Aviation American Gin / 42% / 1.75l

Aviation Gin debuted in 2006 from House Spirit Distillery based in Portland, Oregon. Its name refers to the cocktail of the same name created by Hugo Ensslin.

Supposedly, this cocktail showed the “mixological” potential of gin to Seattle bartender Ryan Magarian. It was he, along with House Spirits owner Christian Krogstad, who developed the formula for the gin presented here. Davos Brands purchased the rights to the brand in 2016, but two years later its production returned to Oregon; at the same time, actor Ryan Reynolds acquired a stake in the venture. Aviation is promoted by its creators as a representative of “New Western Dry Gin,” a category that officially does not exist, although it is recognized by a group of fans of this drink (the difference is the much more delicate notes of juniper than in the standard London Dry). Aviation Gin is distilled twice with the participation of seven botanicals previously macerated in rye spirit: juniper berries, lavender, bitter and sweet orange peel, cardamom, coriander, anise, and Indian sarsaparilla. The gin is bottled at 42% ABV and presented in a bottle reminiscent of the Roaring 20s.

Aviation is indeed a departure from the "gin" standards; floral and quite spicy, with citrus notes and juniper pushed to the background. It tastes great in a Tom Collins cocktail and with tonic and a slice of lemon and lime.