Aviation Gin
This is a very, very nice gin
By Myffy Rigby
A collaboration of US distilling company Lee Medoff and Christian Krogstad of House Spirits, and bartender/drinks consultant Ryan Magarian, it's got big cardamom and orange notes fading back to a smudge of aniseed on the tongue and front palate.
A clean drinking, heavy hitting, almost creamy textured spirit, Ryan originally intended for this to be served straight up, which would explain his "less is more" approach to botanicals (he uses only the seven: juniper, cardamom, coriander, lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, and dried orange peel). Named after the classic cocktail, it would suggest putting it to good use in an Aviation (gin, maraschino liqueur and lemon juice) but it also works very well in a Martini (the TO office just had a round thanksto a stray packet of olives and a bottle of vermouth) and, if you're into them, a White Lady (lemon juice, Cointreau, gin).
The great thing about this gin is the smooth, weighty body combined with a gentle perfume and some more exotic notes thrown into the mix including sarsaparilla and lavender which means it works wonderfully with citrus but isn't so juniper-y that it calls for a mixer or relief like tonic or juice.
Even the label captures the spirit (ha). The gin's named after the cocktail, sure, but the label also gets that Deco feel with a simple, paper label and no fancy bottling - it's straight up, just like the booze.
Buy it
Around $70 per 750ml
Order online Vintage Direct
Ultimo Wine Centre 99 Jones St, Ultimo, 2007. (02 9211 2380)
Try it
Bayswater Brasserie 32 Bayswater Rd?Kings Cross 2011. (02 9357 2177)
Foveaux 65-67 Foveaux St,?Surry Hills 2010. (02 9211 0664)
Toko 490 Crown St Surry Hills 2010. (02 9357 6100)
Henry Afrikas Ground and Basement, 42 North Steyne ?Manly 2095. (02 9977 7400)
Longrain 85 Commonwealth St? Surry Hills 2010. (02 9280 2888)