Aviation American Gin: The Lavender Maverick That Changed American Gin
Contemporary 42% ABV ABV House Spirits Distillery
6 March 2026
Smooth and approachable
Soft lavender on the nose draws you in. The palate is smooth with cardamom doing the heavy lifting alongside gentle coriander. Not the most complex gin, but beautifully balanced.
10 January 2026
Perfect for a Negroni
The smooth, floral profile with subtle juniper makes this an absolute dream in a Negroni. The cardamom warmth plays beautifully with Campari. At 42% it holds its own without dominating. Brilliant stuff.
24 December 2025
Underrated American gin
Aviation gets overlooked sometimes but it shouldn't. The anise seed adds a lovely depth beneath the lavender, and the orange peel citrus keeps things bright. Clean and gently floral on the finish.
9 December 2025
Elegant lavender character
The floral lavender leading into cardamom spice is really well done. This is a Contemporary gin that doesn't try to shout — it whispers, and rewards patience. The creamy mouthfeel is a bonus.
23 November 2025
My absolute favourite gin
There's something about Aviation that just works. The lavender, cardamom, and gentle juniper create this beautiful, calm harmony. The medium, clean finish with that dry spiced close is utterly satisfying. I've tried dozens of gins and keep coming back to this one.
7 November 2025
Floral without being fussy
What I love about Aviation is the restraint. The lavender is there but never perfumy. The anise and sarsaparilla add earthiness, the cardamom brings warmth. A Contemporary gin with real class.
13 October 2025
Quite subtle, perhaps too much
The lavender and cardamom are pleasant but gentle — almost too gentle. At 42% I expected more presence. The sarsaparilla earthiness is interesting but the overall profile feels a bit muted. Fine in cocktails where the subtlety works as a canvas.