{"title":"Aviation","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"aviation-american-gin-750ml","title":"Aviation American Gin 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAviation American Gin 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a small-batch American gin distilled in Portland, Oregon, bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) in a 750ml bottle. It earned 97 points from Wine Enthusiast in 2012 — the highest score the publication has ever awarded a gin — establishing it as one of the most critically acclaimed gins in the modern craft spirits movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 42% (84 proof)  |  Origin: Portland, Oregon, USA  |  Style: New Western Dry Gin  |  Distillery: House Spirits Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAviation is produced at House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon, one of the pioneering craft distilleries in the Pacific Northwest. Rather than relying on vapor infusion or a single botanical steep, the production team suspends seven botanicals — juniper, cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, and two types of orange peel — in neutral grain spirit for a precise 18-hour maceration. This proprietary process, executed in small 100-case batches, yields a gin where juniper is present but deliberately dialed back, allowing the lavender, cardamom, and citrus to share equal billing. The base spirit is made from 100% grain neutral spirits, giving the final product a clean, uncluttered canvas for the botanicals to express themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with a lift of anise and lavender, followed by bright orange peel and a gentle pine-forest juniper note. Underneath, there is a subtle peppermint and eucalyptus freshness that keeps the bouquet lively and complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, licorice and bold cardamom lead the way, backed by coriander and citrus zest. At mid-palate, juniper surges forward alongside an earthy, almost cedar-like sarsaparilla quality, while integrated spice and white-pepper warmth round out the body. The texture is round and crisp with a dry medium body that carries each botanical layer without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and warm, trailing off with floral lavender, a literal hint of birch beer, and flamed orange peel. A mentholated, faintly spicy note lingers at the very end, providing an elegant close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Aviation Gin\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat or over a single large ice cube is the best way to appreciate the full botanical arc, especially the interplay between lavender and cardamom. A few drops of water open up the citrus and anise notes further without diluting the body.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAviation Cocktail:\u003c\/strong\u003e The gin's namesake drink — shaken with maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice — harmonizes beautifully because the lavender and floral botanicals amplify the violet component.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGin \u0026amp; Tonic:\u003c\/strong\u003e The restrained juniper profile lets cardamom and orange peel shine against a quality tonic, creating a more aromatic, less piney G\u0026amp;T than a traditional London Dry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBee's Knees:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honey syrup and lemon juice pair naturally with the gin's anise and lavender notes, producing a silky, floral-forward cocktail with balanced sweetness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a gin enthusiast who already owns a London Dry and wants something distinctly different\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home cocktail bar with a versatile, botanically complex base spirit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a whiskey or vodka drinker to gin through a softer, less juniper-heavy expression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a summer cocktail party where lighter, aromatic drinks are the focus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Aviation Gin taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aviation Gin leads with anise, cardamom, and French lavender before juniper arrives at mid-palate, finishing with a warm, floral, slightly earthy quality. The overall profile is dry, crisp, and herbaceous with citrus and spice in balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Aviation Gin compare to Hendrick's Gin?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are modern gins that de-emphasize juniper in favor of distinctive botanicals, but they diverge sharply in character: Hendrick's leans into cucumber and rose, while Aviation foregrounds lavender, cardamom, and anise. Aviation is macerated for 18 hours in small batches, whereas Hendrick's blends distillate from both a Carter-Head still and a copper pot still for its signature profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Aviation Gin good for cocktails?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aviation Gin is exceptionally well-suited to cocktails because its balanced botanical profile avoids overpowering other ingredients. It excels in citrus-forward and floral drinks like the Aviation, Bee's Knees, and French 75.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Aviation Gin made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aviation Gin is produced at House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon. Portland's thriving craft distilling scene helped shape Aviation's non-traditional, New Western Dry approach when the gin was first developed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Aviation Gin?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked salmon and dill cream cheese complement the gin's herbal and citrus notes. Goat cheese with honeycomb echoes the lavender and anise character. Seared scallops with a citrus beurre blanc mirror the orange peel botanicals. Thai green curry balances well against the cardamom and coriander. Dark chocolate with sea salt highlights the warm, spicy finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Aviation Gin come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aviation Gin is most commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle, though 50ml miniatures, 375ml half-bottles, and 1L bottles can be found depending on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Aviation Gin worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aviation positions as a premium craft gin, sitting above mass-market options but below ultra-premium small-release bottlings. Its 97-point Wine Enthusiast score and small-batch production process support strong value within the premium tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Aviation Gin?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew gins in any category carry a 97-point Wine Enthusiast rating, and Aviation remains the highest-scored gin in that publication's history. The 18-hour maceration of seven carefully chosen botanicals produces a genuinely distinctive flavor profile that breaks from juniper-dominant tradition without abandoning it entirely. Small-batch production in 100-case runs at House Spirits Distillery ensures consistency and attention to detail that larger-scale operations cannot easily replicate. For drinkers seeking a gin that rewards both straight sipping and creative cocktail making, Aviation stands as one of the most accomplished American gins available.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aviation","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837052416169,"sku":"25621","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/aviation_american_gin__22897.jpg?v=1730477518"},{"product_id":"aviation-old-tom-gin-750ml","title":"Aviation Old Tom Gin 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAviation Old Tom Gin 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a barrel-aged American gin bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) from House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon. What distinguishes this expression from most Old Tom gins is the absence of added sugar or flavorings — its rounded sweetness comes entirely from one year of maturation in American white oak barrels that previously held Westward Whiskey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 42%  |  Origin: Portland, Oregon, USA  |  Barrel-Aged 1 Year  |  Distillery: House Spirits Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHouse Spirits Distillery, based in Portland, Oregon, produces Aviation Old Tom using a neutral grain spirit that is infused with eight botanicals for eighteen hours before undergoing steam distillation. The botanical bill includes cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper, and two varieties of orange zest — the same core profile that defines Aviation's flagship gin. The critical divergence happens post-distillation: the spirit rests for a full year in used American white oak casks that previously held House Spirits' own Westward Whiskey for three to four years, imparting natural caramel sweetness and oak complexity without any sugar additions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with floral lavender and vanilla, followed by bright citrus from the dual orange zest infusion. Pine-tinged juniper and a gentle warmth from the barrel aging round out the bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is soft and notably smooth, with caramel sweetness arriving early alongside light baking spice reminiscent of Christmas cake. At mid-palate, juniper, lavender, and orange zest reassert the gin's botanical identity, balanced by the mellowing influence of the oak. The interplay between floral botanicals and barrel-derived sweetness keeps the palate layered without ever turning cloying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length, gently sweet, with lingering warmth from the oak and a subtle echo of baking spice. The lavender and citrus slowly fade, leaving a clean, mellow close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Aviation Old Tom\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeat or over a single large ice cube is the most direct way to appreciate the barrel influence and botanical complexity — a small pour rewards slow sipping. For cocktails, Aviation Old Tom is especially well-suited to classics that originally called for Old Tom–style gins:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTom Collins:\u003c\/strong\u003e The natural caramel sweetness means less simple syrup is needed, letting the botanicals shine through the citrus and soda.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMartinez:\u003c\/strong\u003e The oak-aged character and lavender notes complement sweet vermouth and maraschino liqueur beautifully in this pre-Prohibition classic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGin Old Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The barrel aging gives this gin enough body and warmth to stand in for whiskey, with bitters and a citrus twist drawing out the spice notes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhiskey drinkers curious about exploring gin through a barrel-aged bridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a cocktail enthusiast who appreciates pre-Prohibition–era recipes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home bar with historically inspired spirit categories\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSipping sessions focused on comparing aged vs. unaged gin expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Aviation Old Tom taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aviation Old Tom delivers caramel sweetness and light baking spice from its year in oak, layered with floral lavender, juniper, and bright orange zest from the botanical infusion. The overall impression is a mellow, smooth gin with a gently sweet character that comes entirely from barrel aging rather than added sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Aviation Old Tom compare to Ransom Old Tom Gin?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ransom Old Tom Gin uses a blend of corn and barley-based spirits and is also barrel-aged, resulting in a maltier, more grain-forward profile. Aviation Old Tom leans more floral thanks to its lavender and dual orange zest, with sweetness derived purely from oak maturation rather than any malt character or added sweeteners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Aviation Old Tom good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the one-year barrel aging softens the spirit considerably, and at 42% ABV it drinks smoothly without excessive heat. Its caramel and vanilla notes make it approachable for drinkers who typically gravitate toward aged whiskey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Aviation Old Tom made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aviation Old Tom Gin is produced at House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon. The spirit is aged on-site in American white oak barrels previously used to mature House Spirits' Westward Whiskey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Aviation Old Tom?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked salmon benefits from the gin's citrus and lavender notes; soft cheeses like brie complement the caramel sweetness; dark chocolate draws out the baking-spice character; roasted duck pairs well with the juniper and oak; and citrus tarts mirror the orange zest botanicals while balancing the barrel warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Aviation Old Tom come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aviation Old Tom Gin is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Aviation Old Tom worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aviation Old Tom positions as a premium craft gin, reflecting the cost of a full year of barrel maturation in quality American oak casks. Within the small-batch barrel-aged gin category, it represents solid value given the no-sugar-added approach and the distinctive Westward Whiskey barrel provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Aviation Old Tom?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe defining achievement of Aviation Old Tom is its method of achieving sweetness — where most Old Tom gins rely on sugar or botanical manipulation, this expression earns every bit of its rounded, caramel character from a year inside American white oak that previously held Westward Whiskey. That provenance gives it a traceable, single-distillery lineage from grain to barrel to bottle, all under the House Spirits roof in Portland. The eight-botanical recipe shared with Aviation's core gin means drinkers familiar with the brand will recognize the floral and citrus backbone, now deepened by vanilla and spice from the wood. For anyone interested in the historical Old Tom category rendered through a modern, craft-distillery lens, this is one of the more thoughtfully produced expressions available.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aviation","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837710233769,"sku":"30444","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Aviation-Old-Tom-Gin__95216.jpg?v=1730491481"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/aviation.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}