At a party in Seattle in 2005, bartender Ryan Magarian tasted a gin with minimal juniper for the first time. That encounter sparked a collaboration with distiller Christian Krogstad that ended up reinventing what American gin could be.
Expert's description
Aviation American Gin is an American Gin distilled by House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon, and bottled at 42%.
Ryan Magarian and Christian Krogstad founded the gin in 2006 with a clear goal: to create a gin where juniper does not dominate but instead plays alongside the other botanicals in a more democratic balance, a style later known as "New Western" gin.
Botanicals such as cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla and two types of orange peel macerate for up to 18 hours in neutral grain spirit before the gin is distilled.
The gin became world-famous when actor Ryan Reynolds became co-owner and the face of the brand in 2018, bringing it to an entirely new audience far beyond the cocktail bar scene.
Tasting notes
Nose
The nose is floral and spiced with lavender and cardamom, backed by a light anise-like sweetness.
Palate
The palate is round and balanced with juniper in the background, spiced coriander and a delicate citrus tone from orange peel.
Finish
The finish is soft and lightly sweet, with a last trace of liquorice and anise.
Specifications
Name: Aviation American Gin
Distillery: House Spirits Distillery
Country: USA
Type: American Gin
ABV: 42%
Size: 70 CL
EAN no.: 853507000123
Serving suggestion: Negroni or Gin & Tonic with a slice of orange
Distillery: Aviation American Gin
Flavour profile
Floral · Spiced · Round · Citrus · Soft
Did you know?
Aviation Gin is considered one of the pioneers of the "New Western" gin style, where juniper is toned down in favour of a more balanced interplay between all the botanicals.
See our full range of Aviation
