Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/723381
104 / the tasting panel / september 2016 Industry guests enjoyed Hangar 1 Straight Vodka neat and in cocktails at Old Town Social in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago at a happy hour in July. "Vodka that can be sipped straight is important to me," says Caley Shoemaker, Head Distiller, Hangar 1 Vodka. The craft spirit receives the same attention to detail and selective fruit sourcing as in whiskey-making, Shoemaker's background. Shoemaker worked under Head Distiller Rob Dietrich at Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, managing sourcing, distillation and bottling, before joining Hangar 1 in Northern California. California wine grapes and Midwestern grains are distilled in an old World War II aircraft hangar to yield a velvety, thick spirit that expresses light fruity and butterscotch notes in Hangar 1 Vodka. At the growing spirits company, Shoemaker sources seasonal ingredients from local farmers' markets to use in new flavored vodkas, including Mandarin Blossom and Makrut Lime. At the heart of the production is sourcing the best fruit at peak ripeness, which Shoemaker works with local growers to ensure. But, the base spirit of Hangar 1 Straight Vodka is key to ensuring balance and consistent flavor across all vodkas in the lineup. Hangar 1 Vodka's newest addition, Fog Point, is an ode to California terroir—from sky to soil. Fog catchers turn fog into fresh water, which is then blended with vodka that's distilled from Central Coast wine. Crisp, fruity and sweet, the sippable spirit is sustainably produced and a perfect addition to the Hangar 1 family. Industry guests sipped on cocktails like the Vodka Mint Limeade (Hangar 1 Straight Vodka, simple syrup, lemon and lime juices) and the Smashed Cherry Mule (Hangar 1 Straight Vodka, cherries, ginger beer and lime juice) at Old Town Social in the Old Town neighbor- hood of Chicago. Erika Durham, Executive Chef, Sodexo/Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.