Taylor Swift & Empress 1908 Gin Love Story Contest

Taylor Swift is one of the most prominent American singer-songwriters of the 21st century. Her concerts sell out in record time, especially her latest Eras Tour. It began on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, and is set to conclude on August 17, 2024, in London, England. This concert spans over three hours, with a set list of 44 songs divided into 10 distinct acts.

Her fans are called Swifties, and they follow her on Taylor Connect – TC on taylorswift.com. This allows Swifties the opportunity to learn new things about their idol each day and connect with other fans.

Empress 1980 Gin – Photo Jill Weinlein

Concert-goers have been enjoying an Empress 1908 Gin cocktail called the Lavender Haze. It has become the go-to gin drink for it’s beauty and flavor and been a go-to cocktail for swifties. 

Empress 1908 Gin is made by Victoria Distillers in Victoria BC. What makes this gin so unique in its dark indigo color. When tonic water is added to the gin, the color magically turns into a stunning lavender color.

Victoria Distillers – Photo Jill Weinlein

Lavender Haze is made with Empress 1908 gin as the base, then a splash of elderflower tonic water, lemon juice, rhubarb bitters and Velvet Falernum (a sweet and spicy rum-based liqueur) is added.

During Swift’s “Love Story” performance, fairytales have come true for couples attending her concerts. Proposals during Taylor’s ‘Love Story’ have become a viral trend on TikTok and other social media platforms.

For couples ready to pop the question, Taylor Swift and Empress 1908 Gin have arranged a special cocktail at their future wedding celebration for ticket holders attending the Eras Tour on August 3 through August 5, plus August 8 and August 9, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Just snap a photo of your proposal and use #EmpressIDO and tag @empress1908gin. The first person to propose and share it with Empress 1908 Gin on Instagram may be a winner.

Iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel – Photo by Jill Weinlein

Last month I had the opportunity to tour Victoria Distillers while staying at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria B.C. During an elegant afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge of the hotel, I learned they serve a popular Blue Suede Shoes tea. What makes this tea different than others is that it has butterfly pea flower petals.

Years ago, when the team at Victoria Distillers tasted this tea, they thought it would be an interesting infusion with their handcrafted gin. Made in small batch copper-pot stills, the indigo blossom petals in the tea, turned their gin from clear to purple. They named this spirit – Empress 1908 Gin, after the hotel and the year it was built.

Elegant Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Empress Hotel Photo Jill Weinlein

The butterfly pea blossom balances the traditional citrus notes of the gin with a warm herbal earthiness. With a delicate aroma, soft texture, and remarkable presentation, Empress 1908 Gin is the perfect base for Swifties to enjoy Lavender Haze.

Empress 1908 Gin SRP: $39.99, 42.5% ABV.