Empire Gin is a dry English-style gin produced in Cape Town, South Africa, by a father-and-son team at a small local distillery. Made from neutral grain spirit, it is infused with carefully selected botanicals that pay homage to the origins of gin in the region, including juniper and angelica. The profile is fresh and balanced, with citrus, pine and earthy notes complemented by a distinct cucumber character. Bottled at 43% ABV in 750 ml format, it typically retails for about R425, or roughly $22–24.
I’m not sure I would say that Empire Gin is the gin of the British Empire that colonized South Africa. Instead it’s a thoughtful re-imagining through the lens of that historical botanical blend.