Aviation Gin: Crafting a New Era in American Spirits

Aviation American Gin was established in 2006 to change the entire concept of what gin could be forever with its innovative approach and flavor profile. Co-founded by distiller Christian Krogstad and bartender Ryan Magarian, the brand emerged from Portland, Oregon, bringing to life a gin that was not like all those traditional, juniper-heavy London Dry styles. Instead, Aviation Gin offers a balanced plethora of botanicals, positioning itself as a pioneer in the new western dry gin category.

Origins & Inspiration

The name Aviation Gin came from a classic cocktail, Aviation. This spirit concoction from the early 20th century usually consists of gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice. Not putting off the idea of making a gin that would work well in cocktails without overpowering them, Krogstad and Magarian worked to create a spirit that would be more harmonious with a botanical blend throughout. Ultimately, this process produced a gin that can move around as a base for many cocktails, both for the mixologist and for the consumer.

Botanical Composition

Aviation Gin sets itself apart from gin with unique combinations of botanicals that include:

• Juniper: Present but neither dominant nor overwhelming, other plant flavors can flourish.
• Lavender: Adds floral notes to enhance the aroma of the gin.
• Cardamom: Warm, spicy infusion to the profile.
• Coriander: Added citrusy and somewhat spicy nuances.
• Anise Seed: Gives soft licorice notes.
• Sarsaparilla: Like root beer, with a sweet earthy flavor.
• Orange Peel: Both sweet and bitter varieties add dimensions.

Purely mixing botanicals makes a smooth, balanced gin, where each ingredient contributes to a unified flavor experience.

Production Process

Aviation Gin is made from painstaking attentiveness:

1. Infusion: The botanicals are steeped in a neutral grain spirit to infuse all their flavors.
2. Distillation: The pot still, which is designed especially for this particular kind of infusion, distills the infusing spirit for the exact extraction of flavors.
3. Cut: Distillers always separate the “heart” of the distillate from the “heads” and “tails” before finishing a distillate for purity and quality.
4. Blending and Bottling: The heart cut is then blended with pure water and bottled as required proof.

This artisanal process is done in small batches to maintain uniformity and ensure quality control at every stage of the process.

Cultural Impact and Celebrity Endorsement

Having bought into Aviation Gin by actor Ryan Reynolds in 2018, the brand was propelled into international prominence. Humor coupled with celebrity appeal as an outcome of Reynolds’ involvement created huge visibility and sales for Aviation Gin. His creative marketing strategies characterized by smartness and rawness with the masses have further made Aviation Gin famous in pop culture.

Acquisition by Diageo

In a deal that saw the global beverage giant Diageo acquire Aviation Gin for as much as $610 million in 2020, the brand flaunted all its achievements and already its phenomenal effects in the spirits industry. New changes in ownership borne into it but have not deprived Aviation Gin of its inherited heritage for quality and innovation, as the gin continues in production with the early craftsmanship that had marked it.

Cocktail Versatility

Aviation Gin’s balanced flavor profile makes it a versatile ingredient in a variety of cocktails. Here are some popular cocktails that showcase its unique characteristics:

Aviation Cocktail
A classic blend of gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice, highlighting the floral and citrus notes of Aviation Gin.

Negroni
A balanced mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, where Aviation Gin’s botanicals complement the bitter and sweet elements.

Gin and Tonic
A simple yet refreshing combination that allows the smoothness and botanical complexity of Aviation Gin to shine.

Bee’s Knees
A delightful mix of gin, lemon juice, and honey, where Aviation Gin’s floral and citrus notes enhance the cocktail’s sweetness.

These cocktails not only highlight the versatility of Aviation Gin but also its ability to elevate traditional recipes with its unique botanical blend.

Aviation American Gin flies against traditional currents in the spirits industry and has established its niche in producing balanced, versatile gin. A brand that is still establishing its presence in the ever-changing face of gin consumption, it continues to benefit from its promise of quality, the innovative marketing approach it has been using, and its cultural relevance in the modern world. Thus, it is worth a mention for the connoisseur as well as the casual drinker.

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