Aviation Gin. The name conjures images of classic cocktails, elegant gatherings, and perhaps, for many, the charming face of Ryan Reynolds. But beyond the celebrity endorsement, the sleek bottle, and the clever marketing, lies the fundamental question: Is Aviation Gin truly a good gin?
This article will explore Aviation Gin in detail, dissecting its flavor profile, examining its production process, comparing it to other gins on the market, and ultimately, helping you decide if this American dry gin deserves a place on your bar shelf.
The History of Aviation Gin: From Portland to Global Recognition
Aviation Gin wasn’t always the household name it is today. Its story begins in Portland, Oregon, in 2006, with a bartender named Ryan Magarian and a distiller named Christian Krogstad. They sought to create a gin that broke away from the juniper-heavy London Dry style, opting for a more balanced and nuanced spirit.
Krogstad and Magarian aimed to create a gin that highlighted the other botanicals, allowing them to shine alongside the juniper, rather than being overshadowed by it. This approach resulted in a gin that was smoother, more approachable, and, some would argue, more versatile in cocktails.
In 2016, Davos Brands, led by Andrew T. Chrisomalis, acquired Aviation Gin. This marked a turning point, bringing significant investment and a new direction in marketing and distribution. However, the formula and production process remained largely unchanged.
The pivotal moment came in 2018 when Ryan Reynolds acquired a stake in Aviation Gin. His involvement catapulted the brand to global fame, leveraging his social media presence and comedic genius to create memorable and often hilarious marketing campaigns. While Reynolds’ celebrity undoubtedly boosted sales, it also placed Aviation Gin under intense scrutiny. The pressure was on to deliver a product that lived up to the hype.
Unpacking the Flavor Profile: What Does Aviation Gin Taste Like?
Understanding the taste of Aviation Gin is crucial to determining its quality. It’s not a traditional London Dry Gin, so expectations need to be adjusted accordingly. The defining characteristic is its emphasis on botanicals other than juniper.
The key botanicals in Aviation Gin include juniper (of course), cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, and dried orange peel. This blend results in a flavor profile that is often described as floral, citrusy, and subtly spicy, with a noticeable sweetness compared to many London Dry gins.
The initial taste often reveals a bright citrus note, followed by the warmth of cardamom and coriander. The lavender adds a delicate floral aroma, while the anise seed provides a subtle licorice-like undertone. The sarsaparilla, though less prominent, contributes to the gin’s overall complexity and smoothness.
The juniper is present but plays a supporting role rather than dominating the palate. This makes Aviation Gin a good choice for those who find traditional gins too piney or overpowering.
Many find that Aviation Gin shines in cocktails where its subtle botanical notes can complement other ingredients. It works particularly well in drinks like the Aviation (naturally), the French 75, and other citrus-forward cocktails.
However, some gin purists may find Aviation Gin lacking in the robust juniper flavor they expect. If you prefer a classic London Dry style with a strong juniper presence, you might find Aviation Gin too subtle or even underwhelming. It’s a matter of personal preference.
The Production Process: From Grain to Glass
Aviation Gin is crafted in Portland, Oregon, using a meticulous production process. Understanding this process can provide insights into the gin’s quality and character.
The base spirit for Aviation Gin is made from rye. This provides a slightly spicy and grainy foundation upon which the botanicals are layered. The use of rye, rather than a neutral grain spirit, contributes to the gin’s unique character.
The botanicals are macerated in the base spirit for a specific period, allowing their flavors to infuse the liquid. This maceration process is crucial for extracting the essential oils and aromatic compounds from the botanicals.
Following maceration, the gin is distilled in a pot still. Pot distillation is a traditional method that allows for greater control over the final product. The distiller can carefully monitor the distillation process, making adjustments to ensure the desired flavor profile is achieved.
The distillation process is crucial for removing unwanted impurities and concentrating the flavors of the botanicals. Aviation Gin undergoes a careful distillation process to ensure a smooth and balanced final product.
After distillation, the gin is proofed down to the desired alcohol content (42% ABV) using pure water. No artificial flavors or colors are added. The final product is then bottled and labeled.
Aviation Gin vs. the Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
To truly assess Aviation Gin’s quality, it’s essential to compare it to other gins on the market. This comparison will highlight its strengths and weaknesses and help you determine if it’s the right gin for you.
Compared to London Dry Gins like Tanqueray or Beefeater, Aviation Gin is noticeably less juniper-forward. These traditional gins emphasize the piney, resinous character of juniper, creating a bolder and more assertive flavor.
Conversely, Aviation Gin offers a softer, more approachable flavor profile, making it a good option for those new to gin or those who prefer a less intense spirit. Its citrusy and floral notes make it a versatile choice for a wide range of cocktails.
Compared to other New Western or contemporary gins, Aviation Gin holds its own. These gins, like Hendrick’s, also emphasize botanicals other than juniper. Hendrick’s, for example, features cucumber and rose, while Aviation Gin showcases lavender and citrus.
The choice between Aviation Gin and other New Western gins ultimately comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer the cucumber and rose notes of Hendrick’s, or the lavender and citrus notes of Aviation Gin?
Price is also a factor. Aviation Gin is typically priced in the mid-range, making it an accessible option for many consumers. It’s not the cheapest gin on the market, but it’s also not the most expensive. Its price point reflects its quality and the brand’s marketing efforts.
Who is Aviation Gin For? Determining Your Own Preferences
Ultimately, whether Aviation Gin is “good” is subjective. It depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a gin.
If you enjoy traditional London Dry Gins with a strong juniper flavor, you might find Aviation Gin too subtle or even disappointing. However, if you prefer a smoother, more balanced gin with prominent citrus and floral notes, Aviation Gin could be an excellent choice.
Aviation Gin is particularly well-suited for those who are new to gin or those who find traditional gins too harsh. Its approachable flavor profile makes it an easy introduction to the world of gin.
It’s also a great option for cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different flavors. Aviation Gin’s versatility allows it to shine in a wide range of cocktails, from classic recipes to modern creations.
If you’re simply curious about trying a gin that has gained significant popularity in recent years, Aviation Gin is certainly worth a try. Its unique flavor profile and clever marketing have made it a cultural phenomenon.
Cocktails to Showcase Aviation Gin
To truly appreciate Aviation Gin, it’s essential to try it in a variety of cocktails. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- The Aviation: This classic cocktail, from which the gin takes its name, showcases the gin’s floral and citrus notes. It typically includes gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice.
- French 75: This bubbly cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. Aviation Gin’s subtle botanical notes complement the citrus and sparkling wine perfectly.
- Gin and Tonic: A simple yet refreshing classic. Use a high-quality tonic water and garnish with a lime wedge to enhance the gin’s citrusy notes.
- Negroni: For a bolder option, try Aviation Gin in a Negroni, equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The gin’s smoothness can balance the bitterness of the Campari.
- Martini: While Aviation Gin isn’t a traditional choice for a Martini, it can be used to create a softer, more approachable version. Experiment with different ratios of gin to dry vermouth to find your preferred balance.
Experimenting with different cocktails is the best way to discover Aviation Gin’s versatility and how it complements various flavors.
The Verdict: Is Aviation Gin Worth the Hype?
So, is Aviation Gin a good gin? The answer is a resounding “it depends.” It depends on your personal preferences, your expectations for a gin, and how you plan to use it.
If you’re a juniper purist, Aviation Gin might not be for you. However, if you appreciate a smoother, more balanced gin with prominent citrus and floral notes, it’s definitely worth a try.
Aviation Gin’s success is due in part to its clever marketing and celebrity endorsement. But beyond the hype, it’s a well-crafted gin with a unique flavor profile that appeals to a wide audience.
Ultimately, the best way to decide if Aviation Gin is right for you is to try it for yourself. Purchase a bottle, experiment with different cocktails, and see if its flavor profile aligns with your preferences. You might just discover your new favorite gin.
Is Aviation Gin truly a distinct style of gin, and how does it differ from London Dry Gin?
Aviation Gin is considered a New Western or American Dry gin, departing from the juniper-forward profile of London Dry gins. While juniper is still present, it’s intentionally subdued, allowing other botanicals like lavender, cardamom, coriander, and sarsaparilla to take center stage. This creates a more balanced and floral spirit, less reliant on the piney juniper notes that define the classic London Dry style.
The shift towards a more balanced flavor profile makes Aviation Gin a popular choice for those who find traditional gins too assertive. The less prominent juniper allows the other botanicals to shine, offering a smoother and more approachable drinking experience. This characteristic has broadened gin’s appeal, attracting drinkers who might have previously shied away from the spirit.
What are the key botanicals that define Aviation Gin’s flavor profile, and what role does each play?
Aviation Gin uses a blend of seven botanicals: juniper, cardamom, coriander, lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, and orange peel. Juniper provides the foundational gin flavor, albeit in a muted form. Cardamom adds a spicy warmth and aromatic complexity, while coriander contributes a citrusy and earthy note.
Lavender offers a floral and delicate fragrance, creating a softer edge to the gin. Anise seed provides a subtle licorice-like sweetness and depth, while sarsaparilla introduces a unique root beer-like earthy sweetness. Finally, orange peel contributes a bright and zesty citrus element, rounding out the overall flavor profile.
How does Aviation Gin perform in classic gin cocktails like a Gin & Tonic or Martini?
In a Gin & Tonic, Aviation Gin’s balanced botanical profile allows the tonic water to complement the gin’s flavors rather than overpowering them. The lavender and cardamom notes shine through, offering a refreshing and aromatic twist on the classic G&T. It creates a gentler experience compared to the juniper-heavy punch of a London Dry gin.
For a Martini, Aviation Gin provides a less aggressive juniper base, resulting in a smoother and less intensely flavored Martini. While some Martini purists may prefer the bolder juniper of a London Dry, Aviation Gin offers a more subtle and nuanced drinking experience, allowing the vermouth to play a more prominent role in the cocktail.
Is Aviation Gin considered a high-quality gin by industry experts and critics?
Aviation Gin receives mixed reviews from industry experts and critics. Some praise its innovative approach to gin making and its appeal to a wider audience, appreciating its balanced and approachable flavor profile. It has won numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as a well-crafted spirit.
However, other critics find it lacking the traditional juniper punch expected in a gin, considering it almost vodka-like in its subdued juniper presence. This perception can lead to criticisms of it not being a “true” gin in the classic sense, although this depends largely on individual preferences.
How did Ryan Reynolds’ ownership impact Aviation Gin’s brand and popularity?
Ryan Reynolds’ acquisition of Aviation Gin in 2018 had a significant impact on the brand’s visibility and popularity. His clever marketing campaigns and witty social media presence injected a playful and humorous personality into the brand, resonating with a broad audience. Reynolds leveraged his celebrity status to amplify Aviation Gin’s brand awareness.
The partnership resulted in a surge in sales and brand recognition. Reynolds’ unconventional and often self-deprecating marketing strategies were highly effective in attracting new customers and establishing Aviation Gin as a modern and approachable spirit, moving away from the often-stuffy image of traditional gin brands.
Where is Aviation Gin distilled, and how does its production process contribute to its unique flavor?
While originally produced at House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon, Aviation Gin is now distilled by Diageo. The production process involves a meticulous maceration and distillation method. The blend of seven botanicals is carefully macerated in neutral grain spirit, allowing the flavors to infuse before distillation.
The spirit undergoes a precise distillation process that aims to extract the desired flavors while minimizing any harshness. This careful process is crucial for achieving the smooth and balanced flavor profile that defines Aviation Gin, ensuring the delicate botanicals are highlighted without overpowering the overall character of the gin.
What are some recommended cocktails beyond the Gin & Tonic and Martini that showcase Aviation Gin’s versatility?
Aviation Gin’s balanced profile makes it suitable for a variety of cocktails. The Aviation cocktail, a classic featuring gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice, is a natural fit, highlighting the gin’s floral notes. A French 75, with gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup, also benefits from the gin’s balanced botanicals.
Other excellent choices include the Negroni, where Aviation’s less assertive juniper allows the Campari and sweet vermouth to shine, and a Cucumber Gimlet, where the gin’s delicate flavors complement the fresh cucumber. Experimenting with citrus-forward cocktails is also recommended, allowing the other botanical elements to play well with the citrus notes.