Aviation Gin
The initial impression is one of a soft, almost delicate sweetness, quickly followed by a beautiful bouquet of botanical notes
Type
Country
Producer
Featured Flavours
Alcohol %
42%
Serving Size
- 25ml
Suggested with
In Cocktails
Aviation Gin
Immediately distinguishes itself from traditional London Dry gins by presenting a taste profile that is remarkably smooth and floral-forward, with a deliberate step back from the as-expected juniper dominance. The initial impression is one of a soft, almost delicate sweetness, quickly followed by a beautiful bouquet of botanical notes. Expect prominent hints of lavender and cardamom, which lend a perfumed, yet grounded, elegance to the spirit. This isn’t an overwhelming floral essence, but rather a gentle and inviting aroma that sets a calming tone for the palate.
As it settles on the tongue, Aviation reveals its nuanced complexity. The usual sharp, piney juniper takes a backseat, becoming a supportive player rather than the star. Instead, brighter notes of orange peel or a subtle citrus zest emerge, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the floral and spice elements. There’s an underlying earthiness from sarsaparilla or similar roots, adding depth and a slightly dry, intriguing quality that prevents the gin from becoming overtly sweet or one-dimensional. This sophisticated blend creates a harmonious and remarkably balanced mid-palate.
The finish of Aviation Gin is exceptionally clean and lingering, with a gentle warmth that fades rather than stings. The floral and citrus notes persist softly, accompanied by a whisper of the earthy spices. It’s a remarkably smooth gin, designed to be sipped and appreciated for its intricate botanical balance. The absence of a harsh juniper “kick” makes it incredibly versatile, lending itself beautifully to cocktails where its unique profile can shine through without overpowering other ingredients, offering a modern, approachable take on the classic spirit
The history of Aviation Gin is a story of innovation in the gin category, a focus on the American palate, and a remarkably successful celebrity partnership. It diverges significantly from the traditional juniper-forward London Dry style that historically dominated the gin market.
Aviation American Gin was founded in 2006 in Portland, Oregon, by two individuals with a vision: distiller Christian Krogstad and bartender Ryan Magarian. Their collaboration was groundbreaking at the time, as it was one of the first direct partnerships between a distiller and a mixologist. Their goal was to create a “pre-Prohibition gin” that put the spirit back at the center of the drink, rather than being a hidden component masked by strong juniper. They were particularly inspired by the classic “Aviation Cocktail,” which lends the gin its name and served as a benchmark for their recipe development. They sought a more versatile gin, one that would complement cocktails without overpowering them, achieving a smoother, more subtle, and harmonious profile.
The gin’s formula was crafted to emphasize a balance of seven botanicals – juniper, lavender, sweet and bitter orange peel, cardamom, coriander, Indian sarsaparilla, and anise seed – where juniper takes a less dominant role. This “American Dry” style quickly garnered a following among bartenders and gin enthusiasts seeking something different from the prevailing European gins. Initially produced by House Spirits Distillery in Portland, the brand gained a cult status for its distinctive, less juniper-heavy botanical profile.
A significant turning point in Aviation Gin’s history came in 2018 when Canadian-American actor Ryan Reynolds acquired a stake in the brand and became its co-owner and primary spokesman. Reynolds’ involvement propelled Aviation Gin into the global spotlight through his characteristic witty and humorous marketing campaigns, often leveraging his personal brand and social media presence. This highly effective marketing strategy, combined with the gin’s unique taste, led to a surge in its popularity and sales.
In August 2020, Aviation Gin and the entire portfolio of its majority owner, Davos Brands, were acquired by Diageo, one of the world’s largest alcoholic beverage makers, in a deal valued at up to $610 million. Despite the acquisition, Ryan Reynolds maintained an “ongoing ownership interest” and continues to be the public face of the brand, cementing his long-term association with Aviation Gin. This trajectory highlights Aviation Gin’s journey from a craft, bartender-driven creation to a globally recognized premium spirit, demonstrating the power of a distinct product, strategic partnerships, and clever marketing in the modern spirits industry.
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Aviation American Gin has meticulously crafted a brand identity that thrives on its renegade spirit and a charmingly unconventional approach to a classic category. Far from the traditional juniper-forward gins, Aviation positions itself as the “American Dry” pioneer, a gin designed for balance and versatility, where a “botanical democracy” allows notes of lavender, cardamom, orange peel, and other botanicals to shine harmoniously without any single flavour overpowering the rest.
This distinctive flavour profile is not just a stylistic choice but a core tenet of its brand philosophy, appealing to consumers and bartenders alike who seek a smoother, more approachable gin that seamlessly integrates into cocktails, rather than dominating them.
The brand’s narrative is further elevated by its unique origin as a collaboration between a distiller and a bartender, a testament to its genuine roots in mixology, and has been catapulted into global recognition through the ingenious, self-aware, and often hilarious marketing campaigns fronted by co-owner Ryan Reynolds, making Aviation not just a gin, but a relatable, modern, and undeniably entertaining lifestyle choice.
