Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/898117
6 / the tasting panel / november 2017 In the months leading up to Repeal Day on December 5, dozens of cocktail enthusiasts across the country found themselves transported back to the pre-Prohibition era with a little help from Davos Brands and one of its more recently–acquired labels, Aviation American Gin. Davos' team of brand ambassadors hosted parties in Dallas, Denver, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, and Orlando to honor the centennial anniversary of the spirit's namesake: the Aviation Cocktail, which made its debut in Hugo Ennslin's Recipes for Mixed Drinks (initially self-published by Ensslin in 1916, the second edition was released in 1917). Considered to be the last known book of its kind published before Prohibition, Recipes for Mixed Drinks evolved from a little-known pamphlet of both standard and unconventional cocktails to a staple revered by many a modern mixologist (the Washington Post once called it "the most influential cocktail book to date"). Senior Brand Manager Adrian Molina says Davos Brands decided to collaborate on a new edition of the book earlier this year with Aviation Gin Co-Founders Ryan Magarian and Christian Krogstad "as a nod and celebration of cocktail culture and where it is right now," especially with the resurging popularity of gin in recent years. The recipes largely remain untouched—not unlike the wrap-sealed original pressing of Recipes for Mixed Drinks that's highly revered at the Davos Brand offices—while a preface from Krogstad, who serves as Aviation's Master Distiller at House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon, spotlights the handcrafted, small-batch gin. Conceptualized a decade ago by Krogstad and Magarian as a modern interpreta- tion of El Bart Gin (used by Ensslin in the original Aviation), Aviation Gin forgoes the juniper-heavy characteristics of traditional English gins in favor of a more balanced, smooth taste. Molina says this allows other enticing flavor notes, including French lavender and Indian sarsaparilla, to "come out to play" after the blend of globally- sourced botanicals is macerated in a neutral, corn-based spirit and distilled. The PHOTO: MIKE RIVERA Aviation American Gin Brand Ambassador Phillip Smith and guests cheers to a night of fun at the Hotel Wallick party in Chicago. resulting versatility enables the 84-proof gin to meld seamlessly into both contemporary cocktails and nostalgic drinks like its namesake. Ensslin would no doubt be surprised by the influence his book holds on the industry all these decades later, considering he spent his days as the inconspicuous head bartender at the Guests of the Hotel Wallick parties were able to take home copies of Hugo Ensslin's Recipes for Mixed Drinks in honor of the book's 100th anniversary, as well as a box of collectible items from Aviation American Gin.