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Ryan Reynolds opens Aviation distillery

Aviation American Gin has opened its distillery and visitor centre in Portland, Oregon.

Aviation
The new distillery and visitor centre includes Reynolds’ ‘office’ which doubles as an escape room

Diageo is the owner of Aviation Gin after the drinks giant acquired Davos Brands in 2020, which co-owned Aviation Gin with actor Ryan Reynolds.

The new 33,000-square-foot space features a tasting room, draft cocktail bar and gift shop.

“About three years ago, we set out to create a one-of-a-kind distillery and tasting experience to give people the opportunity to get a look at how we make the world’s greatest spirit – Aviation American Gin, that is,” Reynolds said.

“We’re thrilled to announce that the Aviation American Gin Distillery is officially open for business in Portland, Oregon, and everyone (21 years and older) is welcome.”

As part of the experience, visitors can see Reynolds’ ‘office’, which doubles as an escape room.

Plus, guests can take a look at the distillation process of Aviation Gin.

Reynolds added: “If a grown-up theme park and a bartender fell in love and produced offspring, it would be this gin factory.”

Industry veteran and distillery director Hollie Stephenson will oversee the distilling and bottling operations, as well as the newly constructed visitor centre and tasting room.

The facility will offer educational tours of the distillation process and bottling line, as well as tasting flights and seasonal draft cocktails.

“Portland, Oregon is such a vibrant city with a rich, unrivalled spirits and cocktail scene. We’re proud to be opening the Aviation American Gin Distillery in the company’s hometown,” said Christina Choi, senior vice-president at Diageo.

“Knowing how beloved the brand is, we’re excited to invite consumers to explore, sip and learn about how our premium, uniquely American-style gin is distilled.”

The tours will be held in groups of no more than 12 visitors, and will cost US$28 per person, which will include a guided tasting.

To mark the distillery opening, Reynolds has released a first-look video of the distillery.

In the video, Reynolds says: “Other distillery tours keep their visitors behind glass, but at Aviation, we know that people truly learn by doing,” as he hands guests various safety apparel and puts them to work.

Watch the spot below.

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