Ryan Reynolds' Aviation Gin Closes Portland Visitor Center

Diageo has decided to shut down the Aviation American Gin visitor center and distillery located in Portland, Oregon, just shy of four years since its establishment. Opened in 2022 under the guidance of distillery director Hollie Stephenson, who previously served as head brewer at Guinness's Maryland facility, the closure is attributed to changing business requirements, as stated by Diageo. Aviation Gin was founded in 2006 by bartender Ryan Magarian alongside House Spirits Distillery, which went bankrupt in 2023 under its Westward Whiskey label. Davos Brands purchased Aviation in 2016, and Diageo acquired it in 2020. Ryan Reynolds became an investor in 2018, actively promoting the brand through advertisements and social media exchanges with Hugh Jackman. Last year, bottling and blending operations were relocated, allowing production to potentially persist. Diageo has encountered difficulties in North America, with organic sales dropping nearly 10%, leading to production halts at other distilleries like Balcones and Cascade Hollow. Since taking over in January, CEO Sir Dave Lewis has seen growth in other regions despite the challenges in North America.