Fog Point is the result of a partnership between Hangar 1 and FogQuest, a not-for-profit venture that develops alternative water sources.
Man-made FogQuest fog catchers have been positioned at strategic locations throughout the city, including at the Sutro Tower.
When fog forms, water particles condense into clouds of vapour which then come into contact with the fog catchers.
Particles gather in the netting, collecting into droplets of water that form a liquid pool at the base of the structure.
Hangar 1 then takes this sustainably sourced water – said to be purer than water from a bottle or tap – to cut to vodka to 40% abv.
Fog Point is created with another North California partner, Bonny Doon, whose biodynamic wine is used to create the vodka distillate.
Like the Hangar 1 team, Doon uses a sustainable production process to offer “maximum quality with minimal human footprint”.
The resulting vodka is described as round and floral, with given nosing and tasting notes of vanilla, cream, honeysuckle, vanilla, citrus, and pear.
Hangar 1 Fog Point is presented in an “innovative” bottle featuring a netted neck wrap and a cartographic back label charting the locations of the San Francisco fog catchers.
“Hangar 1 Fog Point is the first of many Hangar 1 initiatives designed to return favour to our foggy home in Alameda – a home which makes our pioneering distillation approach and our dedication to local agriculture and fresh ingredients possible,” said head distiller, Caley Shoemaker.
“At our distillery, we take a fresh approach to vodka. Our quest is to continue to discover cutting-edge innovations, working with our local partners in the Bay Area to inspire new vodkas made of California.”
FogQuest’s San Francisco volunteer Chris Fogliatti added: “Fog presents a unique solution to one of California and the world’s most pressing problems. In partnering with Hangar 1, FogQuest is aiming to raise awareness around alternative, sustainable water sources.”
Hangar 1 Fog Point has been released to increase understanding of fog as a water source in the face of the California drought, with all profits donated to raise funds for sustainable water projects, including the installation of more fog catchers.
