Ryan Reynolds' Aviation Gin Bar Closes in Portland After Three Years
The tasting room and visitor center, a former 'Disneyland for adults' for the gin brand, shuttered on June 28 amid declining spirit sales for its parent company.
Aviation American Gin's Tasting Room and Visitor Center in Portland, Oregon, has closed its doors after just three years of operation. The establishment, co-owned by actor Ryan Reynolds, announced June 28 as its final tasting day.
The closure was confirmed by Diageo, the beverage giant that co-owns the gin brand with Reynolds. A spokesperson stated that the decision reflects "evolving business needs" as the company continues to support growth ambitions for the Aviation American Gin brand. Production has been relocated to an existing facility outside of Portland.
Reynolds began investing in Aviation American Gin in 2018, serving as co-owner and spokesperson. The brand was originally founded by Portland's House Spirits Distillery in the 2000s before Diageo acquired the brands. Reynolds remained a co-owner with Diageo after their takeover in 2020. The tasting room officially opened in September 2022.
Reynolds had previously described the tasting room as a "Disneyland for adults." The closure comes as Diageo reports a sales slump. Between January and March of this year, the company's spirit sales in the U.S. were down by 15.4 percent, according to The Spirit Business.
The closure also occurs as Portland faces ongoing challenges with crime and quality of life issues. A recent survey indicated that 36 percent of voters in the Portland tri-county metro area are considering moving out within the next five years. While violent offenses have recently decreased from their record highs, the city has been grappling with these issues since 2020.