Description
The Botanicals:
Juniper: A classic ingredient in gin, juniper berries provide a complex flavour profile with notes of pine and citrus. We chose a subtle varietal that balances nicely with the other less traditional botanicals.
Grapefruit Peel: While lemon and orange are fairly traditional gin botanicals, we prefer grapefruit for its unique citrus flavour that’s both slightly bitter and suggestively sweet. It provides an aromatic, lively bright note that pairs very well with tonic.
Coriander Seed: A traditional gin botanical, coriander has hints of nut and spice that brings some warmth to the palette. Ours comes from India, and is a bit more citrusy than what’s typically used in gin.
Rose Petal: A traditional element, rose contributes to the softness and warmth of our gin, balancing out the spices with a lovely floral note. We use whole rose buds from India.
Cinnamon Bark: A more contemporary element, the essential oil from cinnamon bark provides a warm, spicy note that serves as a complement to the citrus and floral elements, and works with the ginger to provide a full spice element.
Ginger Root: Ginger is incredibly aromatic, with a peppery, slightly lemony flavour. It’s another component in the balancing act of botanicals that gives Empress its unique profile.
Butterfly Pea Blossom: We discovered the butterfly pea blossom in another tea blend at the Empress tea room. We chose this flower for its warm, herbal earthiness, and the softness it contributes to the texture. It plays a flavour role similar to that of angelica in other gins.
Fairmont Empress Blend Tea: The signature tea at the Empress Hotel, this blend is a selection of seasonal, quality teas from Assam, Kenya, South India, Ceylon, and China, created exclusively by the Metropolitan Tea Company. At once floral, fruity and oaky, it is one of the finest blends in the world.
