Last Thursday night Andrew and I checked into the Fairmont Empress for the evening to attend the Empress 1908 Gin Launch Party. I have always wanted to stay at The Empress but never had a chance to so this was extra special for me especially because we got to stay in the newly renovated hotel rooms. The first thing I noticed when I stepped off the elevator onto the fifth floor was the ever expansive wide hallway with high ceilings. I don’t think I have ever stayed in a hotel with such wide hallways and high ceilings before. I was so anxious to check into my room, and I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the door because our room was massive with a giant king size bed, walk-in closet and a super deluxe bathroom with views of the city. I loved the decor in the newly renovated rooms because they still have a vintage touch with a modern twist.

After we checked into our room and got settled in we went down to the Q Bar to try out the new colour -changing Gin. We were greeted with Q 1908 Cocktails.

Q 1908 Cocktail:

2 oz Empress 1908 Gin               3/4 oz Lemon Juice

3/4 oz Simple Syrup                    3/4 oz Egg White

Dry Shake, without ice, to mix ingredients. Add ice and shake vigorously. Double strain into a coupe glass.

Q 1908 Cocktail available at the Q Bar and Restaurant Fairmont Empress

“The Empress 1908 is handcrafted by Victoria Distillers and mixologists from Fairmont Empress. Empress 1908 Indigo Gin marries crystalline Canadian waters with eight, all-natural botanicals: juniper, rose, coriander seed, grapefruit peel, ginger root, cinnamon bark and the Fairmont Empress Blend Tea. ”

Its trademark hue imbued by the infusion of butterfly pea blossoms.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

• All-Natural / 100% Authentic
• Empress 1908 Gin is infused with the vibrantly tinted butterfly pea blossom
• Gin color changes naturally with addition of citrus or tonic
• Handcrafted from 8 organic botanicals
• Traditional in flavor with forwarding juniper and grapefruit notes
• 42.5% Alc. / Vol. (85 proof)
• Gluten-Free
• Ultra-clean 96%, Non-GMO corn, spirit base
• 24-hour maceration of distilled botanicals
• Small batch size (240-gallon copper still)
• Made with pure Canadian water further polished with reverse osmosis

“Empress 1908 Original Indigo Gin is 100% authentic and all-natural. It’s infused with the vibrantly tinted butterfly pea blossom, adding a singularly distinct expression – an impossibly lush and vivid indigo blue, with a stunning secret to reveal; with the addition of citrus or tonic, Empress 1908 is transformed from its breathtaking indigo to a soft pink.”

“Empress 1908 is an original, shaping its story as a fearless provocateur, a mystery in a bottle. Handcrafted in small batch copper-pot stills, this is a gin with phenomenal depth and boldness of spirit. Gently refined, nuanced and enduring, Empress 1908 is the essence of Victoria.”

After we had some cocktails, we dove into this glorious chocolate display and ate cake.  “The Empress Torte is a rich chocolate cake featuring custom chocolate developed in France by our Executive Pastry Chef AJ Thalakkat, combined with hazelnut meal and a cassis center, beautifully topped with a chocolate replica crown of one worn by Queen Elizabeth II. ”

The cake was so good you have no idea. I ended up eating two pieces, and I honestly can’t stop thinking about it. I am already planning on going back there to buy a piece to take home because it comes in a beautiful cake box that can travel without refrigeration for up to four days.

I was able to take two pieces of cake back to our room in these beautiful boxes.

I had the best sleep in the giant king size bed with the luxurious bed sheets and ultra soft pillows. We were so comfortable lounging in bed, so we decided to order room service in the morning and eat breakfast in bed. Andrew ordered eggs Benedict, and I ordered avocado toast. We also ordered a small fruit salad, fresh juice, a smoothie, and coffee. It was such a luxury breakfast, and I truly enjoyed and savored every moment of it.