Aviation Gin has become one of the most talked-about gin brands in modern cocktail culture, recognized for its clean flavor and iconic yellow package. The spirit is produced in the United States, but its ownership and recipe reflect a cross-Atlantic relationship rooted in traditional distilling methods.
To understand who makes Aviation Gin, it helps to look at the brand history, current ownership structure, production location, and the role of master distillers. The following overview breaks down these elements in a clear, scannable format.
| Brand | Owner | Distillery Partner | Key Style Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation Gin | Diageo | RMS Distillery (Portland, Oregon) | Balanced botanicals, citrus-forward |
| Original Recipe Creator | David Nicholson | Independent brand launch | Classic London Dry approach |
| Current Master Distiller (RMS) | Dilution by RMS Distillery team | RMS Distillery operations | American hop character, smooth finish |
| Parent Company Operations | Diageo portfolio management | Strategic partnership with RMS | Global distribution and marketing |
Origins and Early Brand Story
Aviation Gin was founded by David Nicholson in the mid-2000s, inspired by the classic Aviation cocktail and London Dry traditions. The early focus was on small-batch quality, botanical clarity, and a design-forward bottle that stood out on bar back shelves.
As demand grew, Nicholson partnered with established distillers to scale production while preserving the original flavor vision. This period defined the brand identity, with strong emphasis on cocktail versatility and premium positioning.
Current Ownership and Corporate Structure
In 2018, Diageo acquired Aviation Gin, integrating it into one of the world’s largest spirits portfolios. The acquisition provided global reach and resources while respecting the brand’s existing craft identity.
Under Diageo, Aviation Gin remains operationally linked to RMS Distillery in Portland, Oregon, where the spirit is still distilled in the United States. The ownership model combines multinational support with regional craft expertise.
Production Process and Distillery Details
RMS Distillery serves as the production home for Aviation Gin, where a team of distillers oversees batch size, botanical dosing, and final quality checks. The copper pot stills and vapor infusion method contribute to the signature spicy-citrus profile.
The recipe highlights notes of orange, anise, and juniper, with a clean alcohol backbone that appeals to both classic cocktail purists and modern mixers. Each batch is tested for balance before bottling.
Key People and Master Distillers
The ongoing quality of Aviation Gin depends on experienced distillers and brand leadership who bridge original formulation expectations with large-scale execution. The collaboration between RMS and Diageo teams ensures consistency across markets.
Master distiller oversight, ingredient sourcing, and precision in distillation parameters all play a role in maintaining the recognizable Aviation flavor profile year after year.
Serving Suggestions and Key Takeaways
- Enjoy Aviation Gin in classic cocktails like the Aviation or Negroni to highlight its balanced botanicals.
- Store the bottle at room temperature and serve chilled or over ice for optimal flavor.
- Pair it with fresh citrus and herbal garnies to enhance its orange and juniper notes.
- Explore different mixing styles while maintaining proportion to suit your taste preference.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who currently owns Aviation Gin?
Aviation Gin is owned by Diageo, the global spirits company, which acquired the brand in 2018.
Where is Aviation Gin distilled now?
Aviation Gin is distilled at RMS Distillery in Portland, Oregon, in the United States.
Has the recipe changed since Diageo’s ownership?
The core botanical recipe has been preserved, with production standardized under RMS to ensure consistent quality worldwide.
Who was the original creator of Aviation Gin?
David Nicholson founded Aviation Gin and developed its original London Dry-inspired recipe in the mid-2000s.