Who Owns Aviation Gin?
Aviation American Gin is a popular craft gin brand known for its unique blend of botanicals and smooth flavor profile. But have you ever wondered who owns this beloved gin brand? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Aviation Gin and explore the answer to this question.
The Early Years
Aviation Gin was founded in 2006 by Ryan Magarian, a Portland-based bartender and mixologist. Magarian was inspired by the classic cocktail, the Aviation, which features gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice. He set out to create a gin that would perfectly complement the flavors of this iconic cocktail.
The Acquisition
In 2016, Aviation Gin was acquired by Suntory Holdings, a Japanese spirits company. Suntory is one of the largest and most respected spirits companies in the world, with a portfolio of brands that includes Yamazaki, Hibiki, and Toki Japanese Whisky, as well as Courvoisier Cognac and Midori liqueur.
What Does the Acquisition Mean?
So, what does it mean for Aviation Gin to be owned by Suntory? Here are a few key points:
• Increased Distribution: With Suntory’s global distribution network, Aviation Gin is now available in over 30 countries worldwide.
• Access to New Markets: Suntory’s presence in key markets such as Japan, China, and India has opened up new opportunities for Aviation Gin to expand its reach.
• Investment in Production: Suntory has invested in upgrading Aviation Gin’s production facilities, allowing the brand to increase its capacity and meet growing demand.
• Preservation of Craft Spirit: Despite being owned by a large spirits company, Aviation Gin has maintained its commitment to craft spirits and continues to be produced in small batches using traditional methods.
The Team Behind Aviation Gin
While Suntory owns Aviation Gin, the brand is still led by its original founder and master distiller, Ryan Magarian. Magarian is responsible for overseeing the production of Aviation Gin and ensuring that the brand’s unique flavor profile is maintained.
Other Key Players
Here are a few other key players behind Aviation Gin:
• Chris Musgrave: Co-founder and CEO of House Spirits Distillery, the company that produces Aviation Gin.
• Ben Capozzi: Head of Gin Production at House Spirits Distillery.
• Emily Stephenson: Gin Blender and Production Manager at House Spirits Distillery.
Aviation Gin’s Product Line
Aviation Gin offers a range of products, including:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Aviation American Gin | The original and flagship gin, featuring a blend of 16 botanicals. |
| Aviation American Gin Cask Strength | A cask-strength version of the original gin, bottled at 114 proof. |
| Aviation American Gin Barrel-Aged | A barrel-aged version of the original gin, aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 6 months. |
| Aviation American Gin RTD | A ready-to-drink version of the original gin, mixed with tonic water and packaged in a can. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aviation Gin is owned by Suntory Holdings, a Japanese spirits company. Despite being owned by a large corporation, Aviation Gin has maintained its commitment to craft spirits and continues to be produced in small batches using traditional methods. The brand is led by its original founder and master distiller, Ryan Magarian, and offers a range of products that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Aviation Gin is definitely worth checking out.
