According to The New York Times, the head distiller for Hangar One in California, Lance Winters, has concocted a chipotle vodka by infusing fresh, dried, and smoked chiles.
When he did this several years ago, the demand outpaced supply. But now, he has been able to triple the production, and the vodka is now being sold across the country. Winters uses habaneros for heat, and bell peppers for vegetal richness along with the jalapenos and chipotles. The result is an 80 proof spirit with a pale straw color, peppery complexity, haunting smoke and a similarity to tequila that is best enjoyed on the rocks, in a bloody mary, margarita, or to season ceviche.
Hangar One Chipotle Vodka is $38.00 for 750 milliliters at Park Avenue Liquor Shop $32.99 at Prospect Wine Shop in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and $29.99 from www.klwines.com.
