Aviation Gin

Aviation American Gin. House Spirits Distillery, Portland, Oregon — the gin that defined the American New Western style, built around seven botanicals in equal balance rather than juniper dominance.

Aviation was created in 2006 by bartender Ryan Magarian and master distiller Christian Krogstad in Portland, Oregon, with a specific goal: build a gin that served cocktails better than traditional London Drys. Their answer was what they called "botanical democracy" — seven botanicals chosen to complement each other equally rather than leading with juniper. Every batch is distilled in small 100-case lots using a proprietary maceration process: botanicals steep in neutral grain spirit before redistillation in a copper pot still, producing a silky, refined spirit with exceptional mouthfeel.

The seven botanicals — juniper, French lavender, cardamom, sarsaparilla, coriander, anise seed, and dried sweet orange peel — create a floral, spiced profile unlike any London Dry. Juniper is present throughout but never dominates. The result is a more approachable gin for drinkers who find traditional styles too piney, while still satisfying gin purists who want complexity and craft.

Named after the classic Aviation cocktail (gin, maraschino, crème de violette, lemon juice), it's a gin built for mixing — but equally compelling sipped neat or on the rocks.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Aromatic and inviting — juniper opens with lavender and subtle citrus, backed by earthy sarsaparilla and a whisper of cardamom spice.
• Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with bright orange peel and cardamom upfront. Lavender and coriander carry through the mid-palate with light herbal complexity. Juniper builds quietly rather than leading.
• Finish: Long and moderately warm — floral and earthy spice notes linger with a hint of anise and a dry, refreshing botanical close.

Specs

• Distillery: House Spirits Distillery, Portland, Oregon
• Style: American New Western Dry Gin
• Botanicals: Juniper, French lavender, cardamom, sarsaparilla, coriander, anise seed, dried sweet orange peel
• ABV: 42% (84 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

Browse our full selection of gin at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does Aviation Gin taste like? Aviation has an aromatic nose of juniper, lavender, and citrus with earthy sarsaparilla. The palate is creamy with orange peel and cardamom upfront, floral lavender and coriander at mid-palate, and a long warm finish with anise and botanical spice.
• Is Aviation Gin a London Dry? No. Aviation is an American New Western-style gin. Rather than being juniper-dominant, it balances all seven botanicals equally — making it more floral, spiced, and approachable than traditional London Drys.
• What botanicals are in Aviation Gin? Juniper, French lavender, cardamom, sarsaparilla, coriander, anise seed, and dried sweet orange peel. They macerate in neutral grain spirit before redistillation in a copper pot still.
• What cocktails is Aviation Gin best in? Named after the Aviation cocktail, it excels in sour-style drinks like the Bee's Knees, Gimlet, and Southside. Its floral, balanced profile also works well in a G&T and Negroni.
• What is the ABV of Aviation Gin? 42% ABV (84 proof).