Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose

1908 Elderflower Rose is a British Columbia gin from Empress, bottled at 42.5% ABV. It belongs to the contemporary, floral end of the gin spectrum rather than the juniper-forward London dry style. The two named botanical themes are elderflower and rose. Expect a perfumed, soft-edged nose with floral sweetness up front. A gin like this usually keeps juniper in a supporting role, so the pine and resin that define a classic dry gin sit in the background. On the palate, expect elderflower's lychee-and-pear character to lead, with rose adding a gentle, petal-like lift rather than a heavy potpourri note. Floral gins tend to taste rounder and less sharp than citrus-driven ones. That makes this a good pick for people who find traditional dry gin too piney, and a useful contrast in a collection that already has a London dry on the shelf. The Gin & Tonic is the most natural serving. Use a balloon glass or a tall highball filled with plenty of ice, and pour a light tonic so it doesn't overpower the florals. A neutral or lightly sweet tonic suits this style better than a bitter, quinine-heavy one. A grapefruit peel, a thin cucumber ribbon or a sprig of mint all work as garnish. A fresh lemon twist expressed over the glass also suits the floral profile. Start at about 1 part gin to 2 or 3 parts tonic and adjust to taste. In a Tom Collins, the elderflower and rose pair well with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and soda over ice. The result is a lightly perfumed take on the classic. In a Martini, a floral gin works best stirred with dry vermouth in a ratio on the drier side, so the botanicals aren't buried. Garnish with a lemon twist rather than an olive. A Negroni is possible, but the delicate florals can be overwhelmed by Campari's bitterness. If you try it, use a lighter, softer vermouth and an orange peel. Chill the gin in the freezer if you plan to serve it neat or in a Martini.