By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Move over, boring bottles of gin gathering dust on your shelf. Aviation American Gin is back with a limited-edition commemorative pack that celebrates Wrexham AFC’s improbable, borderline cinematic rise to the Championship.
Yes, it’s the same team that went from “local club with loyal fans” to “Hollywood Netflix darlings who keep winning at promotions like it’s their side hustle.”
And because gin pairs well with triumph (and mild panic attacks during penalty shootouts), Aviation is bottling the club’s history-making third consecutive promotion, all the way up to the Championship League, in a way only Aviation would; with packaging so detailed it makes IKEA instructions look downright lazy.
The Aviation American Gin x Wrexham AFC Commemorative Pack includes a 750mL limited-edition bottle dressed to impress, complete with a patch-like label featuring Wrexham’s crest, a red strip stamp on the neck paying homage to the legendary Turf Pub, and patterns inspired by the club’s promotion-winning kits. There’s even a Wrexham bottle scarf, so arena security will think your gin bottle is just another tiny, tiny fan.
“Wrexham AFC has defied the odds and built a global fanbase through persistence, passion, and community,” said Ricky Collett, Global Brand Director for Aviation American Gin. “And at Aviation, we know what it means to redefine expectations, like reimagining how deliciously versatile gin can be. As a partner that’s been with the team every step of the way, we’re proud to raise a glass to this new chapter and bottle the glory.”
Aviation Gin owner Ryan Reynolds, who co-owns Wrexham AFC with his Hollywood buddy Rob McElhenny, also put together a short and humorous video to support the launch.
To make sure no fan has to suffer through their celebratory gin neat (unless that’s your thing), Aviation created four new football-related recipes: the Negroni By The Turf, the All Or Nothing Bloody Mary, the Up The Town Fizz, and the Dirty Dragon. Not sure of the meaning of that last one, but Aviation insists there’s nothing that says “Championship football” like a drink named after a mythical creature that may or may not breathe fire on rival supporters.
Aviation says it also couldn’t have a commemorative release without a sweepstakes, so the gin company is offering one very lucky fan and their plus-one (provided they’re 25+) the chance to jet off to Wales.
The prize includes round-trip travel, premium tickets to a Wrexham home match, a private stadium tour, a pint (or three) at the Turf Pub, and accommodations in Wrexham.
Whether you’re a die-hard Wrexham supporter, a gin enthusiast, or just someone who likes to brag about owning limited-edition bottles, this pack is designed by Aviation to sit proudly on your shelf, or be emptied quickly during a nail-biting Championship match.
The commemorative pack launched August 19 at retailers nationwide, online, and at the Aviation American Gin Portland Distillery. It’s priced the same as the regular Aviation American Gin, including the tiny scarf.