Retail News South Africa

Ryan Reynolds purchases stake in Aviation Gin, now available in SA

Actor, writer and producer Ryan Reynolds has acquired an ownership interest in American craft gin company Aviation Gin after tasting it for the first time. He announced the acquisition in an Instagram post this week that read "I own nothing in this photo. Except that gin company. @aviationgin".

I own nothing in this photo. Except that gin company. @aviationgin

A post shared by Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds) on

"About a year ago, I tried Aviation for the first time. Since that day, I’ve spent my time finding some way to infiltrate the company," said Reynolds in an automated email message. “Aviation is the best tasting gin in the world. Once I tried it, I knew I wanted to get involved with the company in a big way.”

According to a statement, Reynolds will play an active role in the day-to-day business of the brand and oversee creative direction. The details around how much of the company Reynolds acquired or its purchase price has yet to be disclosed.

“If you think all gins taste the same, you’d be mistaken,” said Reynolds. “Aviation is in a completely different league and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the brand.”

Ryan Reynolds purchases stake in Aviation Gin, now available in SA

South African launch

Founded in Portland, Oregon and crafted in small batches by a unique bartender and distiller partnership, Aviation Gin is an American gin with a unique botanical mix that results in a much smoother, easier drinking flavour than typical London Dry gins.

The brand was launched in South Africa recently by Cape Town-based Truman & Orange and is available nation-wide in high-quality liquor stores and retailers including Pick ’n Pay and Makro.

“Even before this announcement, we were very excited to bring Aviation Gin to SA’s gin lovers. It is an amazing drink with a great story. The first ever collaboration between ex-bartender and a distiller, Aviation Gin pays tribute to those golden times in America when gin-based cocktails were extremely popular. It is undeniably smooth and amazingly mixable and we’re really excited about its prospects in SA,” says Rowan Liebbrandt of Truman & Orange.

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