Aviation American Gin

American gin brand owned by Diageo.

SpiritsGinCelebrity-owned brandsConsumer brands

Acquired^{Source [5]}^{Source [4]}Last verified Oct 2, 2026

About Aviation American Gin

Aviation American Gin is an American-style gin, bottled at 42% alcohol by volume, made with a botanical blend and subtle juniper notes. Diageo describes it as the second-largest super-premium gin brand in the United States.^{Source [5]}^{Source [4]}

The gin was developed in Portland, Oregon in 2006 by Christian Krogstad of House Spirits Distillery and bartender Ryan Magarian. Portland-based importer Davos Brands, which also owned Astral Tequila, Sombra Mezcal and TYKU Sake, acquired it in 2016.^{Source [1]}^{Source [6]}^{Source [2]}

Ryan Reynolds bought into the brand in February 2018 and took over its creative direction, using his agency Maximum Effort Marketing for advertising. Diageo reported that Aviation's volume more than doubled in 2019 and accounted for 40% of the growth of the U.S. super-premium gin segment that year.^{Source [6]}^{Source [5]}

Diageo bought Aviation and the rest of Davos Brands for $335 million upfront plus up to $275 million tied to Aviation's performance over ten years. The brand now operates as part of Diageo, with Reynolds retaining an ownership interest.^{Source [5]}^{Source [3]}^{Source [4]}

Watch

The Origin Story of Aviation American Gin by Aviation American Gin on YouTube

What happened

Created in Portland, Oregon in 2006 by distiller Christian Krogstad and bartender Ryan Magarian at House Spirits Distillery, the brand was bought by Davos Brands in 2016. Ryan Reynolds bought an ownership stake in February 2018. Diageo agreed in August 2020 to buy Aviation and Davos Brands for up to $610 million and completed the deal on September 30, 2020; Reynolds kept an ownership interest and the brand's website still names him co-owner.^{Source [1]}^{Source [6]}^{Source [5]}^{Source [3]}^{Source [4]}

Timeline

2020-09-30Diageo completed its acquisition of Aviation Gin LLC and Davos Brands LLC.^{Source [3]}
2020-08-17Diageo agreed to buy Aviation and Davos Brands for up to $610 million.^{Source [5]}
2019Volume more than doubled, per Diageo.^{Source [5]}
2018-02Ryan Reynolds bought an ownership stake and took over creative direction.^{Source [6]}
2016-11Davos Brands acquired Aviation.^{Source [6]}^{Source [1]}
2006Launched in Portland, Oregon by Christian Krogstad and Ryan Magarian.^{Source [1]}^{Source [2]}

Products and brands

Aviation American Gin: 84-proof American gin.^{Source [4]}
Aviation Cranberry Blood Orange: Limited-edition flavored gin.^{Source [4]}

How it makes money: Branded spirit produced and sold through Diageo's distribution network in the United States and other markets.^{Source [5]}^{Source [4]}

Leadership

Ryan Reynolds

Co-owner^{Source [4]}^{Source [6]}

Since 2018

Funding and financials

Acquisition price: Up to $610 million ($335 million upfront plus up to $275 million earnout), agreed August 2020^{Source [5]}

People on Founded, and where they went next

1 person on record, connected to 5 other companies.

Person	Here	Also built
Ryan Reynolds	Co-owner2018 to now	MNTN2021 to nowIPOClub Necaxa2024ActiveWrexham AFC2021 to nowActiveMint Mobile2019 to nowAcquiredMaximum Effort2018 to nowActive

Sources

Diageo Acquires Ryan Reynolds' Aviation Gin, the 2nd Largest Super Premium Gin in the U.S., for $610 Million, Distillery Trail. Accessed Oct 2, 2026.
Aviation American Gin, Wikipedia. Accessed Oct 2, 2026.
Diageo completes acquisition of Aviation Gin LLC and Davos Brands LLC (Form 6-K), U.S. SEC (EDGAR), 2020-09-30. Accessed Oct 2, 2026.
Aviation American Gin, Aviation American Gin. Accessed Oct 2, 2026.
Diageo to acquire Aviation Gin and Davos Brands, Diageo, 2020-08-17. Accessed Oct 2, 2026.
Ryan Reynolds Aviation Gin, Fortune, 2018-02-21. Accessed Oct 2, 2026.

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