Erich & Kallman Brings a "Splash of Color" to Empress 1908 Gin's Oscars Debut

Feb. 27, 2025

To match the glamour of the Oscars red carpet on March 2, award-winning, San Francisco-based agency Erich & Kallman AdAdge’s 2024 North American Small Agency of the Year–created a brand campaign for Empress 1908 Gin, the fastest growing and #1 ranked ultra-premium gin in the U.S. The :30 spot, entitled, “Splash of Color,” is Empress 1908 Gin’s award show debut and kickoff to the brand’s first-ever North America media campaign. 

The spot opens in black and white with a chic, well-dressed woman quietly making her way to the bar before ordering an Empress & Tonic. The bartender grabs a bottle of Empress 1908 Indigo Gin–the only visual in bright technicolor–and starts pouring. As soon as the gin hits the glass, the vibrant motion of colors swirl dramatically, changing the surroundings. As the woman turns to face the room, the crowd is now suddenly colorful, stylish, and elegant, with everyone enjoying their own vibrant and beautiful Empress 1908 Gin cocktails.

Eric Kallman, Co-Founder and CCO, Erich & Kallman said:

“The black and white opening offers timelessness, while the introduction of color through Empress 1908 Indigo Gin immediately takes us into the present, with an elegant, modern-day celebration. Since the ad is airing on Hollywood’s biggest night, we wanted it to reflect the height of glamour.” 

 

The new “Make Life Extraordinary” campaign from Empress 1908 Gin launches with a media buy around the 97th Academy Awards featuring the “Splash of Color” spot. The cinematic spot dramatizes and brings to life how Empress 1908 Gin inspires the extraordinary–elevating everyday experiences with its sophistication and distinctiveness, as the campaign continues across TV, streaming, digital, social, OOH, and print through 2025. 

Eric Dopkins, Founder and CEO of Milestone Brands said:

"Erich & Kallman didn’t just capture the look and flavor of Empress 1908 Gin — they brilliantly showcased how its striking presentation inspires a whole new style of cocktail creativity and enjoyment. For our Hollywood debut on the Oscars telecast, we wanted to create something that felt like a magnificent ode to cinema across the eras, which was achieved in a visually stunning way.”