The world of spirits has witnessed a significant surge in celebrity-backed brands, with many A-listers venturing into the industry. One such brand that has garnered considerable attention is Aviation Gin, co-owned by the charismatic Ryan Reynolds. However, with the ever-changing landscape of the spirits industry, the question on everyone’s mind is: does Ryan Reynolds still own Aviation Gin? In this article, we will delve into the history of Aviation Gin, its rise to fame, and the current ownership status.
A Brief History of Aviation Gin
Aviation Gin was first introduced in 2006 by Christian Krogstad and Ryan Magarian, two Portland-based entrepreneurs. The brand was initially owned by House Spirits Distillery, a Portland-based craft distillery. Aviation Gin quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of botanicals and smooth flavor profile. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that the brand gained mainstream recognition, thanks to the involvement of Ryan Reynolds.
Ryan Reynolds’ Involvement with Aviation Gin
In February 2018, Ryan Reynolds acquired a majority stake in Aviation Gin, becoming the brand’s co-owner and creative director. Reynolds’ involvement with the brand was a strategic move, aimed at increasing the brand’s visibility and appeal. As a well-known actor and entrepreneur, Reynolds brought a new level of excitement and energy to the brand.
Under Reynolds’ leadership, Aviation Gin underwent a significant rebranding, with a new logo, packaging, and marketing strategy. The brand’s social media presence was also revamped, with Reynolds himself taking an active role in promoting the brand. The results were impressive, with Aviation Gin experiencing a significant surge in sales and popularity.
The Rise of Aviation Gin
Aviation Gin’s rise to fame can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its unique flavor profile, clever marketing, and Reynolds’ involvement. The brand’s gin is made with a blend of seven botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and lavender, which gives it a smooth and approachable flavor.
In addition to its unique flavor profile, Aviation Gin’s marketing strategy played a significant role in its success. Reynolds’ witty humor and charm were instrumental in creating a buzz around the brand. The brand’s social media presence was filled with humorous ads, clever promotions, and engaging content, which helped to build a loyal following.
Awards and Accolades
Aviation Gin’s success was not limited to its popularity; the brand also received critical acclaim. In 2019, Aviation Gin was awarded the title of “World’s Best Gin” at the International Spirits Challenge. The brand also received a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a platinum medal at the SIP Awards.
Diageo’s Acquisition of Aviation Gin
In August 2020, Diageo, a multinational spirits company, announced its acquisition of Aviation Gin for $610 million. The acquisition marked a significant milestone for the brand, which had experienced rapid growth since Reynolds’ involvement.
As part of the acquisition, Reynolds retained his role as co-owner and creative director of the brand. However, the acquisition raised questions about Reynolds’ level of involvement with the brand and whether he still owned Aviation Gin.
Current Ownership Status
So, does Ryan Reynolds still own Aviation Gin? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. While Diageo acquired a majority stake in the brand, Reynolds retained a significant minority stake. Reynolds’ exact ownership percentage is not publicly disclosed, but it is believed to be around 20%.
Reynolds’ continued involvement with the brand is a testament to his commitment to Aviation Gin. Despite the acquisition, Reynolds remains actively involved in the brand’s creative direction and marketing strategy.
Conclusion
Aviation Gin’s success story is a fascinating tale of how a small, craft distillery can become a global brand with the right combination of ingredients, marketing, and celebrity involvement. While the acquisition by Diageo may have raised questions about Reynolds’ ownership status, it is clear that he remains committed to the brand.
As the spirits industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Aviation Gin navigates the changing landscape. One thing is certain, however: with Reynolds at the helm, Aviation Gin is sure to remain a major player in the world of spirits.
Final Thoughts
The story of Aviation Gin serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely brands can achieve success with the right combination of ingredients and marketing. Reynolds’ involvement with the brand has been instrumental in its success, and his continued involvement is a testament to his commitment to the brand.
Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or simply a fan of Ryan Reynolds, Aviation Gin is definitely worth trying. With its unique flavor profile and smooth finish, it’s a spirit that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
So, the next time you’re sipping on a gin and tonic, remember the story of Aviation Gin and the power of celebrity involvement in the world of spirits.
What is Aviation Gin, and how did Ryan Reynolds get involved?
Aviation Gin is a brand of American gin that was founded in 2006 by Christian Krogstad and Ryan Magarian. The brand gained popularity for its unique blend of botanicals and smooth flavor profile. In 2018, Ryan Reynolds, the famous actor known for his roles in movies like Deadpool and The Proposal, acquired a majority stake in Aviation Gin. Reynolds’ involvement with the brand was not just a celebrity endorsement; he was actively involved in the company’s operations and marketing efforts.
Reynolds’ acquisition of Aviation Gin was seen as a strategic move to expand the brand’s reach and appeal to a wider audience. Under his ownership, the brand experienced significant growth and became one of the fastest-growing gin brands in the world. Reynolds’ involvement also helped to increase the brand’s social media presence, with the actor frequently promoting the brand on his personal social media channels.
Did Ryan Reynolds sell Aviation Gin, and if so, to whom?
In 2020, it was announced that Ryan Reynolds had sold Aviation Gin to Diageo, a multinational spirits company, for a reported $610 million. The sale was seen as a major coup for Diageo, which was looking to expand its portfolio of premium spirits brands. As part of the deal, Reynolds retained a minority stake in the company and continued to serve as the brand’s creative director.
The sale of Aviation Gin to Diageo marked a significant milestone for the brand, which had experienced rapid growth under Reynolds’ ownership. The deal also highlighted the growing trend of celebrity-backed spirits brands being acquired by larger companies. Despite the sale, Reynolds remains closely associated with the brand and continues to promote it through his social media channels and other marketing efforts.
What is Ryan Reynolds’ current role with Aviation Gin?
Following the sale of Aviation Gin to Diageo, Ryan Reynolds retained a minority stake in the company and continued to serve as the brand’s creative director. In this role, Reynolds is responsible for overseeing the brand’s marketing and creative efforts, including advertising campaigns and product launches. Reynolds has stated that he will continue to be involved with the brand, albeit in a more limited capacity than before.
As creative director, Reynolds will work closely with Diageo’s marketing team to develop new campaigns and promotions for Aviation Gin. Reynolds’ continued involvement with the brand is seen as a key factor in its ongoing success, given his strong personal brand and social media following. Despite no longer being the majority owner, Reynolds remains closely associated with Aviation Gin and will continue to play a key role in shaping the brand’s direction.
How has Aviation Gin performed since the sale to Diageo?
Since the sale to Diageo, Aviation Gin has continued to experience strong growth and has become one of the leading premium gin brands in the world. The brand has expanded its distribution channels and is now available in over 100 countries worldwide. Aviation Gin has also launched several new products, including a range of ready-to-drink cocktails and a limited-edition gin infused with botanicals.
The brand’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its unique flavor profile, strong marketing efforts, and the continued involvement of Ryan Reynolds. Diageo’s global distribution network and marketing expertise have also played a key role in the brand’s growth. As a result, Aviation Gin has become one of the most successful celebrity-backed spirits brands in the world.
What other celebrity-backed spirits brands are there?
There are several other celebrity-backed spirits brands, including George Clooney’s Casamigos tequila, Diddy’s Cîroc vodka, and Drake’s Virginia Black whiskey. These brands have experienced varying degrees of success, with some becoming major players in the spirits industry. Celebrity-backed spirits brands have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many celebrities looking to leverage their personal brands to launch new products.
The success of celebrity-backed spirits brands can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the celebrity’s personal brand, marketing efforts, and the quality of the product. In the case of Aviation Gin, Ryan Reynolds’ involvement was seen as a key factor in the brand’s success, given his strong personal brand and social media following. Other celebrity-backed spirits brands have also experienced success, although the results have been more mixed.
Can I still buy Aviation Gin, and where is it available?
Yes, Aviation Gin is still widely available for purchase in stores, online, and in bars and restaurants. The brand is distributed by Diageo, which has a global network of distributors and retailers. Aviation Gin is available in over 100 countries worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Aviation Gin can be purchased online through various retailers, including the brand’s website, Amazon, and other online spirits retailers. The brand is also available in many major liquor stores, supermarkets, and specialty food stores. In addition, Aviation Gin is widely available in bars and restaurants, where it is often featured in cocktails and other drinks.
What is the future of Aviation Gin, and will Ryan Reynolds remain involved?
The future of Aviation Gin looks bright, with the brand continuing to experience strong growth and expansion into new markets. Diageo has stated that it plans to continue investing in the brand, with a focus on expanding its distribution channels and marketing efforts. Ryan Reynolds will likely remain involved with the brand, albeit in a more limited capacity than before.
As creative director, Reynolds will continue to play a key role in shaping the brand’s direction and overseeing its marketing efforts. The brand’s continued success will depend on a combination of factors, including its unique flavor profile, strong marketing efforts, and the continued involvement of Reynolds. With Diageo’s global distribution network and marketing expertise, Aviation Gin is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the years to come.