Diageo has shuttered the Aviation American Gin mark’s visitor centre in Oregon, less than four years after the site was opened.
Last year, the London-headquartered business began transitioning Aviation bottling and blending operations from Portland to another – undisclosed – Diageo facility, Global Drinks Intel understands. Both the distillery and visitor centre were opened in September 2022, offering guided tours and tastings.
However, a spokesperson for Diageo said: “After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close the Aviation American Gin Visitor Centre in Portland, Oregon. This decision reflects evolving business needs, as we continue to support growth ambitions for our Aviation American Gin brand.
“Aviation American Gin remains an important part of Diageo’s portfolio and we are committed to the brand, our customers and consumers,” the spokesperson added.
Diageo inherited Aviation, formerly co-owned by actor Ryan Reynolds, through its purchase of Davos Brands in 2020. The transaction, valued at the time as “up to” US$610m, also included the Astral tequila, Sombra mezcal and Tyku sake brands. Reynolds retains “an ongoing ownership interest” in the business.
Last year, the Johnnie Walker brand owner partnered with Welsh football club Wrexham – also co-owned by Reynolds – to release the latest in a line of limited-edition Wrexham bottles.
