Aviation American Gin, also known as Aviation Gin, is a brand of gin first produced in Portland, Oregon, by founders Christian Krogstad and Ryan Magarian in 2006. It is owned by the British-based multinational alcoholic beverage maker Diageo.
 | |
| Type | Gin |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Diageo |
| Country of origin | Portland, Oregon, United States |
| Introduced | 2006 |
| Proof (US) | 84 |
| Website | www |
It is produced by House Spirits Distillery. Its distribution is nationwide in the United States and 15 other countries, including Canada, Spain, the UK, Ireland, France, Russia, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia. Originally, it was bottled in a wine bottle with a blue label. The newer bottle, introduced in 2013, looks like a flask and is reminiscent of the Art Deco period, with a black label and a silver cap. In 2016, the company and label were bought out by Canadian-American actor Ryan Reynolds, who became its new owner and primary spokesman and sponsor.
History
editHouse Spirits Distillery sold the Aviation American Gin brand to New York-based distributor Davos Brands, LLC, in 2016,[1] but as of early 2018, it continues to be distilled in Portland by House Spirits.[2] As of late 2016, Aviation Gin accounted for around 40 percent of House Spirits' production.[3]
Actor Ryan Reynolds acquired a stake in the brand from Davos in February 2018.[2][4] On August 17, 2020, Aviation was sold to Diageo, whose liquor lineup includes the gin Tanqueray, as well as Smirnoff vodka, and Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky. Reynolds still maintains an "ongoing ownership interest" in Aviation.[5]
Distillation
editSeven flavoring ingredients are used in its production: juniper, lavender, sweet and bitter orange peel, cardamom, coriander, Indian sarsaparilla, and anise seed,[6] which are steeped in grain spirit for 18 hours,[7] then re-distilled in a custom-built, 400-gallon pot still. Off the still, Aviation is about 140 U.S. proof, and deionized Cascade mountain water brings it down to 84 proof before bottling.[8]
Promotion
editIn a 2018 sketch promoting the gin, Ryan Reynold's fake twin brother, Gordon Reynolds, compared the taste of Aviation American Gin to "like a sunrise had sex with a feather duster".[9]
Reynolds promotes the gin in various films he stars in, including Red Notice and Deadpool 2.[10] Reynolds also promoted the gin in the football club that he owns, Wrexham A.F.C., with Aviation signing a sleeve and training kit sponsorship deal with the club.[11]
Awards and reviews
editWine Enthusiast magazine awarded Aviation American Gin a 97-point rating in 2012,[12] the highest rating the magazine has given to any gin.[2]
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Welcome desk at distillery, with cutout of Ryan Reynolds -
Bar at distillery -
Aromatics sampling space for tour -
Production stills -
Production stills -
Filling line -
Gin in storage at warehouse -
Bar in escape room themed as Ryan Reynolds's office on distillery tour
References
edit- ^ Rogoway, Mike (November 17, 2016). "Portland-based House Spirits sells flagship Aviation gin to Davos Brands". The Oregonian. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
- ^ a b c Butler, Grant (February 27, 2018). "Actor Ryan Reynolds buys a stake in Portland-made Aviation Gin". The Oregonian. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
- ^ Korfhage, Matthew (November 17, 2016). "Portland's Aviation Gin Just Got Sold Off to New York—Here's Why". Willamette Week. Portland, Oregon. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
- ^ Robehmed, Natalie (February 21, 2018). "Ryan Reynolds Buys Stake In Aviation Gin, Cashes In On Celebrity Liquor Rush". Forbes. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
- ^ Picchi, Aimee (August 17, 2020). "Ryan Reynolds' Aviation Gin sold to Diageo for up to $610 million". CBS News. USA. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
- ^ Kleinman, Geoff (January 9, 2013). "Top 10 New American Gins". Drink Spirits. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
- ^ "Aviation Gin Website". Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ "Aviation Gin: Production". Retrieved March 4, 2024.
- ^ "Ryan Reynold's 'Twin' Roasts His New Gin Company". 8 June 2018.
- ^ Hermanns, Grant (18 May 2022). "Ryan Reynolds Sneaks All 4 Of His Brands Into Deadpool 2 Movie Update". ScreenRant. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ "COMMERCIAL | Aviation American Gin extend commercial relationship with Wrexham AFC". Wrexham A.F.C. July 1, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
- ^ Newman, Kara (January 4, 2012). "Aviation Gin". Wine Enthusiast. Retrieved August 31, 2018.