Is Aviation Gin Still Owned By Ryan Reynolds? The Full Story

Valentine Luettgen 25 Jul 2025

Many folks often wonder about the ownership of Aviation American Gin, especially with its strong connection to the popular actor, Ryan Reynolds. It's a question that pops up quite a bit, you know, given how much he put into making the brand a household name. People are curious about his business moves, and this gin, well, it was certainly one of his big ones.

Ryan Reynolds, a name synonymous with wit and charm on the big screen, also built a considerable reputation in the business world. His involvement with Aviation Gin really captured public attention, transforming a craft spirit into a globally recognized label. So, many people are still asking if he maintains his full ownership.

The journey of Aviation Gin, and Ryan Reynolds' part in it, has quite a few interesting turns. It's a story that involves big money, smart business choices, and a well-known celebrity making his mark beyond Hollywood. We'll explore just who holds the reins of this popular gin now, and what Ryan Reynolds' current involvement looks like.

Ryan Reynolds: A Brief Look
- Personal Details and Bio Data
Aviation Gin: The Beginning
Ryan Reynolds Jumps In
The Big Sale to Diageo
Ryan Reynolds' Current Stake and Involvement
Diageo's Ownership in 2023
Beyond Gin: Ryan Reynolds' Other Ventures
Is Aviation Gin Worth It?
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Ryan Reynolds: A Brief Look

Ryan Reynolds, known for his entertaining roles and quick humor, has actually carved out a significant space for himself as a shrewd business person. His public image, filled with charm and a knack for funny social media posts, has definitely helped bring a lot of attention to his various ventures, like Aviation Gin, for example. He really seems to know how to connect with people, which is that, a very powerful thing in business.

He's not just an actor; he's a brand builder, you know. His involvement tends to elevate whatever he touches, giving it a unique personality. This blend of entertainment and entrepreneurship has earned him quite a bit of success, making him a fascinating figure to follow in both Hollywood and the business world, actually.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Ryan Rodney Reynolds
Known For	Acting, producing, business ventures
Notable Business Ventures	Aviation American Gin (formerly), Mint Mobile (ownership stake), Match Group (board member)
Involvement with Aviation Gin	Acquired majority stake in 2018, sold to Diageo in 2020, maintains ongoing ownership interest and creative involvement
Sale of Aviation Gin	$610 million to Diageo
Sale of Mint Mobile	$1.35 billion to T-Mobile

Aviation Gin: The Beginning

Aviation Gin's story started way back in 2006, you see, when Christian Krogstad and Ryan Magarian first brought it to life. It was born from a real desire to make a gin that truly stood out in a crowded market. They had a shared enthusiasm for gin, and that really drove them to create something special, which is a good way to begin, isn't it?

The brand quickly became known for its distinct character, made with a special mix of 14 botanicals. These included things like lavender, cardamom, and sarsaparilla, giving it a unique taste profile. It was, in some respects, a craft spirit with a clear vision from its very start.

Ryan Reynolds Jumps In

In February 2018, Ryan Reynolds decided to get involved with Aviation American Gin. He acquired a majority ownership share in the company, bringing his very unique perspective and incredible marketing skills to the table. He was really drawn to the careful work and quality of the gin itself, which is pretty cool.

When Ryan Reynolds stepped in, he did more than just put money into the brand. He actually became the very face and personality of Aviation Gin. His humor and charm were used in the brand's advertising, making it instantly recognizable and giving it a fresh, approachable feel. He didn't just invest, he basically became the brand's voice, you know, and that really made a difference.

The Big Sale to Diageo

Then came a big moment for Aviation Gin in 2020. On August 17, 2020, the brand was sold to Diageo, a huge British company that makes alcoholic beverages. This was a really significant deal, with the reported buyout price reaching a whopping $610 million, which is, honestly, a massive amount of money.

Diageo, a company that also owns other well-known spirits like Tanqueray gin, Smirnoff vodka, and Johnnie Walker scotch whisky, made an initial payment of $335 million. The remaining amount, about $275 million, was set aside based on how well the brand performed over time. This kind of deal is fairly common in big business transactions, where part of the payment depends on future success, so.

This sale marked a major turning point for Aviation Gin, moving it from a celebrity-backed craft brand to part of a vast international spirits portfolio. Ryan Reynolds' decision to sell was a smart business move, resulting in a very hefty payday for him, and that's just a fact.

Ryan Reynolds' Current Stake and Involvement

So, does Ryan Reynolds still own a portion of Aviation Gin? The answer is yes, he does. When Diageo purchased Aviation Gin, Ryan Reynolds actually kept a significant ownership interest in the company. This was part of the agreement, allowing him to stay connected to the brand he helped build, which is, in a way, pretty interesting.

He also remains involved in the creative process for Aviation Gin. This means that while Diageo is the main owner, Ryan Reynolds still has a hand in how the brand is presented and marketed. His ongoing presence helps maintain the unique voice and personality that he brought to the gin in the first place, you know, which is quite important for its identity.

His involvement goes beyond just a financial stake; he's still there contributing to the brand's direction. This arrangement allows him to benefit from the brand's continued success under Diageo's broad reach, while still having a creative say, which is a good setup, arguably.

Diageo's Ownership in 2023

As of 2023, Diageo is the majority owner of Aviation American Gin, also often called simply Aviation Gin. They are a very large and established company in the world of spirits, so their acquisition of Aviation Gin placed the brand under a powerful umbrella. This ownership means that Diageo now largely controls the production, distribution, and overall strategy for the gin.

Diageo's extensive network allows Aviation Gin to reach a much wider audience than it could as an independent or celebrity-owned brand. Their experience in the liquor business provides a solid foundation for the gin's continued growth and expansion into new markets. It's a bit like a smaller boat joining a very large fleet, if you will.

So, while Ryan Reynolds still has a piece of the pie and creative input, the ultimate ownership and operational control now rest with Diageo. This shift in ownership has certainly opened up new possibilities for the brand's future, as a matter of fact.

Beyond Gin: Ryan Reynolds' Other Ventures

Ryan Reynolds' business success isn't just limited to Aviation Gin, not at all. He's made some incredibly smart moves in other areas too. For instance, he acquired an ownership stake in Mint Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator, which he later sold for a substantial amount, you know, about $1.35 billion, which is a truly massive sum.

He also joined the board of Match Group, the company behind popular dating apps. These ventures show that his business acumen goes well beyond just spirits. He has a knack for spotting opportunities and investing in companies that align with his brand and vision, which is pretty impressive, honestly.

His ability to leverage his personal brand for business success is quite remarkable. He doesn't just lend his name; he genuinely gets involved and helps grow these companies, which is why he's earned such significant financial returns from them. He's clearly a very active participant in his investments, and that's something to consider.

Is Aviation Gin Worth It?

With all the talk about ownership and big sales, a question that often comes up is whether Aviation Gin itself is worth your time and money. The provided information suggests that this is a common query, with some people even wanting a breakdown of tasting experiences. While we can't offer a personal review here, we can talk about the brand's reputation and its journey.

The gin's distinctive blend of botanicals, including lavender and cardamom, has given it a unique flavor profile that sets it apart. Ryan Reynolds' involvement, of course, brought a lot of attention to this American gin, making many more people curious to try it. The fact that a major liquor giant like Diageo purchased it for such a high price also suggests a belief in its quality and market potential.

Ultimately, whether Aviation Gin is "worth it" is a personal decision based on taste. However, its history, its celebrity association, and its acquisition by a global spirits company certainly make it a noteworthy contender in the gin market. It's definitely a brand that has made a name for itself, and that's something to think about, really.

Conclusion

So, to bring it all together, the answer to "Is Aviation Gin still owned by Ryan Reynolds?" is that he maintains an ongoing ownership interest, but the majority owner is Diageo. Ryan Reynolds sold his gin brand, Aviation American Gin, for $610 million to Diageo in 2020, with a significant upfront payment. He still keeps a creative role and a stake in the company, which is pretty neat.

The brand's journey from a craft spirit to a major player under Diageo's wing, with Ryan Reynolds' continued involvement, shows a smart blend of celebrity influence and corporate power. It's a story of significant business success for the actor, alongside his other ventures like Mint Mobile. To explore more about the business side of celebrity ventures, you can learn more about business partnerships on our site, and for details on other major brand acquisitions, link to this page brand acquisitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have more questions about this topic. Here are some common ones:

Who owns Aviation Gin in 2023?

In 2023, Diageo is the majority owner of Aviation American Gin. They purchased the brand from Ryan Reynolds in 2020 for $610 million, with an upfront payment and performance-based incentives. Ryan Reynolds, however, still holds an ongoing ownership interest and remains involved in the brand's creative aspects, which is interesting, you know.

Did Ryan Reynolds sell all of Aviation Gin?

No, Ryan Reynolds did not sell all of Aviation Gin. While he sold a majority stake in the company to Diageo for $610 million, he retained a significant ownership interest. He also continues to be involved in the creative direction and marketing efforts for the brand, so he's still very much connected to it, in a way.

When did Ryan Reynolds acquire Aviation Gin?

Ryan Reynolds acquired a majority stake in Aviation Gin in February 2018. He was drawn to the gin's craft quality and quickly became the public face of the brand, bringing his unique marketing approach to it. This was a pivotal moment for the gin's growth before its eventual sale to Diageo, you know, just two years later.

Aviation Wallpaper High Res (61+ images)

Flying Airplane Wallpapers - Top Free Flying Airplane Backgrounds

HD Aviation Wallpapers - Top Free HD Aviation Backgrounds - WallpaperAccess

Global Artist Buzz