Aviation Gin (70cl, 42%)
$31.70
A batch-distilled American gin that’s inspired by the fuller-bodied Dutch style and championed by Ryan Reynolds, whose body we can’t comment on for legal reasons.
Created by distillers Lee Medoff and Christian Krogstad, who teamed up with Seattle mixologist Ryan Magarian, this spicy, floral gin is made with rye neutral grain spirit and a ‘botanical democracy’ of juniper, cardamom, coriander, lavender, anise, sarsaparilla and orange peel.
This is, unsurprisingly, excellent in an Aviation cocktail, but also works well in a Martini and a G&T.
STEP 1: INFUSION
It all starts with our precise blend of botanicals – cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper, and two kinds of orange peel. The botanicals are suspended in a pure, neutral grain spirit for 18 hours in macerating tanks.
STEP 2: DISTILLATION
The macerate is then pumped into a still along with pure water. Steam jackets heat the macerate, the vapors go into the condenser, which cools the vapors to form the gin distillate.
STEP 3: THE CUT
In a meticulously monitored process, the first fluid leaving the still, the “heads,” is removed. Collecting the “heart of the spirit” throughout the run, the distillers then determine the end of the cycle and make the final cut, “the tails.” This process takes approximately 7 hours and at this point, the “heart cut” is 142 proof.
STEP 4: BLENDING & BOTTLING
The “heart cut” is transferred to a blending tank where pure water is added, bringing the gin to the desired 84 proof. It is then sent to the bottling line for filling, capping, and labeling. Aviation is then hand-packed into boxes and ready to ship.
Tasting Note
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NOTES
From the land of the serious foodies comes another small distiller with a completely different take on Gin. Made in a small pot still and handcrafting each batch the small scale production and attention to detail show you what is possible if you have the skills and dedication. Utilizing a traditional Dutch or early American Rye grain base (which brings it’s own zest, spiciness and weight compared to corn or wheat base spirits) and a much more even handed blending approach (read less juniper than a London Dry Gin).
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FIRST IMPRESSION
Not your father’s (or mother’s) gin. Juniper is not the first and defining characteristic. Saspirilla, lavender and some anise wrap around cardamom and orange peel, with coriander lingering around the edges.This is in addition to a unmistakable spiciness and earthiness that the rye base brings to the mix.
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TASTE
Medium to heavy body played off by the blending of the floral and spicy. Pleasantly heavy rye and spice entry with floral lavender and anise top notes. mild tingling on the lips and tongue with floral spice and grain finish lingering nicely. Very clean distillation.
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DRINKS
Makes a excellent and singular martini-especially for those people who are not a fan of juniper. Outstanding gin and tonic with the lavender and bubbles making for a unexpected and delightful surprise. The Aviation is truly outstanding: 4 parts gin, 1 part fresh lemon juice, 1 part maraschino liqueur (dry). It even makes a interesting, if slightly sacrilegious, Lassi.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
A very praiseworthy attempt at creating at completely different gin. While taking a old style genever or American style base they have added a deft sense of blending,maceration and distillation to create a truly outstanding Gin.This is the gin to use to resurrect those classic pre-Prohibition American cocktail recipes such as the Alamagoozlum and a host of others, that simply cannot be done with a London Dry. Amazingly cheap compared to all its competitors and a must have for the discerning gin connoisseur.
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