The Visitor Centre today is ... Aviation Gin

JULIE WHITE
24 hours ago
19 min read

Updated: 11 hours ago

We visit the distillery flying in the face of tradition. Diageo and Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation Gin is Portland’s smoothest export, and it deserves a spot on every Oregon itinerary.

Black building with "Aviation American Gin" sign, surrounded by lush greenery. Sunny day with a blue sky and clouds.

"Gin. Goals. Glory," proclaims the Aviation American Gin website. The gin in question is the brand famously owned by actor, writer and producer Ryan Reynolds - yes, him of Deadpool and The Proposal fame. He sold his majority stake to Diageo in 2020, in a deal reportedly worth up to $610 million, which was not a bad return after only two years at the helm. He remains the face of the brand though, having signed a marketing deal with Diageo through his production and advertising agency, Maximum Effort.

Aviation American Gin bottle on a reflective surface, with a gray gradient background. Black label with white text reads "Batch Distilled." — Image Aviation Gin

The ad campaigns, and indeed the brand's website, are peppered with his self-deprecating wit, comedy timing and creative vision. But don't imagine for a minute that he was just having a laugh, or that he only leant his name as an endorsement. This was no publicity stunt. He knows his gin, and turned his passion into a multi million dollar business. He was a genuine, hands on owner and investor, with a natural flair for storytelling.

As for goals, his gin venture served as a warm up for his other passion project: turning around Welsh football club Wrexham, a team close to my heart, having lived just up the road from it for many years.

Red box displaying a limited edition Aviation American Gin bottle with a Wrexham AFC scarf. Text reads "Limited Edition Commemorative Bottle." — Aviation Gin Wrexham Edition - Image Aviation Gin

With business partner and friend Rob McElhenney, the pair have invested heavily in the club since they arrived in 2021, and the team's Cinderella story of their rise up the leagues can be followed in the globally-streamed documentary, Welcome to Wrexham. The impact on the city is tangible, and the Rob & Ryan effect has significantly boosted the entire North Wales region, particularly in terms of its economy and tourism.

Ryan Reynolds in a red hoodie stands next to Rob McElhenney in a navy polo shirt, both have one hand on a silver trophy with red and white ribbon on it, standing pitchside at Wrexham AFC football ground. — Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham AFC - Image Martin Rickett/PA

And finally, what about glory? I should confess that gin isn't exactly my tipple of choice. Often way too juniper heavy, I prefer it in a cocktail. I can't even drink tonic, so a G&T is not on my radar. However, sipping a neat Aviation Gin on the distillery tour, I was converted, as was my gin hating husband. Softer and smoother than most London dry gins, with the juniper somewhat relegated to the background, and the citrus playing its role up front, had we found a gin we could agree on? Sitting in a mockup of the owner's suite at Wrexham AFC, surrounded by football shirts, scarves, cups and portraits, it was impossible to avoid being swept up in the story, even if no one else on the tour knew where Wales was, let alone followed soccer. At least they knew their gin!

"Book now, or live forever with the haunting regret of almost having the best gin-fueled football fantasy this side of the pond." (Ryan Reynolds - Aviation Gin website)

The brand history

When Ryan Reynolds went looking for a football club to invest in, he wanted one with a story, a sense of community, and the potential for dynamic growth. He undoubtedly felt drawn to the same qualities when looking for his gin brand. He wasn't interested in becoming a distiller, or a gin expert, he just loved drinking, and had found, in his opinion, the best gin.

Aviation Gin is deeply rooted in Portland. House Spirits Distillery was founded in 2002 by Christian Krogstad with Lee Medoff, with renowned bartender Ryan Magarian coming on board a few years later. I remember the buzz when they appeared as part of Portland’s Distillery Row, a collection of independent, small-batch makers, who added the spirit to the city's renowned culinary scene. I was an early adopter of the popular "Distillery Row Passport" program, which encouraged visitors to sip and saunter from one tasting room to another. It was less about competition and more about community, with several brands sharing space, knowledge, even equipment.

Hand holds a Distillery Row Passport against a sunny blue sky. Background shows a lively outdoor setting with greenery and lights. — Portland's Distillery Row Passport - Image Distillery Row

Aviation Gin, named after the classic gin-based cocktail first written about in 1916, was originally a placeholder product, with profits plowed into developing House Spirits' award winning Westward Whiskey (who I have also visited - guide coming soon). The gin, designed foremost as a gin that could be enjoyed neat, which is how I like it, went down a storm, quickly becoming the brand's flagship product.

When Aviation was sold to Davos Brands in November 2016, Westward remained independent, though it had to be saved from bankruptcy by a group of private investors, Aqua Ardens, in 2025. I visited just after the bankruptcy announcement, and there were subtle signs then that all was not well. I have my fingers crossed for their future.

Ryan Reynolds acquired an ownership stake in Aviation Gin from Davos, in 2018. With Ryan on board the brand's profile soared, resulting in over 100% volume growth in 2019 alone. The brand truly took off when they secured a partnership to serve their gin on Virgin Atlantic flights, and soon it was flying high as one of the top 3 gin brands on social media. The brand is the official American gin for Negroni Week, which rolls around every September, with thousands of venues around the world celebrating the iconic cocktail, while raising millions for charity.

Two men in white shirts smile at the camera. One holds a drink; two Aviation Gin bottles are between them, set against a light background. — Sir Richard Branson And Ryan Reynolds launch partnership - Image Just Fly Business

Aviation rolled out a series of charming and humorous videos to explain their gin making process, in their own irreverent style. The brand storytelling came thick and fast, each tongue in cheek iteration educating the masses. Regular spots on TV juggernauts such as Jimmy Fallon didn't hurt either, especially with their global reach on YouTube.

In the US, gin had been a slow burner. According to Statista, gin is the fifth most popular spirit in America behind vodka, whiskey, rum and tequila. To counter this, and educate more consumers, the brand needed a new Portland home, that would reflect this energetic, creative and quirky city.

Black building with "AVIATION AMERICAN GIN" sign, surrounded by green shrubs. Clear sky and modern industrial setting in background.

When, in 2020, Diageo acquired all of the Davos stock, including Aviation Gin, they set about building a brand home in the Slabtown neighbourhood. Nearly 3 years later, the 33,000 square foot distillery and visitor centre opened its doors.

We're a long way from gin's heady days of double-digit growth, and the category faces the same economic challenges as other spirits; a saturated market, tariffs and changing consumer habits. Gin brands need to evolve, be dynamic and innovate. While many lean on authentic stories and provenance, in a troubled world maybe there is a place for fun.

Aviation Gin proves you can be crafted, clever, charming and approachable all at once.

Visiting Aviation Gin: What to Expect

The Visitor Centre design

Aviation Gin moved from the House Spirits location, now rebranded as Westward Whiskey distillery, in Central Eastside, to their new home, nestled between industrial sheds, self-storage units and a postal service depot, up in the NW Distiller’s District. The neighbourhood now boasts 4 distilleries: female owned Freeland Spirits with their unique teardrop bottles, Bull Run Distillery where you'll now find Lee Medoff, and Aria Gin, alongside Aviation.

Entrance of Aviation American Gin distillery with black exterior, modern wood canopy, purple flowers, and large signage.

For the distillery and tasting room, the brand reached out neighbouring Washington state based architecture firm fi architecture. The brand design was kept close to home too. Portland based Sandstrom Partners designed everything from the iconic, art deco inspired, ridged flask bottle, to the logo, merchandise and distillery displays.

“If a grown-up theme park and a bartender fell in love and produced offspring, it would be this gin factory.” (Ryan Reynolds, 2022)

There is a definite industrial vibe to the distillery, with lots of polished concrete, metal and glulam timber on show.

Modern gin store counter at Aviation Gin in Portland with shelves of bottles, plants, and boxes. Chalkboard menu reads "GIN STORE." Sunlight filters through large windows.

Once we checked in we were given a wristband, for reasons I will explain later.

Hand with blue nails and a gold ring, wearing a black wristband with "AVIATION AMERICAN GIN" text. Background shows a blurry indoor setting.

Some of us couldn't resist a selfie with the man himself, even if he wasn't as chatty as usual.

A person smiling in a striped shirt, with a cardboard cutout of a Ryan Reynolds in a suit in the background. Industrial setting with barrels at Aviation gin distillery Portland.

I really loved the vintage aviation prints adding to the aesthetic.

Framed black-and-white aviation photos on a dark wall, including planes and people, with a retro ambiance in a dimly lit setting at Aviation Gin in Portland.

We grabbed a seat at one of the tasting tables, with views onto the stills, and waitined for our tour group to assemble.

Wooden high table with metal chairs in a modern bar setting. Large metallic brewery tanks visible through a glass panel. Industrial vibe at Aviation gin tour.

Tour

Twelve of us were ushered inside the distillery for our 5pm tour with Zack. A former teacher, he was adept at keeping the group motivated and engaged, blending witty banter with education. Not everything landed, probably due to a few of our group who might have sampled one too many pre tour cocktails, if you get my drift. Zack rattled through some gin history and the health and safety briefing, with fun facts smattered throughout. The wall of cricket bats was introduced, but we had to wait to find out their significance later on.

Nine cricket bats with colorful handles mounted on a black wall, evenly spaced, creating a minimalist display at Aviation Gin in Portland.

This wasn't a production day, so it was quiet and we could hear all the content on the history of the distillery. Most of our group knew nothing about gin, so some of their questions were on the basics, like who invented it etc.

We gathered under a picture of Ryan Reynolds, where we were told the story of how he came across Aviation Gin while drinking in a bar in his native Vancouver, BC. Reynolds said it was the best Negroni he'd ever had, and asked the bartender what gin was being used. He then bought the company.

Wall with portraits and text about Aviation American Gin's history, featuring images dated 1916 and 2006. Yellow barriers and a table below. — Image Sandstrom

The jokes came thick and fast, including Ryan's dating history and the ups and downs of his film career. We sadly missed out details on the other picture on the wall, that of Hugo Ensslin. Who? He's not exactly a household name, but his legacy, the 1916 Recipes for Mixed Drinks, written from his house in Harlem, was the last cocktail book published prior to Prohibition. Inside this long forgotten gem, are the earliest recipes for a number of now iconic drinks, including the Aviation. The book serves as a snapshot of cocktail culture, in a time when aviation was still novel. The first commercial passenger flight in the US didn't even take off until 1914. The Aviation recipe, printed up on the wall, is a variation on the Gin Sour, and gets its name from the cocktail's subtle blue/purple blush, thanks to the inclusion of a few dashes of Crème de Violette.

Aviation Gin distillery interior with stacked pallets of boxes on the left. High ceiling, bright lighting, yellow railings, and numbered floor markings.

We were surprised at how little product was being stored in the warehouse. Where was everything? We were asked to stand around a table with little boxes of botanicals laid out for each guest, and a cricket bat in the centre, lying on juniper berries.

Clear containers labeled with botanicals like sarsaparilla and lavender on a wooden table. Scoops inside, loose juniper berries and blurred people in background. This is the tour at Aviation Gin in Portland.

Aviation Gin is made with seven botanicals: coriander, cardamom, lavender, anise, juniper, orange peel and sarsaparilla, the soda fountain flavour of years gone by. Popped into cloth bags, the botanicals are beaten using cricket bats, hence why you'll find bats hanging up all round the distillery. They use marginally over 51% juniper, the legal limit for gin to be called gin. Tanqueray, for example, use closer to 80% juniper. Juniper does grow in Oregon, like it does here in Scotland, but it is more piney than the brand wanted, so it now comes from Albania. We were encouraged to add the botanicals one at a time to our cloth bags, sniff them, massage it, and then hit it off the tabletop. A great stress buster. We could take these bags home with us, though we had to leave ours in our rental, as bringing seeds back was prohibited on our international flight. A little tip for the team would be to add some stools or chairs for those guests that struggle with mobility, as there was one guest in our group that found walking and standing hard.

Aviation Gin distillery interior with a complex conveyor system and machinery. Diagrams on the wall. Industrial, organized, no people present.

The bottling line was not running as they had paused production, but you could clearly see the bottle design drawings adorning the walls. This is where the quality control tests happen too.

We got a brief introduction to the science of maceration. Once bashed, about 6 bags of botanicals, obviously much larger than the ones we just made, are placed into a tank, rather like dunking a tea bag, into which neutral grain spirit is added. Typically it is a 4 day process, with the neutral grain spirit going between two maceration vessels, picking up the flavours of the botanicals as they pass from one to the other.

A person in casual attire walks inside the Aviation Gin distillery with large metal tanks labeled "Ethanol" and numerous pipes overhead. Industrial setting.

The used botanicals are made into livestock feed, with some used at the Tillamook Creamery, home of the famous Tillamook Cheddar, which we also toured on our trip (guide coming soon).

Man in cap and t-shirt sitting in front of large copper and steel distillery tanks, industrial setting, bright lighting, relaxed mood at the tour of Aviation Gin in Portland.

When it is time to distil, the spirit is pumped into two beautiful, Italian-made, copper pot stills, named Blake and Ryan, after the celebrity couple. The liquid is then distilled, cut, and bottled at 42% ABV. The heads, hearts, tails and cuts were explained by the analogy of oil production, which the American visitors appreciated. The stills are lined with copper for aesthetics we were told. Stainless steel forms the main body because it is durable and easy to clean.

Zack asked if anyone had seen Wrexham. It was odd to hear the city we know so well described as a one word TV show. Wrexham AFC is the oldest club in Wales, and the third-oldest professional football team in the world after all. Maybe, as this was a Wrexham owner's tour, there should be a quick reference to Ryan's connection with the city and club, and a bit of its history.

For our guided gin tasting, we entered what is apparently a mock up of Ryan's office at the ground. Not sure he has the astroturf floor.

A cozy room with brick walls, sports jerseys, a wooden desk, green carpet, and sporty decor. Bright lighting enhances the vibrant scene at Aviation Gin in Portland.

We started with a non alcoholic drink to get hydrated. One thing to flag, is Oregon's licencing laws, which limits guest tipples. To keep tabs, that wristband you receive when you arrive, has five little tags, and one is clipped off each time you get given or order a drink. You don't feel rationed. Trust me, the pours are delicious.

Man in cap smiles behind a metal bar cart with drinks, in front of a red brick wall. Green curtains and stadium print in background which is part of the tasting area at Aviation Gin in Portland.

Zack guided us in how to take a shutter sip, to acclimate our palate. Then we were told to sniff the little bags we had created, to reset our senses. Not done that before, and I've done hundreds of drinks tours.

Hand holding a glass, with a serving of clear Aviation gin, with a person in the background at a bar. Green floor, red brick wall, and a door visible.

When the original owners created their sipping gin, their goal was to create a crafted gin at an approachable price point, that could convert whisky drinkers, like we are. They succeeded. In Scotland, a 700ml bottle typically costs around £32 in our local supermarket. I have bought a few since my visit, and often gift them to friends and family. It has quickly become one of their favourite gins too. The reason - it doesn't have that whack of juniper. It is a New Western gin, the term coined by Aviation's creators, who sought a more balanced botanical mix, rather than being juniper heavy. Creamy, and with a rich texture, the sarsaparilla is the hidden star here, adding a sweet. but not sugary, earthy, vanilla-like flavour.

The second tab on our wristband was removed for our next tipple, a take on a bramble cocktail, the Over Time, using marionberry syrup. The recipe was explained to us all, especially for those with home bars, so we could replicate it at home.

Woman smiling, holding a pink cocktail with a herb garnish. She wears a striped blouse and necklace. Background shows a building facade. In the tasting room at Aviation Gin in Portland.

I could have done without the harsh lighting. It didn't exactly produce the relaxing mood for savouring a cocktail, or the right ambiance for decent photographs. Everyone else busied themselves taking selfies, so there was little savouring going on apart from us.

A curtain printed with a distorted image of a pub, The Turf in Wrexham, hangs on a wall at the Aviation Gin distillery. Soft beige tones, with visible hanging baskets and window details.

The curtain image is a reference to the historic Turf Pub, which sits beside Wrexham AFC's Racecourse Ground. A real symbol of community and camaraderie, it has recently had a makeover to cope with demand from football fans and tourists from around the world, such is the pull of the documentary. I'm not sure the stadium seating on show here is authentic, but it could be, and it would have been fun to have sat in them for the tasting.

Red stadium seats numbered 5-7 with a dark cover overhead. Green artificial turf below, creating a vibrant sports environment which is part of the tour at Aviation Gin in Portland.

There's even a creepy portrait of Ryan on the wall, where his eyes and mouth move.

Two people smiling, holding soccer jerseys and a toy. A framed portrait of a man, Ryan Reynolds, with a drink hangs on a brick wall background at the Aviation Gin distillery.

I couldn't resist playing football team manager either. Go the Red Dragons!

A woman smiling, holding a Wrexham AFC program and drink, sits at a desk with a Wrexham scarf. Nameplate reads "Desk of a Humble Genius." on the tour at Aviation Gin in Portland.

The desk name plaque reads, "Desk of a humble genius." I happen to agree. Mr Reynolds certainly knew more than a thing or two about brand storytelling.

The bar

Bar at Aviation gin in Portland with metal stools, airport-style arrival and departure board. Large screen shows aerial city view. Two people behind the counter. — Aviation Gin bar - Image Wikipedia Mattsjc

The tour ran ten minutes over, finishing at 6.10 pm, with last orders just five minutes later, and a 7pm close, so we were a little pushed for time. I loved the old-style departures board. Starbucks Reserve Roasteries (guide here) use something similar, although their ones rotate. I missed that nostalgic, clickety clack sound that many of you will be too young to remember. But where was Wrexham? Surely a missed step. Boring is up there, and it's twinned with Dull in Scotland by the way.

Cocktail menu titled "In Flight Cocktails" held by a hand. Wood table background. Lists drinks and prices, featuring Aviation American Gin.

I had enough tags for a distillery tour exclusive flight of 3 cocktails, served on a cricket bat inspired tasting board, all for just $15. First up I chose Berry Me In Scandinavia, as we work in Denmark a lot, so are familiar with the Scandi spirit aquavit, though this one was distilled right here in Portland. Adding in the juicy hit of Oregon marionberry, and a dash of citrus, it was terrific, and my favourite of the three and of the vacation. I'm trying to hunt down a bottle in the UK, so I can pair it with my homemade creamy chicken and dill Smørrebrød. Codey, the bartender, had created this himself, so he was thrilled that we appreciated it, explained his inspiration, and we chatted about different cocktails we had enjoyed around the world. What we also mentioned to him, was what we had discovered about the historic link to Scandinavia and this part of the Pacific Northwest. We had just visited the fabulous National Nordic Museum in Vancouver, and even Portland has Nordia House, where you can find a troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. You can find his work all over the world, and I love to hunt them down (you can find out more about this on my guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail).

Three cocktails on a wooden flight board with cocktail recipe cards in front at Aviation gin in portland. A person's tattooed arm rests on a bar counter.

Next up was South Sister, with its delightful pink hue, and dash of Huckleberry Syrup for a tangy twist. In Scotland we have bilberries, which you can forage for, so I might find a syrup here or make my own. However, I'd love to try the cocktail using the zesty and intense flavour of honeyberry, Scotland's remarkable new superfruit, which we can pick up freeze dried or frozen in our local farm shop. Kind of a cross between blueberry, raspberry, and blackcurrant, I might try growing them at home, and keep my fingers crossed that the birds don't steal them all.

I finished off with a take on the classic Espresso Martini, the Tumbleweed Martini, made with local root beer and Mr Black coffee liqueur. I fancy making a twist on this using a Cold Brew Coffee Rum called Kald, from a small family business not far from me in Arbroath, Scotland, called Redcastle. It was made in collaboration with their neighbours, Sacred Grounds Coffee Company, who roast their ethically sourced beans up the road. I picked up a bottle at a Christmas market, as it tasted amazing.

A hand holding a cocktail menu titled "HI BALL I'M DAD" for June, featuring various gin drinks on a wooden table in a restaurant setting at aviation gin in portland.

My other half went for their June specials, in honour of Father's day, a trio of The Vasectomy, Rise and Brine and then a classic Aviation. We spent a good half and hour, swapping stories of our trip with another bartender, with him adding a few bar and restaurant recommendations. Sadly, this was our last night in town, so we shall save them for next time.

I was handed some laminated Aviation cocktail recipe cards, and all the cocktail recipe cards that had accompanied our flights, all of which came home with me for future reference. We stayed sat at the bar, leaving the rest of our tour group to grab their flights and sit at the tasting tables. With the volume turned to 11, I'm going to suggest, with a wry smile, that they had circumvented the State licencing laws, maybe pre-drinking before the tour. No wristband can stop that.

Retail Space

The shop is compact but well stocked, with a wide range of logo-emblazoned swag, cocktail tools and accessories. The vending machine cleverly delivered bar snacks and charcuterie to go with our drinks at the bar.

Aviation Gin distillery store in Portland interior with shirts and jackets on racks, a vending machine displaying snacks, and a plant atop it. Polished concrete floor. Exit sign.

We could have done with the Aviation Gin branded suitcase for our return home. You can also get dopp kits, backpacks, duffle bags and luggage tags.

The apparel carried some fun slogans, across t shirts, hoodies, polos and jackets, and from just $20, they were not too hard on the pocket.

Stacks of graphic T-shirts on a table; text includes "CAME SAW" and "AVIATION AMERICAN GIN FLIES PAST THE COMPETITION"; caps in background.

And, in case you needed the perfect serve, there's a t-shirt for that.

Mannequin with sun hat and white Aviation gin T-shirt displaying "Gin and Tonic" recipe. Airport lounge setting, visible departure board, casual vibe.

Portland based Cat's Wine Candles provided the Aviation gin candles, which were just too heavy for me to bring home. Damn that luggage allowance.

Candles labeled "Aviation American Gin" on wooden shelves. A sign lists scents like Dry Gin & Cypress, priced at $35. Warm lighting.

As we can get Aviation Gin at home, we were looking for something light that would fit in our cases, and things like dog toys and Christmas decorations were perfect.

Stuffed dog toys resembling gin bottles labeled Aviation American Gin are placed on a dark surface near sunglasses on a stand.

One of the joys of travel is that you get to taste new things. I live in Perthshire, known as the soft fruit capital of Scotland, but marionberries were a revelation. I had them in everything in Oregon, and I couldn't resist bringing a bottle of Marionberry Syrup back home, from small-batch producer Portland Syrups. It's great in a Bourbon Fizz, a recipe which I found on their website, and it's low in sugar too.

Hand holding a bottle of Marionberry syrup with a purple label, berries illustration, and gold text. Bottles on a wooden counter in the background.

And cocktail garnishes don't come much better than those from Filthy. You can literally take their pouches anywhere, so your next martini could be up a mountain.

Hand holding green pouch labeled "Filthy Premium Olive Brine" over wooden surface; additional jars and pouches are blurred in the background.

Conclusion

My love for Portland and its people is genuine. I even considered moving there at one point. The city truly has a place in my heart, and to return was a joy, tinged with sadness, knowing I probably wouldn't be back for a long time. It's everything I appreciate: artsy, diverse, inclusive, welcoming, and the food and drink scene is phenomenal. Aviation Gin is a natural fit.

Four people standing together, smiling in a distillery. Two wear "Aviation American Gin" shirts. One gives a thumbs-up. Warm lighting.

The folks at the distillery don’t take themselves too seriously, but they do take their gin very seriously indeed. The mixologists really know their craft, and while Zack, our guide, did have a few gaps in his knowledge, they were minor and never detracted from the experience. The tour was fun, though we could have done with maybe fifteen minutes more, to allow some of the content to land fully. Our hour flew by.

With its subtle, nuanced botanicals, Aviation Gin could easily convert whisky drinkers, one sip at a time. It certainly worked on us, and an opened bottle is proudly sitting on my home bar right now.

Aviation gin bottle, recipe cards, coaster, and metal ornament on a textured surface. White bag and black strap visible, creating a festive mood.

I'm not sure exactly how much Ryan Reynolds contributes now to the team behind the bottle. Since the sale to Diageo, the brand risks getting a little lost in a very big portfolio. He doesn't seem to visit the Portland site much. One of our tour guests even asked about it. I wonder how long the connection will last. That cardboard cutout will have to suffice for now. His irreverent charm and playful spirit is still evident on the tour though, even if it's more of a marketing exercise these days.

So, I've bought the gin, made the pilgrimage to the distillery because of my Welsh connection, and come home with cocktail recipes and a Christmas bauble to remind me of the trip. But this Portland gem, true to form, offered a little bit extra.

A shout out to Codey-Ray. My lasting memory is bonding across the bar top, over our mutual love of meticulously curated Spotify playlists, and the Eurovision Song Contest. We found common ground in my 11 hour sampled song playlist. I still think of you Codey, every time I hear it. Music really is a universal language, and Aviation Gin feels like its perfect partner. Creative, crafted, unexpected and endlessly enjoyable.

How long was the visit?

We were there for 3 hours with some of this time being spent in the bar before and after the tour.

How much are tickets?

We paid for our tickets, and this was not part of any advertising.

Tours last for an hour and are from $35. Book in advance if you can, as they are very popular. Walk-ins might be lucky and find a spot.

Opening times

It's always worth checking with Aviation Gin for their current opening times, as they can vary.

When we visited, their tasting room was open 4 days a week from 12pm until 7pm, and closed Monday to Wednesday, with a few tours scheduled each day.

Getting here:

We hired a car for our Pacific Northwest road trip, and parked it at outside our apartment rental. Once you're in Portland you won't need it, as the public transport is great, even if the locals complain about it. And, if the bus, light rail, tram or cable car won't get you there, then cycle, walk or take a cab.

Portland International Airport (PDX) is well served both nationally and internationally. We flew from Edinburgh to Amsterdam with KLM, where Delta took over, flying us across the pond. And don't ignore the updated design of Portland's airport - it's a gem.

Spacious airport hall with wooden slat ceiling, natural light, and indoor trees. People walk and relax. Bright, airy atmosphere. — Image in Dezeen - ZGF Architects

Address

2075 NW Wilson St, Portland, OR 97209

Website: Aviation Gin

Where we stayed

We were based in Portland for 7 nights and stayed just off my favourite street, NW23rd. Several of Northwest Portland’s historic Victorian homes, full of old world charm, like the one we stayed in, have been reimagined as boutiques, galleries, theaters and restaurants. We wanted a rental where we could kick back and relax, and enjoy wandering down tree lined streets, catching up with the locals, grabbing an ice cream at Salt & Straw, or catching the last few rays of sun sipping cocktails outside a bar.

Victorian-style house with dark wood siding, orange trim, and lush greenery. Sunlit entrance with detailed woodwork and steps.

You can book this basement flat through Airbnb, and Zoe was an excellent host, who recommended lots of places to eat and things to do. There are 2 bedrooms and free street parking with a permit, which Zoe arranged for us.

What else is there to see close by:

We've been lucky enough to travel many times to Portland, for business and pleasure, staying from a few weeks to several months at a time. There is so much to do in and around the city, it would warrant a whole blog post of its own.

We timed this trip to coincide with the Grand Floral Parade, part of the city's Rose Festival, which has the city come alive with community events, music, parades, and even Fleet Week, where U.S. Navy ships dock and open for public tours. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

The Columbia River Gorge is breathtaking and home to one of my favourite waterfalls in all the world, Multnomah Falls. Oregon’s tallest waterfall, just 30 miles from downtown Portland, it is simply stunning, with accessible viewing points and hiking routes if you're feeling energetic.

Tall waterfall cascades down a lush, green cliff. A bridge with tourists is in the middle. Bright blue sky and trees frame the scene. Multnomah Falls in Oregon.

It can get super busy here, and parking is so much of an issue that you have to book a timed entry slot, like we did, from late May through to early September. If you don't have a car, then there is a shuttle from Portland, and plenty of tour companies visit there too. Visit midweek and early in the day if you can.

The Columbia River Gorge area is also home to quaint towns, like Hood River, and countryside landscapes, which we found were full of farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, wineries, farm shops and a thriving art scene.

The Japanese Garden is just one attraction in Washington Park, that includes Oregon Zoo, the International Rose Test Garden (top tip - perfectly in bloom at the start of June), World Forestry Center and Hoyt Arboretum. The park truly is a sanctuary.

Wooden deck overlooks a serene Japanese garden with lush greenery, colorful shrubs, stone path, and a clear blue sky. Peaceful atmosphere.

No trip to Portland would be complete without a few hours perusing the shelves at Powell's Books, the largest independent book shop in the world, and one of my absolute favourites. I defy anyone to visit without finding a book that interests them. Just make sure you leave room in your suitcase.

The OMSI, Portland's Science Museum, will delight young and old, with massive, immersive exhibition halls, a planetarium and even a submarine. I have spent whole afternoons there, and every visit feels new.

But, tempting you on the horizon, is my old friend Mount Hood, second only to Mount Fuji as my favourite mountain, a dormant volcano, whose snow covered summit, at 11,249 feet, is the perfect backdrop to any Portland panorama.

Cityscape of Portland, Oregon with tall buildings surrounded by green trees, set against a mountainous backdrop with the snow-capped peak of Mount Hood under a clear blue sky.

A real mecca for outdoor recreation, the 20 mile drive is well worth it, trust me. You can stand on a glacier, have dinner at the historic Timberline Lodge as skiers and snowboarders hurtle past you, or kayak on pristine lakes, before you descend into the forest and valleys below. Breathtaking.

Please note - I'm real

I visit every brand visitor centre and experience myself. My feedback is real, based on a single visit, but informed by years of experience designing and exploring brand experiences all over the world.

I love writing my own reflections, diving into a brand's history, doing the research and looking at spaces through the eyes of a commercial interior designer. With over 30 years of working with customers, I also enjoy watching how guests interact with guides, displays and spaces. Everything I share is honest, personal and entirely human, not AI generated.

That authenticity is important to me, and if it's important to you and you want to work with me, or share your experiences or want to suggest others, then I am happy to be contacted via this website.

Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed are solely my own. I paid for the tours in full and any comments reflect my personal experiences on that day. Please drink responsibly. Please visit and garner your own thoughts and feel free to research the brand and the visitor centre in question.