What makes Aviation unique from other gins??
First off, Aviation Gin is thought to be the first true partnership between distiller and bartender in American History, which facilitated the brands unique opportunity to gain "outside" insight on how it might work on the palate and in cocktails, by someone with an intimate understanding of the spirit outside of the distilling arena.
Secondly, Aviation is one of the first of an entirely new category of dry gins currently going under the designation; New Western Dry, for which we give the following definition:
This designation seems to have evolved over the past 8 years, as a result of efforts from both large brand houses and regional distillers in Europe and in the United States. In taking a good hard look at today's rather loose definition of dry gin, these distillers realized a greater opportunity for artistic "flavor" freedom in this great spirit and are creating gins with a shift away from the usually overabundant focus on Juniper, to the supporting botanicals, allowing them to, "just about", share center stage. And while the juniper must remain dominant in all dry gins to achieve definition, these gins are most certainly defined, not by the Juniper itself, but by the careful inclusion and balance of the supporting flavors, creating, what many experts believe to be, an entirely new designation of dry gin that deserves individual recognition.
As a New Western Dry Gin, Aviation takes advantage of the rich, floral and savory flavor notes of alternative botanicals such as Lavender, Cardamom, and Indian Sarsaparilla to capture the lushness, spice, creativity, and freshness of the Pacific Northwest.
Finally, the fellas found great inspiration in Dutch Gin or Jenever which, of course, predates today's popular dry gins and is rarely seen on our shores. Dutch Gin is less focused on Juniper than its dry counterparts, playing up the malty characteristics of the spirit itself and, is generally enjoyed neat in the same manner that one might enjoy a dram of whiskey. It is important to note, though, that Aviation is not a Dutch gin by definition, but simply a Dry Gin (which by American TTB guidelines states must be made with 100% neutral spirits infused with juniper and other botanicals) inspired by the full throttle Dutch Style of old. To them, this meant creating a full bodied product whose focus, once again, was not only on the juniper and citrus, but the botanical blend as a whole, allowing it to both mix seamlessly into gin cocktails and be enjoyed all by itself in it's natural state.
Where does the name Aviation come from??
While the gin, takes its name from the Aviation Cocktail which was invented by barman Hugo Ensslin, at New York's Hotel Wallick sometime during the early 20th Century, the reason behind its selection as the identity for this uniquely Northwest style of gin goes a bit deeper...
After 5 years "behind the stick", Aviation Gin Co-Founder Ryan Magarian, like so many of his industry peers, found himself stuck in a rut when it came to mixing with gin, using it, almost exclusively, for martinis and gin and tonics. This all changed, though, after a fateful trip to Las Vegas where, at Olives Restaurant in the Bellagio Hotel, he was first introduced to the Aviation Cocktail. He recalls this to be a pinnacle moment in the development of not only his passion for making cocktails, but understanding the true potential of one of the world's most fully flavored tipples; Dry Gin. The simple and unique balance of gin, maraschino liqueur, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, he says, "without a doubt, paved the way for a much deeper appreciation of the spirit and the reality that gin, in the hands of a passionate and well trained bartender, just might be the world's most mixable spirit."
When the time came to name the gin, Aviation was suggested by Ryan as, once again, it represented an awakening to the true mixability of the spirit. And after kicking the name around, the fellas agreed that it represented their combined desire for Aviation Gin to facilitate similar experiences for drinkers around the world.
What is the best way to enjoy Aviation Gin??
As with most dry gins, the trio feels Aviation shines brightest when properly mixed in classic and modern culinary cocktails. Aviation, in particular, works best in citrus accented drinks that play off its unique notes of lavender, cardamom, Indian Sarsaparilla, and anise seed.
Unlike most dry gins, however, Aviation's set's itself apart with its slightly subdued juniper and citrus presence against the back drop of creamy rye spirit, which makes it, uniquely, enjoyable all by itself, both ice cold and at room temperature.