Aviation American Gin
Aviation American Gin is a 750mL American gin bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof), built on a neutral grain spirit with cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper, and two kinds of orange peel. Created in Portland, Oregon, in 2006, it puts citrus and floral notes in front and juniper in the back. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 42% (84 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Botanicals: Cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper, sweet and bitter orange peel
- Production: Botanicals macerated 18 hours in neutral grain spirit before distillation
- Style: American gin — softer juniper, citrus and floral forward
- Origin: Created in Portland, Oregon, USA (2006)
A Botanical Democracy, Born in Portland
Aviation was created in 2006 by distiller Christian Krogstad and bartender Ryan Magarian — the first distiller-bartender partnership of its kind — and named for the pre-Prohibition Aviation cocktail. The brand calls its recipe a "botanical democracy": no single botanical, juniper included, is meant to dominate. Actor Ryan Reynolds took a stake in 2018 and remains its public face. See the range on the Aviation vendor page, or browse our gin collection.
Tasting Notes
The brand positions Aviation as smooth and balanced: citrus and floral notes forward from the orange peel and lavender, warm spice from cardamom and coriander, and a soft juniper base underneath.
How to Enjoy
It was named for a cocktail, so start there — an Aviation with maraschino and lemon — then try it in a softer, rounder Gin & Tonic. More American gins are in our gin collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ryan Reynolds create Aviation Gin?
No — distiller Christian Krogstad and bartender Ryan Magarian created it in Portland in 2006. Reynolds bought a stake in 2018 and became the brand's public face.
What proof is Aviation Gin?
84 proof (42% ABV), per the official Aviation site.
How is Aviation different from a London Dry?
Juniper is deliberately recessed: citrus, lavender, and spice lead, giving a softer, smoother profile than a juniper-forward London Dry.
Citrus and lavender over a soft juniper base — order Aviation American Gin online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
