Is Aviation Gin Good?
Aviation American Gin is a craft gin brand that has gained a significant following in the past few years. With its unique blend of botanicals and distinct flavor profile, many gin enthusiasts are curious about whether Aviation Gin is worth trying. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Aviation Gin, exploring its history, ingredients, taste, and overall quality to help you decide whether it’s a good fit for your gin-loving heart.
History of Aviation Gin
Aviation Gin was founded in 2006 by Ryan Cameron and Christian Krogstad in Portland, Oregon. The brand was named after the classic Aviation cocktail, which features gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice. The founders’ goal was to create a gin that would stand out from the crowd, with a unique blend of botanicals and a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
Ingredients and Botanicals
Aviation Gin is made with a proprietary blend of 14 botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander, cardamom, orange peel, lavender, and lemon peel, among others. The brand uses a combination of traditional and non-traditional botanicals to create a complex and interesting flavor profile.
Here are the 14 botanicals used in Aviation Gin, in the order of their importance:
| Botanical | Importance |
|---|---|
| Juniper Berries | High |
| Coriander | High |
| Cardamom | High |
| Orange Peel | Medium |
| Lavender | Medium |
| Lemon Peel | Medium |
| Angelica Root | Low |
| Orris Root | Low |
| Cassia Bark | Low |
| Cinnamon Bark | Low |
| Grapefruit Peel | Low |
| Rose Petals | Low |
| Lemon Verbena | Low |
| Pink Peppercorns | Low |
Taste and Characteristics
Aviation Gin is known for its bold and complex flavor profile, with a dry finish and a subtle sweetness. The gin is crisp and refreshing, making it an excellent choice for sipping on its own or using in cocktails.
Here are some of the key flavor notes and characteristics of Aviation Gin:
- Initial Taste: Sweet and citrusy, with notes of orange and lemon
- Middle Palate: Juniper and coriander dominate, with hints of cardamom and lavender
- Finish: Dry and crisp, with a subtle sweetness
- Aroma: Earthy and herbal, with notes of juniper, coriander, and citrus
Cocktails and Mixing
Aviation Gin is an excellent choice for crafting a variety of cocktails, from classic Gin & Tonics to more complex recipes. Here are a few of our favorite Aviation Gin cocktails:
- Gin & Tonic: 1.5 oz Aviation Gin, 4 oz tonic water, squeeze of lime
- Aviation: 2 oz Aviation Gin, 1 oz maraschino liqueur, 1 oz crème de violette, dash of lemon juice
- Paper Plane: 2 oz Aviation Gin, 1 oz Aperol, 1 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz honey syrup
Overall Quality
Aviation Gin has received widespread acclaim from the spirits community, with a 90+ rating on Wine Enthusiast and a "Highly Recommended" rating from The Spirits Journal. Many bartenders and gin enthusiasts swear by Aviation Gin, citing its unique flavor profile and versatility in cocktails.
Conclusion
Is Aviation Gin good? In our opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. With its unique blend of botanicals, bold flavor profile, and high-quality craftsmanship, Aviation Gin is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the world of gin. Whether you’re a seasoned gin connoisseur or just starting to dip your toes into the world of spirits, Aviation Gin is definitely worth trying. So go ahead, give it a taste, and discover why it’s one of the most beloved craft gins on the market.
