes very good in a Gin and Tonic. It benefits from the slight sweetness of tonic and some dilution. Our tonic choice for Empress 1908 is Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic.
If you just have regular tonic, that’s okay. Empress Gin loses it’s astringent finish when you add any tonic and I’m happy to report that it’s really quite good for a colorful gin and tonic.
Here is another video, you can see Empress 1908 change color from blue to pink when Fever-Tree light tonic is added. We compared it to Hendrick’s Lunar (which many people think to be blue).
Does an Empress Gin Martini Taste Good?
While it would certainly look gorgeous in a Martini glass, Empress Gin’s flavor is not a top choice for the classic gin Martini. The cinnamon, ginger and coriander notes of Empress, have a soft sweetness that is better employed elsewhere.
Perhaps a fruity, less traditional Martini would be interesting.
Is Empress Gin good for a Negroni?
A good Negroni needs to be strong and bitter. Empress has the juniper forward character needed for a fine Negroni but the sharp heat of Empress will make it an even more bitter.
The result will be an intense cocktail and that might be exactly what you’re looking for if you like your Negroni on the bitter side with a strong heated finish.
Empress Gin Cocktail Ideas
Our advice here is to enjoy Empress in cocktails that have some sweetener added to balance its strong alcohol taste. Think of mixed drinks such as a Tom Collins, a Gin Basil Smash, a Gimlet, a Southside or even an Aviation, or try one of these 3 Empress recipes.
All of the above are really good when made with Empress Gin and you get the added benefit of a colorful cocktail. This gives you plenty of opportunity to create some original cocktails and have fun with different garnishes.
Empress Gin vs Hendricks
Both Empress and Hendrick’s gin feature the botanical of rose. However, Hendrick’s Gin is far more floral in aroma and flavor compared to Empress. Empress Gin stays firmly in the citrus, juniper and spice realm.
And of course Empress is blue and Hendrick’s gin is clear.
Empress Gin vs Bombay Sapphire
Both Empress Gin and Bombay Sapphire Gin are citrus forward with noticeable heat. Empress Gin is less floral compared to Bombay Sapphire. They both make very good Gin and Tonics.
Bombay Sapphire is the best choice for a Martini because it works so nicely with vermouth.
Empress Gin vs Tanqueray
Tanqueray Gin and its four botanicals provide the quintessential piney aroma and flavor associated with gin. Empress 1908 does deliver the juniper, but not in a smooth way like Tanqueray.
Of course Empress is Blue, while Tanqueray has no bright color, flashy color changes or hints of vanilla, flowers and berries. That being said, Tanqueray will make the better Martini.
I think they are both good for Gin and Tonics.
Empress 1908 Gin Alcohol Content
Empress Gin has an ABV is 42.5% or 85 Proof. This number is surprising due to its powerfully astringent nose and flavor. You can see how that compares to 10 other gins in our Gin Brands ABV Table
Empress 1908 Calories
In one ounce, there are 70 calories. There is no added sugar in Empress Gin, so the only extra calories would be coming from your tonic or other add-ins.
If you buy a low sugar tonic, you could keep this drink under 100 calories for a 1 ounce serving.
Is Empress 1908 Gluten Free?
Empress gin It is derived from corn and its label states that it is gluten free. Here is an image of my bottle and label.
Empress 1908 Gin Price
Typically, Empress 1908 costs between $34.99-$39.99 USD. In the US, we find the price range acceptable as there are limited options for color changing gin.
Summary Opinion on Empress 1908 Gin
I think if you’re able to stock Empress Gin, you should. While Empress is not my go-to gin, it definitely has a special place in my home bar.
I don’t enjoy it neat for sipping. But, it makes a very good, eye-pleasing Gin and Tonic and every once in a while, I just find myself wanting an Empress G & T.
And since Gin and Tonic is a popular order for visiting guests, why not stock Empress 1908 and serve your guests something unexpected?
My bottle is nearly empty and I will definitely be restocking this one. Empress 1908 is a showstopper with its impressive color change and very good when mixed with other ingredients.
