Actor Ryan Reynolds buys a stake in Portland-made Aviation Gin

Actor Ryan Reynolds has purchased an interest in Aviation Gin, which was founded and still is distilled in Portland.
Actor Ryan Reynolds has purchased an interest in Aviation Gin, which was founded and still is distilled in Portland.(Victoria Will/Invision/The Associated Press)

Actor Ryan Reynolds is known for his smart-talking superhero "Deadpool." But he's also a connoisseur of the finer things in life, including top-shelf spirits.

Now, he's putting his money where his mouth is by taking an ownership interest in Aviation Gin, the premium liquor that was founded in Portland.

The London-style gin, which was purchased by the New York wine and spirits company Davos Brands in 2016, is still distilled here by House Spirits. It received a 97 point rating from Wine Enthusiast, the highest of any gin ranked by the magazine.

"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," Reynolds said in a press release announcing his investment in the company. Reynolds says he drinks the gin on the rocks.

It's not clear exactly how much of an interest Reynolds has in Aviation Gin, but Davos Brands said the actor would be playing a role in day-to-day business, and would be involved with some of the creative aspects of promoting the brand. In other words, look for Reynolds to be the smiling face in Aviation ads.

Minus the Deadpool mask, we hope.

-- Grant Butler

gbutler@oregonian.com

503-221-8566; @grantbutler