Aviation American Gin is a rare expression of ' New Western Dry' style gin which uses a ' Botanical Democracy' favouring a balance of botanical flavours rather than the usual dictatorial influence of juniper. Made by House Spirits Distilling in Portl&, Oregon, Aviation Gin expresses the creativity & vibrancy associated with its home in the Pacific Northwest. This leads to a rich, lush, style of gin with notes of earthy spice from sarsaparilla balanced by the fresh fragrances of cardamom, sweet orange peel & lavender. Aviation shines both on it's own, or in any of the many vintage gin cocktails. It is in fact one of these vintage cocktails after which Aviation takes it's name. The Aviation cocktail is a blend of gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice & a touch of violette liqueur. With its full & weighty mouth feel, rich earthy flavour, & cool finish, Aviation Gin is the perfect base for this vintage drink which was first concocted in the early 1900's- the golden era of aviation. For a delightfully different G&T, try Aviation gin topped up with good quality tonic & a dash of orange bitters garnished with a slice of orange. Alternatively, try it with elderflower tonic & a slice of cucumber. The story of Aviation Gin begins in summer, 2005 at a small party in West Seattle where bartender Ryan Magarian is handed a complex summer botanical infusion by a friend from Portl&, Oregon. Finding it unlike anything he had ever tasted, he quickly seeks out its maker, Portlands House Spirits Distillery. Recognizing a common interest in spirit, cocktail, & food interactions, the distillers at House Spirits share with Ryan their idea for a renegade regional gin style. In June of 2006 after nearly 30 rounds of trialsa Aviation Gin takes wing. Many believe this to be the first brand partnership between distiller & bartender in American history.