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Looking for an updated Hangar 1 vodka price guide? Hangar 1 is a Vodka with an interesting story. Vodka is a distilled spirit, traditionally colorless and somewhat flavorless, known and enjoyed in just about every corner of the world.
Traditional vodka is made from water and ethanol through the fermentation of cereal grains. Other incorporations include base ingredients such as potatoes, sugar beets, a wide array of fruits, and even milk!
It’s also become accustomed to infusing vodka with flavors, whether it be synthetic or flavoring from natural elements to achieve distinctive character in the liquor.
It is said to have originated in different forms between Russia, Poland, and Sweden throughout the 14th century.
While there is a bit of a debate about the true and exact origin of vodka amongst historians, it’s safe to say that the vodka we know today differs substantially from the very first versions of the popular drink.
It has come a long way since its first use as medicine. It wasn’t until much later in the 1500s that vodka got accepted as a casual drink and production got into full swing.
As time went on, naturally, vodka and the production thereof, evolved to new heights. The world’s most popular spirited drink doesn’t become so without constant innovation.
It’s this precise methodology that has led to the finding of one of America’s most loved vodkas: Hangar 1.
A Brief History of Hangar 1
The history of Hangar 1 is equally as rich and colorful as vodka itself. On a trip to the University of California in the late 70s Jorg Rupf, a German lawyer, decided to stay and distill local fruit for eau de vie production.
In 1982 Rupf founded the St. George Spirits distillery in Alameda, California, and, at the time, became the first person in America to distill Eau de vie
It wasn’t until 2001 when Rupf met with fellow artisan Ansley Coale that the duo started exploring the idea of naturally infused vodka with a similar distilling process as Eau de vie.
And so, with Rupf’s oversight, the first production started out of a 2000 square-foot World War II hangar, called Hangar 1.
The Evolution of Hangar 1 Vodka
Now, more than twenty years later, Hangar 1 is continuously pushing the envelope in the vodka-making world.
Their number one priority has always been to source the highest quality, and freshest ingredients that they can get their hands on.
They choose their farmer-partners painstakingly carefully and for their flavored spirits. Specialist growers are used to making sure that they only source fruits that are at their peak of ripeness.
But it doesn’t end there!
Through the traditional techniques the brand incorporated from the start, Hangar 1 has been able to capture the natural flavors and aromas of the fruits used to reinvent vodka as an artisanal spirit – European Eau de vie meets Midwestern grains and ripe California wine grape.
And the result? Incomparably smooth, flavored vodkas with unique hints of fruit essence that are a delight to the palate – even when drunk neat.
As opposed to stereotypical flavored vodkas, Hangar 1 is free of chemicals or synthetic flavor additives. They only use real, fresh, and in-season, ingredients to capture their essence and create a clean, well-crafted spirit.
Hangar 1 Vodka Price and Bottle Sizes
Hangar 1’s vodkas can be divided into two classes, namely “Classics” and “Distiller’s Exclusives”. The latter being limited-run vodkas with careful consideration for the season, amongst other things.
Classics
Type | Size | Price |
Hangar 1 Straight Vodka | 750 ml | $29.99 |
Buddha’s Hand Citron Vodka | 750 ml | $34.29 |
Mandarin Blossom Vodka | 750 ml | $27.49 |
Makrut Lime Vodka | 750 ml | $29.99 |
Rose Vodka | 750 ml | $29.99 |
Honeycomb Vodka | 750 ml | $29.99 |
Distiller’s Exclusives
Type | Size | Price |
Smoke Point | 750 ml | $50.00 |
Fog Point | 750 ml | $110.00 |
Cardamom Vodka | 750 ml | $38.00 |
Fennel Vodka | 750 ml | $45.00 |
Spreading Your Vodka-Flavored Wings
Hangar 1 mainly sets itself apart from other vodkas in the flavoring department by steering clear of artificial flavoring.
And while there is somewhat of a negative connotation usually associated with flavored vodkas, just the naming of Hangar 1’s vodkas will make you think otherwise. Herewith are quick, closer looks at Hangar 1 Classic Vodkas.
Hangar 1 Straight
The perfectly balanced Straight vodka is fresh and slightly floral on the nose with a light perfume finish. Fine grapes are blended with Midwestern grains to make a perfectly balanced, straight vodka with a slightly fruity tone.
Buddha’s Hand Citron
The Buddha’s Hand Citron fruit has a lower acidity than that of the traditional lemon which allows complex flavors and aromas to come through.
Like all great lineages, its flavors and aromas run so much deeper – notes of jasmine, basil, and apricot all mingle.
Its acid bite is milder than a standard lemon, allowing these secondary flavors to take center stage, and dance ballet on your palate. The purified lemon extracts in other vodkas give you a single note.
The Buddha’s Hand plays the whole symphony.
Mandarin Blossom Vodka
Mandarin orange blossoms are incredibly fragrant and provide a delicate intensity that suggests the experience of peeling a fresh mandarin.
When trying to distill the fruit itself, the acids in the juice wouldn’t cooperate with the Hangar 1 distillers. After many late nights of tinkering and pondering, they decided to try the flowers instead!
Since they only get picked at the height of bloom, there is a constant battle between time and the elements. But for the distillers, the result is more than worth it – a beautiful, aromatic vodka that is bright, clean, and packed with citrus.
Makrut Lime Vodka
Bold lime flavors and aromas are coupled with notes of wood, white pepper, and cucumber for unmatched complexity.
Lime can be temperamental and difficult to distill, which is why Hangar 1 gets really particular with the type of lime that goes into making their vodka.
The Thais use the Makrut Lime because of its high aromatic oil content and bold flavor – and so does Hangar 1.
The lime leaves hold the most flavor and aroma and the resulting spirit is nothing like anything else – unmistakably lime and endlessly complex.
Rosé Vodka
A unique blend of Hangar 1 Vodka and California rosé wine. Perfect for drinking with a group of friends in the afternoon, this is a great refreshing alternative to wine.
In working with neighboring vineyards and farms to source the grapes and fresh ingredients that create their core products, Hangar 1 got inspired to create a rosé vodka that celebrates local Golden State wine culture.
Hangar 1 Rosé is a first-of-its-kind blend of their classic Hangar 1 vodka and real California rosé wine.
Honeycomb Vodka
A versatile and complex vodka infused with honeycomb, Hangar One Honeycomb vodka is infused with honeycomb, and not just pure honey, so the finished product is unique and extremely versatile.
The impact of bees on our environment and the food we eat are a salient concern. Hangar1 wanted to find a way to feature honeycomb and the honey-terroir.
The result is the Hangar 1 Honeycomb Vodka, with tasting notes of crème brûlée and warm beeswax candle on the nose, a velvety mouthfeel, and a long, toasty finish.
Hangar 1 Alternatives/Comparisons
A couple of years ago, you would have needed to search high and low to find flavored vodkas that will hold a candle to that of Hangar 1.
And while things have changed on this front, Hangar 1 has at least 20 years of experience on any of these best competitors, so, tread with caution…
- Grey Goose Essences Strawberry & Lemongrass
- Belvedere Organic Infusions Pear & Ginger
- Cîroc summer citrus
- Deep eddy lime
- Ketel one oranje
- Wild roots peach infused vodka
- Hanson of Sonoma Meyer lemon
How to Enjoy Hangar 1 Vodka
The best thing about vodka is that there’s no right or wrong way to have it and this versatility of the spirit makes Hangar 1 a must-have in any liquor cabinet or cellarette.
The smoothness and balance of Hangar 1 infused vodkas make them fresh-tasting and easy to sip chilled, neat, or mixed in a cocktail.
There’s great emphasis placed on the fact all Hangar 1 vodkas, including the Straight Vodka, are made to easily drink neat. Depending on the cocktail, an infused vodka can be either the main focus or used for an extra flavor boost.
Hangar 1 Vodka Recipes
There is no shortage of vodka-based cocktail recipes, but with Hangar 1, the options truly are endless. Here are five of the ones we like the most:
Straight Vodka – The Alameda Cooler
- 2 oz Hangar 1 Vodka
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
- A handful of Mint Leaves
- Club Soda
In a cocktail shaker, muddle a handful of mint with simple syrup. Add the vodka and lime juice and shake well. Top up with club soda in a tall glass. Use mint & lime wedges to garnish.
Buddha’s Hand Citron Vodka – Avant Garden
- 2 ounces Hangar 1 Buddha’s Hand Citron Vodka
- 3/4 ounce Cocchi Americano
- 1/2 ounce fennel sage syrup
- 1/2 ounce Suze liqueur
- 1/2 fresh lemon
- 2 dashes of Bolivar bitters
- 1-ounce soda water
Shake all the elements together and strain over ice. Top up with soda water – it’s that simple!
ROSÉ VODKA – ROSÉNADE
- 2 oz Hangar 1® Rosé Vodka
- 4 oz Lemonade
- Club soda, to top
Combine vodka and lemonade in a Collins glass or stemless wine glass over ice. Stir gently, and top with club soda. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Makrut Lime Vodka – Lime & White Peach Swizzle
- 2 ounces Hangar 1 Makrut Lime Vodka
- 3 slices peach, muddled
- 3/4 ounce honey syrup (equal parts honey/hot water)
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
Serve in a highball glass over crushed ice. Stir with a tall spoon until the glass frosts over. Garnish with mint sprig.
Makrut Lime Vodka – Lime Tree Arbor
- 1 1/2 oz Makrut Lime Hangar 1 Vodka
- 1/2 oz Cointreau
- 3/4 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
Build all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add ice, shake and strain into a coup and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is Hangar 1 Vodka Made?
Hangar 1 is a small batch vodka made from a blend of pot-distilled Viognier grapes and column still-distilled American wheat.
The flavored varieties are created by infusing the vodka base with fresh fruit and then distilling the vodka in a pot still. The fruits are obtained in season from farms throughout the US.
2. How much is Hangar 1 Vodka?
The price of Hangar 1 Vodka is dependent on the type of vodka in question.
The pricing point can be anything from $27,49 for a “classic” such as the Mandarin Blossom Vodka to $135 per 750ml for the highly innovative Fog Point Vodka (literally made from Californian fog).
3. How strong is Hangar 1 Vodka?
Hangar 1 vodka is 80 proof (40% ABV) which is the minimum for bottled vodka in the United States.
4. Is Hangar 1 worth the money?
Yes! Taking into account that Hangar 1 is in the premium category of vodka, it is extremely good value for money.
5. How do you drink Hangar 1 Vodka?
The smoothness and balance of Hangar 1 infused vodkas make them fresh-tasting and easy to sip chilled, neat, or mixed in a cocktail.
There’s great emphasis placed on the fact all Hangar 1 vodkas, including the Straight Vodka, are made to easily drink neat.
6. Where to buy Hangar 1 Vodka?
Hangar 1 Classics are readily available to purchase at the distillery itself or through their online store on the website, however, the delivery may be subject to the state and address.
There is also a store locator on the site that can be used to find outlets around your area that stock your choice of vodka, should delivery not be an option.
Hangar 1 Distiller’s Exclusives are seasonal and are more often only available as tasting options at the distillery itself. That said, purchases are available through third-party online retailers subject to stock availabilities.