Aviation American Gin is America's original craft gin, created in Portland, Oregon, by bartender Ryan Magarian and master distiller Christian Krogstad, a softer, smoother gin with juniper in the background and floral and citrus notes up front, bottled at 84 proof (42% ABV).
Created in 2006, Aviation helped define the American New Western style of gin, built around a balanced set of botanicals rather than juniper dominance, and it was the culmination of its creators' quest for a more versatile and mixable gin. It is named after the classic Aviation cocktail, and every bottle is handcrafted in small 100-case batches by a dedicated team of distillers in Portland.
Like the world's finest gins, Aviation uses a proprietary maceration recipe. Its botanicals, cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper and two kinds of orange peel, are suspended in neutral grain spirit for 18 hours, then the macerate is distilled with pure water. The distillers remove the heads and collect the heart of the spirit over about seven hours, until the heart cut reaches 142 proof, before blending with pure water to 84 proof.
The nose opens with juniper, soft lavender and an undertone of sweet citrus. The palate is smooth and silky, with juniper, cardamom and lemon zest, and the finish is long and moderately warm, with floral and earthy spice notes, a hint of anise and a dry, refreshing botanical close.
Approachable for drinkers who find traditional gins too piney while satisfying purists, it is made for an Aviation cocktail with maraschino, crème de violette and lemon, a Martini or a Gin & Tonic.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Juniper, lavender, sweet citrus.
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Palate: Silky; juniper, cardamom, lemon zest.
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Finish: Floral, earthy spice, anise, dry.
Specifications
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Origin: Portland, Oregon
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Creators: Ryan Magarian and Christian Krogstad
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Botanicals: Juniper, cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise, sarsaparilla, two orange peels
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Style: American New Western gin
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Proof / ABV: 84 proof (42% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Mix an Aviation cocktail, stir a Martini, or make a Gin & Tonic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Aviation?
Bartender Ryan Magarian and master distiller Christian Krogstad in Portland.
What style is it?
American New Western, with juniper in balance with florals and citrus.
What are the botanicals?
Juniper, cardamom, coriander, lavender, anise, sarsaparilla and orange peel.
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