Empress 1908 Indigo Flavored Gin 750ml
DescriptionEmpress 1908 Indigo represents the original expression that launched a thousand color-changing cocktails, establishing this Victoria-based gin as one of the most recognizable spirits in the world. The distinctive indigo hue from butterfly pea blossom has made Empress a social media sensation, but beneath the visual spectacle lies a gin of genuine quality and complexity.
The butterfly pea blossom that provides the natural indigo color is more than mere theatrics - it adds subtle earthy notes that complement the gin's other botanicals. The complete recipe includes juniper, coriander, ginger, rose petals, lavender, and the Fairmont Empress tea blend, creating layers of flavor that reward attention. When acid is added through citrus or tonic, the pH-sensitive pigments transform the gin from deep indigo to pink or purple, creating cocktail magic every time.
Tasting Empress reveals substance beneath the style. The nose presents traditional gin aromatics enhanced by floral notes from rose and lavender. On the palate, juniper provides expected structure while the tea blend and butterfly pea add unique character - slightly earthy, subtly complex. The texture is smooth and refined, with botanicals well-integrated rather than competing. The finish is clean with lingering floral notes and gentle spice.
While the color-changing properties make Empress a natural for entertaining and social media, the gin's quality ensures it's more than a novelty. In classic cocktails, it adds both visual drama and flavor complexity. The transformation in a gin and tonic never gets old, while creative applications in layered drinks showcase its chameleonic properties. For those seeking gins that deliver both spectacle and substance, Empress 1908 offers a complete package - proof that sometimes style and substance can coexist beautifully.
