How to Sip Local Gins at Aviation Gin Distillery Portland

Portland, Oregon, has long been recognized as a hub of innovation in craft beverages, and among its most celebrated offerings is Aviation American Gin. Founded in 2006 by Ryan Magarian, Aviation Gin emerged not just as another spirit on the shelf, but as a reimagining of what American gin could be—floral, balanced, and distinctly Pacific Northwest in character. Located in the heart of Portland’s vibrant industrial district, the Aviation Gin Distillery offers more than just a tasting room; it provides an immersive experience into the art of sipping local gin with intention, appreciation, and sensory awareness.

Learning how to sip local gins at Aviation Gin Distillery Portland is not merely about consuming alcohol—it’s about engaging with terroir, craftsmanship, and the cultural narrative embedded in every bottle. Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or a curious newcomer, understanding the nuances of tasting gin in its place of origin transforms a simple drink into a meaningful ritual. This guide will walk you through the complete process, from arrival to reflection, ensuring you extract maximum value from your visit and deepen your connection to Portland’s craft distilling scene.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit in Advance

Aviation Gin Distillery does not operate as a walk-in-only facility. To ensure a quality experience, reservations are required for all tours and tastings. Visit the official Aviation Gin website and navigate to the “Tours & Tastings” section. Here, you’ll find available time slots, pricing, and group size limits. Book at least one week in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer and holidays, as slots fill quickly.

Consider timing your visit for a weekday afternoon. Weekends tend to be busier, and weekday visits often allow for more personalized attention from the staff. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-in, and settling in. The distillery is located at 1115 SE 2nd Avenue, Portland, OR, near the vibrant Southeast Portland food and beverage corridor. Public transit options include the MAX Light Rail and multiple bus lines, making it accessible without a car.

2. Dress Appropriately for the Environment

The distillery is a working production facility with exposed machinery, polished concrete floors, and temperature-controlled rooms. While there’s no strict dress code, comfort and practicality are key. Wear closed-toe shoes—safety is prioritized in production areas. Avoid overly fragrant perfumes or colognes, as they can interfere with the delicate aromas of the gin. Opt for neutral, breathable clothing that allows you to move comfortably through the space.

Bring a light jacket or sweater. The tasting room is climate-controlled, but the distillation floor can be cooler due to the presence of copper stills and ventilation systems. Layering ensures you remain comfortable throughout the experience.

3. Arrive and Check In

Upon arrival, proceed to the main entrance, where you’ll be greeted by a host who will verify your reservation. You’ll be asked to sign a brief liability waiver and may be offered a glass of sparkling water to begin your journey. This is a moment to pause, breathe, and mentally prepare for the sensory experience ahead.

Take note of the ambient details: the scent of juniper and citrus peels in the air, the quiet hum of the stills, the visual rhythm of bottling lines. These are not background elements—they are part of the gin’s story. Begin to observe with curiosity, not just as a guest, but as a participant in the craft.

4. Begin the Guided Tour

The tour typically lasts 60–75 minutes and is led by a knowledgeable distiller or brand ambassador. You’ll be guided through the entire production process, starting with the botanicals. Aviation Gin uses 13 botanicals, including Oregon-grown juniper, cardamom, coriander, and orange peel. The distiller will explain why each ingredient is chosen, how it’s sourced, and its role in the flavor profile.

Pay close attention to the sourcing stories. For example, the juniper berries are hand-harvested from the high desert regions of Eastern Oregon, where the dry climate intensifies their resinous character. The orange peel comes from a small citrus farm in Southern California, chosen for its bright, unblemished zest. Understanding origin helps you appreciate why this gin tastes different from London dry or Dutch genever styles.

5. Witness the Distillation Process

At the heart of the distillery are two copper pot stills named “Aviation” and “Bloom.” You’ll watch as the neutral grain spirit is redistilled with the botanicals in a vapor infusion method. This technique ensures that the delicate aromatics of the botanicals are captured without being boiled, preserving their freshness and complexity.

Ask questions. Why copper? Because it reacts with sulfur compounds in the spirit, creating a cleaner, smoother final product. Why vapor infusion? Because it allows for a more nuanced extraction than steeping botanicals directly in the wash. These technical choices are what elevate Aviation Gin from a commercial product to a crafted spirit.

6. Transition to the Tasting Room

After the tour, you’ll move to the intimate tasting room, designed with warm wood, soft lighting, and curated botanical displays. Here, you’ll be seated at a communal table or private booth, depending on your group size. A flight of three gins will be presented: the classic Aviation American Gin, the seasonal Limited Release (often a botanical variation like lavender or hibiscus), and a barrel-aged expression if available.

Each pour is approximately 0.75 oz—enough to evaluate without overindulging. The host will guide you through the tasting protocol, which follows a structured sensory approach: sight, smell, sip, swallow, savor.

7. Practice the Five Senses of Tasting

Sight: Hold the glass against natural light. Observe the clarity and viscosity. Aviation Gin should be crystal clear with no cloudiness. A slight oily sheen may indicate higher botanical oil content—a sign of quality.

Smell: Swirl gently and bring the glass to your nose. Inhale slowly through your nose, then your mouth. Note the layers: first, the bright citrus; then, the floral juniper; finally, the subtle spice. Avoid sniffing too aggressively—this can overwhelm the delicate notes.

Sip: Take a small sip. Let it rest on your tongue for 5–7 seconds. Notice the initial flavor (citrus), the mid-palate (herbal, earthy), and the finish (clean, slightly sweet). Avoid gulping. Sipping slowly allows your palate to map the flavor journey.

Swallow: As you swallow, pay attention to the warmth and length of the aftertaste. Aviation Gin is designed to be smooth, so there should be no harsh burn. A lingering, pleasant finish is a hallmark of quality.

Savor: After swallowing, exhale slowly through your nose. This retro-nasal passage often reveals hidden layers—perhaps a whisper of cardamom or a hint of dried rose petal. This is where the magic of craft gin reveals itself.

8. Pair with Recommended Garnishes and Mixers

Aviation Gin is intentionally balanced to be enjoyed neat, but the distillery also offers curated pairings. Ask for the “Portland Palate Pairing,” which includes:

• Dehydrated orange wheel (enhances citrus notes)
• Fresh rosemary sprig (amplifies herbal depth)
• Local honey drizzle (adds texture and rounds the finish)
• Sparkling mineral water (cleanses the palate between sips)

Do not default to tonic water unless requested. Many commercial tonics are overly sweet or quinine-heavy and can mask the gin’s subtleties. If you do choose tonic, opt for Fever-Tree or Q Mixers, which have lower sugar and cleaner profiles.

9. Engage with the Staff

The distillery team are not just servers—they are storytellers. Ask about their favorite botanical combinations, how they developed the original recipe, or what inspired the barrel-aged gin. Many staff members have worked at the distillery for years and can share anecdotes about batch variations, seasonal changes, or even failed experiments that led to breakthroughs.

Don’t be afraid to ask, “What would you drink if you were sitting here alone after work?” Their personal recommendations often reveal hidden gems not on the official menu.

10. Reflect and Document

Before you leave, take a moment to sit quietly with your thoughts. What stood out? Was it the citrus brightness? The floral lift? The smooth finish? Write down your impressions in a notebook or digital journal. Include the date, the specific gin you tasted, and your emotional response.

This practice transforms a casual visit into a lasting learning experience. Over time, your tasting journal becomes a personal reference guide, helping you recognize patterns in flavor profiles across different distilleries and regions.

Best Practices

1. Taste Slowly, Not Quickly

One of the most common mistakes is rushing through a tasting. Gin is not a shot—it’s a sensory experience. Allow at least 10–15 minutes per pour. Rushing dulls your palate and prevents you from detecting the layered nuances that define craft spirits.

2. Cleanse Your Palate Between Sips

Use the provided sparkling water or plain crackers to reset your taste buds. Avoid coffee, strong mints, or spicy snacks before or during the tasting. These can interfere with your ability to perceive subtle botanical notes.

3. Avoid Over-Garnishing

While garnishes enhance the experience, too many can overwhelm the spirit. A single orange twist or a single sprig of rosemary is enough. Let the gin speak for itself first, then add garnish as a complement—not a distraction.

4. Don’t Judge by Price Alone

Aviation Gin is priced competitively for its quality, but some visitors assume higher price = better flavor. This is misleading. A $30 bottle can outshine a $70 one if it’s better suited to your palate. Focus on flavor, not cost.

5. Bring a Friend for Comparison

Tasting with someone else allows you to compare perceptions. One person may detect lavender where another smells pine. These differences highlight how subjective—and personal—tasting truly is. Discussing your impressions deepens understanding.

6. Stay Hydrated

Alcohol dehydrates. Drink water between tastings. Many guests report headaches not from the gin itself, but from dehydration. Keep a bottle of water nearby throughout the experience.

7. Respect the Space

This is a working distillery. Do not touch equipment, lean on counters, or take photos without permission. Respect the space and the people who maintain it. Your behavior reflects on the entire craft spirits community.

8. Learn to Identify Botanicals

Develop a mental flavor map. Start by identifying the most dominant botanicals: juniper (piney), citrus (bright), coriander (spicy), cardamom (earthy), angelica root (bitter-sweet). Over time, you’ll recognize them in other gins and even in food pairings.

9. Taste Blind When Possible

If you’re visiting with a group, consider a blind tasting. Cover the labels and guess the gin based on aroma and flavor alone. This removes bias and sharpens your palate. You might be surprised how often you correctly identify the Aviation Gin by its signature citrus-juniper balance.

10. Return for Seasonal Releases

Aviation releases limited-edition gins seasonally—spring hibiscus, autumn spice, winter pine. Each batch is unique and reflects the local environment. Returning multiple times allows you to track how terroir and climate influence flavor over time.

Tools and Resources

1. Aviation Gin Official Website

The distillery’s website (aviationgin.com) is your primary resource for tour bookings, seasonal releases, and educational content. It includes detailed botanical profiles, cocktail recipes, and behind-the-scenes videos.

2. Tasting Journal App

Apps like “Spirits” or “Whiskybase” offer digital tasting journals where you can log gin experiences, rate flavors, and tag botanicals. Sync your entries across devices for easy reference.

3. Botanical Identification Guide

Download the “Gin Botanicals: A Visual Guide” PDF from the American Distilling Institute. It includes photos and flavor descriptors for 50+ common gin botanicals, helping you identify what you’re tasting.

4. Portland Craft Beverage Map

Use the “Portland Craft Beverage Trail” interactive map (available via Visit Portland’s website) to locate nearby distilleries, breweries, and cideries. Plan a full-day craft beverage itinerary after your Aviation visit.

5. Recommended Reading

• The Book of Gin by Philip Duff
• Botanicals of the British Isles by Dr. Sarah Corbett
• Distilling the Essence of Place by Dr. John M. S. Smith (on terroir in spirits)

6. Podcasts

• The Distilled Podcast – Episodes on American gin innovation
• Portland Drinks – Local interviews with distillers
• Uncorked with Adam Teeter – Deep dives into flavor science

7. Online Courses

Consider enrolling in the “Craft Gin Tasting Certification” offered by the Institute of Brewing & Distilling. While not required, it provides structured learning on sensory analysis and flavor profiling.

8. Local Retailers

After your visit, support local shops like Portland Wine & Spirits or Prohibition Liquor, which carry exclusive Aviation releases and local gin collaborations. These stores often host mini-tastings and can provide context for bottles you’ve tried.

9. Social Media Channels

Follow Aviation Gin on Instagram (@aviationgin) and YouTube for short videos on botanical harvesting, distillation techniques, and cocktail tutorials. Their content is visually rich and educational.

10. Tasting Glassware

Invest in a set of Glencairn whisky glasses or copita glasses. Their tulip shape concentrates aromas and is ideal for gin tasting. Avoid wide wine glasses—they allow aromas to dissipate too quickly.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Portland Palate Experience

In June 2023, a group of four local food bloggers visited Aviation Gin during the release of the “Hibiscus & Rose Petal” Limited Edition. They began with the classic Aviation, noting its “bright citrus-forward profile with a whisper of pine.” Then they moved to the hibiscus release. One blogger described it as “like drinking a spring garden in a glass—tart, floral, and unexpectedly refreshing.” The group paired each gin with a local cheese: a soft goat cheese from Rogue Creamery for the classic, and a lavender-infused honey brie for the hibiscus. The contrast revealed how botanicals interact with dairy, enhancing umami and softening tannins. They documented the experience in a blog post that attracted over 25,000 views and sparked a local trend of gin-and-cheese pairings.

Example 2: The First-Time Taster

A visitor from Chicago, new to gin, arrived with the assumption that all gin tasted like “juniper cough syrup.” After the tour, she tasted the Aviation Classic and was stunned. “It didn’t taste like medicine,” she said. “It tasted like orange zest and wildflowers.” She went on to buy three bottles—one for herself, one as a gift, and one to send to her grandmother, who now drinks it neat with a single ice cube every evening. Her testimonial became one of the distillery’s most shared stories.

Example 3: The Professional Sommelier

A Portland-based sommelier, trained in wine but new to spirits, visited the distillery to better understand gin for a cocktail menu overhaul. After tasting the barrel-aged Aviation, aged in former bourbon casks, she noted “notes of vanilla bean, toasted oak, and dried apricot—unlike any gin I’ve encountered.” She added it to her bar’s “Spirit of the Month” program, pairing it with a smoked black pepper syrup and grapefruit peel. The cocktail sold out weekly for two months. She credits the distillery tour with transforming her approach to spirits pairing.

Example 4: The Seasonal Comparison

A regular visitor returned every quarter to taste the seasonal releases. In winter, he noted the “Pine & Cedar” edition had a smoky, resinous quality reminiscent of a forest after rain. In spring, the “Lavender & Lemon Verbena” was “like walking through a garden in bloom.” By comparing the four seasonal expressions over a year, he began to identify how climate shifts in Oregon affected botanical potency. He started a newsletter, “Gin Through the Seasons,” which now has over 1,200 subscribers.

FAQs

Do I need to be a gin expert to visit Aviation Gin Distillery?

No. The distillery welcomes all levels of experience. Tours are designed to be accessible to beginners while offering depth for enthusiasts. Staff are trained to adjust explanations based on your knowledge level.

Can I buy bottles directly at the distillery?

Yes. The tasting room has a retail counter with exclusive bottlings not available in stores, including single-batch releases and commemorative labels.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children under 12 are permitted on the tour but not in the tasting room. Non-alcoholic mocktails are available for younger guests.

How long does the tour last?

Typically 60–75 minutes, including the tasting. Private group tours can be extended upon request.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The tour route, tasting room, and restrooms are fully ADA compliant. Notify the team in advance if you require additional accommodations.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted. However, the distillery offers small bites like artisanal crackers, local cheeses, and house-made olives for purchase.

What if I don’t like gin?

That’s okay. The experience is about exploration, not obligation. Many visitors discover they enjoy gin more than expected. Even if you don’t like the final product, the process of learning about distillation and botanicals is valuable.

Can I book a private group event?

Yes. The distillery offers private tastings for groups of 8–20. Custom themes (e.g., “Gin & Jazz,” “Botanicals & Books”) can be arranged with advance notice.

Is photography allowed?

Photography is permitted in the tasting room and designated tour areas. Flash and tripods are prohibited in production zones. Always ask before photographing staff or other guests.

How does Aviation Gin differ from other American gins?

Aviation uses vapor infusion instead of maceration, resulting in brighter, more aromatic botanicals. It also uses a higher proportion of citrus and floral notes, making it less juniper-dominant than traditional London dry gins. Its smoothness makes it ideal for sipping neat—a rarity in the gin world.

Conclusion

Sipping local gins at Aviation Gin Distillery Portland is not a passive activity—it’s an act of cultural engagement, sensory education, and personal discovery. By following this guide, you move beyond the surface of a drink and into the heart of a craft that honors place, process, and precision. Each sip becomes a connection—to Oregon’s wild juniper groves, to the copper stills that transform botanicals into art, and to the people who dedicate their lives to this quiet, complex tradition.

As you leave the distillery, you won’t just carry a bottle of gin—you’ll carry a deeper understanding of how flavor is born from soil, climate, and human intention. Whether you return for the next seasonal release, share your tasting journal with friends, or simply pour a glass at home with renewed attention, you’ve taken part in something meaningful.

Portland’s spirit isn’t just in its coffee, its craft beer, or its rain. It’s in the clarity of a perfectly balanced gin, the quiet hum of a copper still, and the shared silence of a room full of people learning to taste—not just drink.

Go sip. Go listen. Go taste with purpose.