Aviation American Gin

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Aviation Gin Logo

Exterior of Aviation American Gin Distillery and Visitor Center 02

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Welcome desk at Aviation American Gin Distillery and Visitor Center

Bar at Aviation American Gin Visitor Center

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Aromatics sampling space for tour of Aviation American Gin Distillery tour

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Aviation American Gin is an American brand of gin that was founded in Portland, Oregon in 2006. It is known for its distinctive flavor profile and has become a popular choice among gin enthusiasts and bartenders. The brand emphasizes its American roots and the craft distillation process that goes into producing each bottle of Aviation American Gin.

History

Aviation American Gin was created by bartender Ryan Magarian and distiller Christian Krogstad. Magarian, who was exploring the potential of gin beyond the traditional London Dry style, teamed up with Krogstad, who had founded House Spirits Distillery in Portland. Together, they sought to create a gin that reflected a more balanced and less juniper-forward flavor profile. This effort led to the development of Aviation American Gin, which was named after the classic cocktail, the Aviation Cocktail, highlighting the spirit's mixability and its intended use as a key ingredient in cocktails.

Production

The production of Aviation American Gin involves a careful selection of botanicals, including juniper, lavender, sweet and bitter orange peel, cardamom, coriander, Indian sarsaparilla, and anise seed. These botanicals are steeped in neutral grain spirit and distilled in a pot still. The distillation process is closely monitored to ensure that the final product achieves the desired balance of flavors.

Flavor Profile

Aviation American Gin is characterized by its smooth, balanced flavor. While juniper remains a component of its botanical mix, it does not dominate the flavor profile as it does in many traditional gins. Instead, the gin features a more pronounced presence of floral and citrus notes, with a clean, crisp finish. This makes Aviation American Gin particularly versatile in cocktails, allowing it to complement a wide range of mixers and ingredients.

Market Presence

Since its inception, Aviation American Gin has grown in popularity, both in the United States and internationally. Its distinctive bottle design and branding, along with strategic marketing efforts, have helped it stand out in the crowded gin market. In recent years, the brand gained additional visibility when actor Ryan Reynolds acquired an ownership stake in the company. Reynolds' involvement has been credited with boosting the brand's profile through various advertising campaigns and public appearances.

Acquisition by Diageo

In 2020, Aviation American Gin was acquired by Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, in a deal valued at up to $610 million. This acquisition has allowed Aviation American Gin to leverage Diageo's extensive distribution network, further expanding its availability around the world.

In Popular Culture

Aviation American Gin has made several appearances in popular culture, often associated with its co-owner Ryan Reynolds. The brand has been featured in various social media campaigns, often showcasing Reynolds' humor and the gin's versatility in cocktails.

See Also

• Gin
• Cocktail
• Distillation
• Portland, Oregon