Empress 1908 Original Gin is a small-batch, juniper-forward craft gin distilled in British Columbia at 42.5% ABV (85 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Scored 90 points by Wine Enthusiast and rated A ("Buy It Now") by Drinkhacker, which called it "a gin lover's gin" with "audacious but integrated" flavors, this expression stands as Victoria Distillers' foundational recipe — a clear, uncolored counterpart to the brand's more widely known Indigo bottling.

Quick Facts: ABV: 42.5%  |  Origin: Sidney, British Columbia, Canada  |  Style: London Dry–Inspired Craft Gin  |  Distillery: Victoria Distillers

Production & Heritage

Victoria Distillers produces Empress 1908 Original Gin in Sidney, British Columbia, using copper pot stills and a corn-based spirit. The recipe calls for 10 botanicals — including juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, star anise, and sarsaparilla — a broader botanical bill than the eight used in the Indigo expression. Master Distiller Phil Lecours, who has been part of the distillery's team since its founding, oversees production in small, hand-managed batches. Unlike its color-changing sibling, the Original contains no butterfly pea blossom, resulting in a crystal-clear spirit that lets the botanical interplay speak without visual distraction.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bold, resinous juniper leads immediately, followed by bright citrus — lemon and orange peel come through in equal measure. Deeper inhalation reveals a subtle anise undercurrent and faint earthy warmth.

Taste: The entry is clean and citrus-driven, with ripe grapefruit and lemon zest giving way to a dense juniper core at mid-palate. As it develops, layers of coriander seed, orris root, and a whisper of white pepper emerge, balanced by the sweetly spiced character of star anise and sarsaparilla. The mouthfeel carries a mild, almost malty weight that sets it apart from thinner gins in this price tier.

Finish: Long and elegantly dry, with juniper and citrus holding steady as earthy spice notes slowly fade. There is a lingering freshness that invites the next sip rather than overwhelming the palate.

How to Drink Empress Original

Neat or over a single large ice cube is the best way to experience the full botanical spectrum — the 42.5% ABV delivers enough presence without needing dilution, though a splash of cool water opens up the spice notes. This gin also performs exceptionally well in cocktails:

• Classic Gin & Tonic: The bold juniper and citrus peel stand up to tonic's quinine bitterness without fading into the background.
• Negroni: Star anise and sarsaparilla add an earthy complexity that complements Campari's bitter-orange character.
• Martini: The clean, resinous juniper profile and dry finish make this a textbook Martini gin — try it with a lemon twist to amplify the citrus.

Best For

• Gin enthusiasts seeking a juniper-forward, botanically complex craft expression
• Gifting to someone who appreciates small-batch, Canadian-made spirits
• Building a home bar anchored by a versatile, cocktail-ready gin
• Side-by-side tasting alongside the Empress 1908 Indigo Gin to explore the same distillery's range

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Empress Original taste like? Empress 1908 Original Gin is juniper-dominant with a bright citrus backbone of lemon and grapefruit, layered with earthy star anise, sarsaparilla, and a mild peppery spice. The overall character is bold and dry, with a smooth, lingering finish.

How does Empress Original compare to Bombay Sapphire? Both are citrus-and-juniper-driven gins, but Empress Original uses 10 botanicals (including star anise and sarsaparilla) versus Bombay Sapphire's 10, and runs at 42.5% ABV compared to Bombay Sapphire's 47% (or 40% in some markets). The result is a slightly rounder mouthfeel from Empress, with more earthy-spice complexity and less heat.

Is Empress Original good for sipping neat? Yes — the 42.5% ABV is approachable enough for neat sipping, and Drinkhacker specifically praised its integrated, well-balanced botanical layers, making it rewarding on its own without mixers.

Where is Empress Original made? Empress 1908 Original Gin is distilled at Victoria Distillers in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, on the Saanich Peninsula of Vancouver Island. All production takes place on-site using the distillery's copper pot stills.

What foods pair well with Empress Original? Fresh Pacific oysters highlight the gin's briny, citrus-forward character. Smoked salmon plays well against the earthy star anise and sarsaparilla. Aged Gruyère or Comté cheeses complement the dry spice notes. Lemon-herb roasted chicken mirrors the citrus peel botanicals. Dark chocolate with sea salt draws out the juniper's resinous depth.

What sizes does Empress Original come in? Empress 1908 Original Gin is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Empress Original worth the price? Empress Original positions as a mid-premium craft gin, sitting above mass-market London Dry labels but below ultra-premium single-estate bottlings. With a 90-point Wine Enthusiast score and an A rating from Drinkhacker, it delivers strong value for its tier and punches above many gins at a comparable price level.

Why Empress Original?

Where the Indigo expression draws attention for its color-changing spectacle, the Original earns its reputation on flavor alone. Drinkhacker called it the best gin Victoria Distillers produces — a "gin lover's gin" — and the 10-botanical recipe built around juniper, dual citrus peels, star anise, and sarsaparilla gives it a breadth most craft gins in this range do not attempt. The corn-based spirit distilled through copper pot stills provides a clean, slightly sweet canvas that lets each botanical register distinctly. For anyone who wants the substance behind the Empress name without the visual novelty, this is the bottle to reach for.