Ryan Reynolds’ decision to open new gin bar and distillery in crime-ridden Portland ends in disaster

A gin brand co-owned by Ryan Reynolds in Portland has closed a bar just four years after it opened.

Aviation American Gin’s Tasting Room and Visitor Center hung a sign on its door announcing that June 28 would be its last tasting, according to Willamette Week.

‘Thank you for all the memories, Portland. Stay weird,’ the sign read.

The bar was opened in 2022 to promote Reynolds’ gin brand Aviation American Gin. Reynolds once called the tasting room a ‘Disneyland for adults.’

The closure comes amid a sales slump for Diageo, the company that co-owns the brand with Reynolds.

The London-based beverage giant was down by 15.4 percent in spirit sales between January and March of this year in the US alone, according to the Spirit Business.

The bar’s closure was confirmed by Diageo in a statement.

‘After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close the Aviation American Gin Visitor Center in Portland, Oregon,’ a spokesperson said.

‘This decision reflects evolving business needs, as we continue to support growth ambitions for our Aviation American Gin brand.’

‘Aviation American Gin remains an important part of Diageo’s portfolio and we are committed to the brand, our customers and consumers.’

The Daily Mail has reached out to Diageo for comment.

Production has been moved to an existing facility outside Portland, said a spokesperson.

The decision to move production comes as the city struggles to keep its residents from leaving.

A new survey found that, of around 600 voters in the Portland tri-county metro area, 36 percent were considering moving out of the area within the next five years, Oregon Live reported.

Portland has been handling a years-long crime wave and quality of life issue since 2020; however, it has managed to see violent offenses decrease from its record highs as of recently.

Reynolds began investing in Aviation American Gin in 2018, serving as co-owner and spokesperson. The brand was founded by Portland’s House Spirits Distillery in the 2000s before Diageo took over the brands. Reynolds remained a co-owner with Diageo after their takeover in 2020.

Aviation American Gin’s Tasting Room and Visitor Center was then launched in September 2022, offering guests tours of the facility and tastings of its gin.

Aviation American Gin sells for nearly $30 a bottle and comes in two flavors, original and Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange.