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 referred to as an "American dry gin", meaning the taste profile is less strongly juniper flavored than some other gins. It is produced by House Spirits Distillery. Seven flavoring ingredients are used in its production: juniper, lavender, sweet and bitter orange peel, cardamom, coriander, Indian sarsaparilla, and anise seed. Aviation American Gin is pot distilled twice and bottled at 84 U.S. proof. It is distributed nationwide in the United States and in 15 other countries, including Canada, Spain, the U.K., Ireland, France, Russia, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia. It was originally bottled in a wine bottle with a blue label. The newer bottle looks like a flask, and is reminiscent of the Art Deco period, with a black label and a silver cap. House Spirits Distillery sold the brand to Davos Brands, LLC, of New York in 2016, but House Spirits continues to be the gin's distiller, with production in Portland, Oregon.
History
The gin was named after a classic cocktail known as the Aviation. The Aviation was created in the early twentieth century by well-known bartender Hugo Ensslin, and published by him in 1916. It is traditionally made with gin, maraschino cherryliqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice. House Spirits Distillery sold the Aviation American Gin brand to New York-based distributor Davos Brands, LLC, in 2016, but as of early 2018 it continues to be distilled in Portland, by House Spirits. As of late 2016, Aviation Gin accounted for around 40 percent of House Spirits' production. ActorRyan Reynolds acquired a stake in the brand from Davos in February 2018.
Distillation
Seven ingredients are used for flavoring, which are steeped in grain spirit for 48 hours, then redistilled 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. Master distiller Christian Krogstad credits natural ingredients, and his still's low reflux, for Aviation's purported bright flavor.
