Hangar One Fog Point Vodka | Caley Shoemaker & Chris Fogliatti | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Hangar 1 distiller, Caylee Shoemaker, explains the process of making vodka and introduces their latest innovation, Fog Point vodka, made using fog water collected in the Bay Area.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] CALEY SHOEMAKER: Awesome. So my name is Caylee Shoemaker. I'm the head distiller for Hangar 1. We're up in Alameda, California on the former Naval Air Station. So just up the way. I'm actually relatively new to California. I moved here to join Hangar 1 about three years ago from Denver, Colorado. I actually started distilling at Str... Read More

Key Insights

• ✋ Vodka can be made from various ingredients and is distilled to achieve a high proof.
• ℹ️ Hangar 1 focuses on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create unique flavors in their vodka.
• 💦 The California drought has had a significant impact on farmers, highlighting the need for sustainable water sources.
• 💦 Hangar 1 partnered with FogQuest to collect fog water and create Fog Point vodka, promoting water conservation and supporting related initiatives.
• 🌁 Fog collection involves using mesh nets to capture fog droplets, which are then condensed and collected for various purposes.
• 🌁 Fog collection has positive impacts on ecosystems by supporting plant growth and providing an alternative water source in fog-rich areas.
• 💦 The fog water collected can be cleaner than average tap water, but it retains certain flavor characteristics that add uniqueness to vodka.
• 💦 Hangar 1's Fog Point vodka was a limited edition release that garnered positive responses and stimulated conversations about water conservation.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is vodka made?

Vodka can be made from any fermentable material, such as grains, fruits, or even milk. The process involves distilling the fermented material to a high proof to achieve a clean, odorless, and flavorless profile.

Q: How is Hangar 1's vodka different from other vodkas?

Hangar 1 is known for using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, such as grains from the Midwest and wine grapes from California. This adds a unique flavor characteristic to their vodka. Additionally, they use fog water in their limited edition Fog Point vodka, which gives it a distinct mineral note.

Q: How does fog collection work?

Fog is collected by using specially designed mesh nets, known as fog collectors, placed at specific heights. Fog droplets impact the mesh, get trapped, and condense into larger droplets that can be collected into tanks. The fog collectors are designed to maximize the collection of fog without allowing too much ground-level fog to enter.

Q: What is the impact of fog on the environment?

Fog plays a crucial role in ecosystems, especially in areas with fog-dependent plant life. The moisture provided by fog can reduce the water requirements of certain plants, making it an essential water source for plant growth. Fog also has an impact on the water table and can contribute significant amounts of water in fog-rich areas.

Q: How can fog collection help with water conservation?

Fog collection is a sustainable method of collecting water, especially in fog-rich areas. It provides an alternative water source for communities that struggle with water scarcity. By collecting and utilizing fog water, it reduces the strain on traditional water sources and promotes water conservation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Caylee Shoemaker highlights the importance of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in Hangar 1 vodka, including grains, wine grapes, and water.

• She discusses the impact of the California drought on farmers and the need for more sustainable water sources.

• Shoemaker explains how Hangar 1 partnered with FogQuest to collect fog water and create a limited edition vodka, Fog Point, to raise awareness about water conservation and support water-related initiatives.