Hangar One takes its vodka seriously. Drop by its namesake distillery in Alameda to tour the converted naval base and airplane hangar, and to witness how the wizards-turned-distillers transform grains and fruit into alcohol. Oh, and you get to taste a lot of vodka too.
Everyone goes to Napa to taste wine, but few know that you can hop across the bay to Alameda to do some high-quality vodka tasting. Hangar One gives free tours on weekends where visitors roam the distillery, learn artisanal methods of vodka-production, and soak up the perfectly preserved WWII industrial architecture. Curious vodka-lovers especially enjoy catching a glimpse of some of the flavor experimentation that goes down. Foie gras-flavored vodka, anyone?
After the tour, thirsty patrons settle into the tasting room for floor-to-ceiling views of San Francisco and ten half-ounce pours for $10. Throw in $5 extra and they’ll give you a taste of their absinthe. Things can get a little raucous in the tasting room, what with all the vodka flowing. Guests are encouraged to mingle with each other and the staff are just as friendly and fun as the visitors.
