🥃 Aviation Gin
American gin, 42% ABV: juniper, cardamom, French lavender, sarsaparilla and two kinds of orange peel; Diageo agreed to buy it in 2020, with actor Ryan Reynolds keeping a stake.
Aviation American Gin is an American gin, 42% ABV (84 proof). According to the producer, its botanicals are cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper and two kinds of orange peel. The brand belongs to Diageo, and actor Ryan Reynolds is a co-owner.
History. In August 2020 Diageo announced the purchase of Aviation Gin and Davos Brands, its majority owner, for up to 610 million dollars: 335 million upfront and up to 275 million depending on performance over ten years. Reynolds, who provides creative direction, was to keep a stake in the brand. According to Diageo, at the time Aviation was the second-largest super premium gin in the USA, and its volumes grew by more than 100% in 2019.
How it is made. According to the producer, the botanicals steep in neutral grain spirit for 18 hours; the mixture is distilled with water in a steam-heated still, the middle part (the “heart”) of the run is kept, and the result is diluted to 84 proof.
Why it matters to you. Under US rules (27 CFR 5.144), gin must derive its main flavour from juniper berries and be bottled at no less than 40% ABV. The WHO reminds us that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health.
Facts
| Year founded | Diageo announced the purchase in August 2020; Ryan Reynolds co-owner |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | 27 CFR § 5.144 (USA): gin |
| Raw material | neutral grain spirit; cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper, orange peel |
| Distillation method | 18-hour steeping; distilled with water in a steam-heated still |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 42% ABV (84 proof) |
What it includes
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Aviation Gin → kind of → 🍸 Gin and juniper spirits → kind of → 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Previous step
- 🥃 Diageo
- What it contains
- 🧪 Water, 🍷 Ethanol
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🍸 Gin, 🍸 Gin and juniper spirits
- Related to
- 🌍 North America
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Hendrick's, 🥃 Tanqueray, 🥃 Aviation
Frequently asked questions
Does Aviation Gin belong to Ryan Reynolds?
He is a co-owner. In August 2020 Diageo announced the purchase of the brand and its majority owner Davos Brands; Reynolds was to keep a stake.
Which botanicals are in Aviation Gin?
According to the producer: cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper and two kinds of orange peel.
What is the strength of Aviation Gin?
42% ABV (84 proof), according to the producer.
How is Aviation Gin made?
According to the producer, the botanicals steep in neutral grain spirit for 18 hours, then the mixture is distilled with water in a steam-heated still and diluted to 84 proof.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🍷 Ethanol — The alcohol formed during fermentation that makes you drunk.
- 🌍 North America — US and Canada: 9.5 million US cows gave 232 billion lb of milk (2025); Wisconsin makes a quarter of US cheese; Canada runs on dairy quotas.
- 🥃 Tanqueray — A London dry gin founded in 1830 by Charles Tanqueray in Bloomsbury; now owned by Diageo and produced in Scotland.
- 🍷 Drunk driving — Never drive after drinking wine: alcohol slows your reactions.
Similar
🥃 Ginebra San Miguel · 🥃 Hendrick's · 🥃 Gordon's · 🥃 Bombay Sapphire · 🥃 Beefeater · 🥃 Crystal Head Vodka
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Aviation American Gin official site (42 % ABV; botanicals; 18-hour steep; steam-heated still; diluted to 84 proof; Diageo)
- Diageo press release, 17.08.2020: Diageo to acquire Aviation Gin and Davos Brands (up to $610 million; Ryan Reynolds co-owner; second-largest super premium gin in the US)
- 27 CFR § 5.144 Gin (US): main flavour from juniper berries; bottled at not less than 40 % ABV
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)