EMPRESS 1908’s ORIGINAL GIN MAKES ITS DEBUT IN THE UNITED STATES: The Gin That Started It All Enters American Cocktail Culture

VICTORIA, B.C. (MAY 12, 2026) – Empress 1908 Gin, the United States’ top-ranked ultra-premium gin¹, proudly announces the first-ever U.S. availability of its signature Empress 1908 Original Gin. One of Canada’s first premium gins, Empress 1908 Original Gin features a distinctive botanical recipe developed by Victoria Distillers, one of Canada’s oldest artisan distilleries. It is a full-bodied, contemporary gin intentionally crafted with the finest ingredients to elevate both classic and bespoke cocktail creations.

This foundational expression, never before available in the U.S., helped pave the way for the brand’s award-winning lineup of spirits, including the iconic Empress 1908 Indigo Gin. Its complex flavor palette showcases ten exquisite elements, balancing familiar notes of juniper and citrus with unexpected elements like star anise and sarsaparilla. Botanical ingredients are lovingly distilled with pure Canadian water to create a premium gin ideal for effortless, elevated cocktails.

“Bringing Empress 1908 Original Gin to the U.S. reflects the brand’s foundational role in the gin category and how we have evolved over the years,” said Eric Dopkins, CEO and Chairman of Milestone Brands. “It’s the original gin that started the Empress 1908 journey, and we’re proud to introduce American consumers to one of our portfolio’s most versatile expressions for effortless cocktail creations.”

A staple spirit for professional bartenders and at-home mixologists, Empress 1908 Original Gin lends itself beautifully to a range of classic and contemporary cocktails – from timeless martinis and elevated Gin & Tonics to inventive serves like the Fan Tan Sidecar or the Kiwi Smash, which features muddled kiwis, pineapple juice, and elderflower liqueur.

“We’re thrilled to debut the Empress 1908 Original Gin recipe to the United States,” said Phil Lecours, Master Distiller at Victoria Distillers. “As our first, original spirit, it set the stage for everything we’ve built since. Crafted with care and the finest ingredients, it’s a true reflection of our approach to distilling.”

Empress 1908 Original Gin is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $39.99 for a 750ml bottle.