Empress Gin

After a lovely weekend away, it was time to fly home. I always arrive at the airport early in order to avoid stress or surprises and to give myself plenty of time to go through the security. This time, there was almost nobody in the line at the Victoria airport (Vancouver Island), so I had lots of time to walk around. While checking out the stores, I stumbled onto the outlet of the Empress gin purveyors, and I treated myself to a nice tasting. This gin is made in Victoria, it is infused with a black tea that is served at the Empress hotel, butterfly pea blossom is added, as well as a mix of herbs and spices, and of course special juniper berries which gave gin its signature flavour. It is made in small batch copper pot sills. The result is an exquisite beverage of a beautiful indigo colour, smooth, balanced, delicate yet with a character. It only took one sip for it to become my favourite gin. The clerk at the store offered me some recipes for good cocktails but I believe that this special gin needs to be sipped by itself so the gorgeous flavours are not lost in the mix. If you are ever in Victoria, you must try it. I highly recommend it.