“BEST BARS IN SF RIGHT NOW” – THRILLIST

“S.F.’S HOTTEST ROOFTOP” – S.F. MAGAZINE

“THE BEST ROOFTOP BARS IN THE U.S.” – CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER


It’s a S.F. oddity that rooftop bar-lounges are as few and far between as a ripping-hot summer’s day. (Better yet, one that’s weather-friendly and surrounded by endless views.) So when elevator doors open 120 feet above Market Street, you’ve entered the rooftop bar and lounge San Francisco has been waiting for. Here, the energetic chic of a European terrace meets the laid-back vibes of “California cool.” BVHospitality (Bon Vivants, Trick Dog) features the vibrant flavors, original combinations, and unique bitters and syrups for which the duo is known.

Charmaines indoor rooftop

Hours

Mon – Thurs: 5pm – 11pm
Fri: 5pm – 12am*
Sat: 4pm – 12am*
Sun: 11am – 11pm

*Please note for all evening reservations, a minimum food & beverage spend of $50 per person is required for parties of 3 or more. There is no minimum spend for Hotel Guests required.

Restaurant Happenings

Explore Upcoming Calendar

Contact Us

General Inquiries
(628) 895 2039
info@charmainessf.com

Group/Event Inquiries (15+ Guests)
(628) 895 2032
sfp.sales@properhotel.com

Location

San Francisco Proper Hotel
Rooftop
1100 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

Follow Us

@charmainesrooftop

Drinks

BIG CAT 20
Diplomatico Rum, Passion Fruit, Vanilla, Velvet Falernum, Lime, Mint. Served on the Rocks.

PROPER CUP 20
Pimm’s, Tanquerey Gin, Strawberry, Mint, Ginger, Cucumber, Lemon, Lime, Seltzer, Absinthe. Served Long.

AFTERNOON SPRITZ 20
St. Germain, Sparkling Wine.

KISSIN’ IN THE CALIFORNIA SUN 20
Grey Goose Vodka, Orgeat, Crème de Pêche, Cranberry, Lime.
Served over Crushed Ice. Contains Nuts.

MR. MISTOFFELEES 20
Old Forester Bourbon, Martini Ambrato, Génépy, Dubonnet. Served Up.

THE LOVECATS 20
Casa del Sol Blanco Tequila, Mezcal Union, Select Aperitivo, Strawberry, Lemon, Cinnamon. Served on the Rocks.

SALEM SABERHAGEN 20
The Botanist Gin, Orange Muscat, Pineapple, Honey, Lime. Served Up.

MISTER BIGGLESWORTH 20
Slane Whiskey, El Silencio Mezcal, Apple Molé, Angostura and Orange Bitters. Served on the Rocks.

FIFI THE FLEA 20
Patron Silver, Ancho Reyes, Ancho Verde, Grapefruit, Honey, Vanilla, Lime. Served over Crushed Ice.

MR. JINKS 20
Madre Mezcal, Lillet Rose, Cointreau, Guava, Lime, Scrappy Hellfire Bitters. Served Up.

SUPER FRENCH MARTINI 20
Vodka, Chambord, Bubbles, Fino Sherry, Raspberry, Pineapple, Lemon

ON THE MOON 20
Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru, Lillet Blanc, Dry Vermouth, California Aqua Vitae, Bay Laurel Brine. Served with a Pickle.

SPOTTED CIVET 20 
Flor de Caña 12 Year Rum, Amaro Montenegro, Mr. Black Cold Brew Liqueur, Cold Brew, Black Sesame, Salt. Served Up.

SERVED FROZEN

WATERMELON CATAPULT 20  
Tito’s Vodka, Martini & Rossi Fiero, Dry Vermouth, Watermelon, Lime Salt. Frozen.

SERVED HOT

CROOKSHANKS 20
Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Cointreau, Aperol, Chai Spices.

ZERO PROOF

ROOM EIGHT 20
Ghia Aperitif, Cold Brew Coffee, Fever Tree Grapefruit Tonic.

UNSINKABLE SAM 20
Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit, Lime, Mint, Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Reisling.

Wine By The Glass

BUBBLES
ANGELS & COWBOYS BRUT ROSÉ
Russian River Valley, CA 16 / 80

CHANDON BRUT
Napa Valley, CA 16 / 80

TELMONT RÉSERVE BRUT
Champagne, France 30 / 150

WHITE

TOOTH & NAIL SAUVIGNON BLANC
Paso Robles, CA 2022 18 / 72

FRANZ HAAS DOLOMITI PINOT GRIGIO
Alto Adige, Italy 2022 18 / 72

W I T T M A N ‘ E S T A T E ‘ T R O C K E N R I E S L I N G
Rheinhessen, Germany 2022 24 / 100

BOUCHAINE ‘ESTATE’ CHARDONNAY
Carneros, CA 2021 24 / 100

PINK
ANGELS & COWBOYS GRENACHE ROSÉ
Sonoma County, CA 2022 16 / 64

WHISPERING ANGEL ROSÉ
Cotes de Provence, France 2022 17 / 72

RED

MARCARINI ‘CIABOT CAMERANO’ BARBERA D’ALBA
Piedmont, Italy 2022 22 / 88

RAEBURN ‘HIGH FLIER’ PINOT NOIR
Russian River Valley, CA 2022 23 / 90

SCATTERED PEAKS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Napa Valley, CA 2021 28 / 111

CHATEAU HAUTE SELVE ‘GRAVE’ MERLOT, CABERNET
Bordeaux, France 2019 22 / 88

Beer

Tierra Madre Mexican Lager
San Diego 10

East Brother Bo Pilsner

Richmond  12

Almanac Kolsch

Alameda  12

Almanac Hazy Ipa

Alameda 12

Aval Rosé Cider

France 10

Wine

Bubbles

Steorra Brut
Russian River, California  90

J Vineyards Cuvée 20
Russian River, California  110

Racines Grand Reserve
Sta. Rita Hills, California  163

Michel Gonet ‘Mesnil Sur Oger’ Blanc De Blancs
2012, Grand Cru, Champagne, France  166

Armand De Brignac “Ace Of Spades” Brut
Nv, Champagne, France  675

Krug Grand Cuvée
Nv, Reims, France  580

Veuve Clicquot “La Grande Dame” Brut
2012, Reims, France  375

Ruinart Rosé
Nv, Reims, France  300

Veuve Clicquot “La Grande Dame” Rosé Brut
2008, Reims, France  525

Champagne — Other Formats

Robert Moncuit Blanc De Blancs
2012, Grand Cru, Champagne, France, Magnum  476

Armand De Brignac “Ace Of Spades” Brut
Nv, Champagne, France, Double Magnum  6900

White

Massican Sauvignon Blanc
2023, Napa Valley, California  95

Davis Estates Sauvignon Blanc
2020, Napa Valley, California  110

Raeburn “High Flier” Chardonnay
2020, Russian River, California  95

Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay
2020, Carneros, California  110

Lioco La Marisma Chardonnay
2018, Santa Cruz, California  128

Kistler Chardonnay
2020, Sonoma Coast, California  170

Wine

Pink

Ryme Cellars Aglianico Rosé
2021, Clarksburg, California  70

Belle Glos “Oeil De Perdrix” Blanc De Noir
2022, Sonoma Coast, California  90

Gehricke Rosé
2021, Carneros, California  130

Red

Boen Pinot Noir
2022, Russian River, California 95

Fess Parker Pinot Noir
2022, Santa Rita Hills, California 120

Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel
2021, Sonoma, California 95

Mount Peak Rattlesnake Zinfandel
2021, Napa Valley, California 120

Brander Merlot
2021, Los Olivos, California 95

Trefethen Merlot
2021, Napa Valley, California 120

Gehricke Cabernet Sauvignon
2021, Knights Valley, California 95

Timberline By Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon
2019, Napa Valley, California 120

The Mascot Cabernet Sauvignon
2018, Napa Valley, California 175

Stag’s Leap “Artemis” Cabnernet Sauvignon
2019, Napa Valley, California 180

Corison Cabernet Sauvignon
2018, St. Helena, California 245

Delas Domaine De Tourettes Syrah
2017, Hermitage, France 200

Quintessa
2018, Rutherford, California 460

Joseph Phelps “Insignia”
2018, Napa Valley, California 610

Opus One
2018, Oakville, California 620

Vodka

Absolut
Sweden  17

Absolut Elyx
Sweden  19

Beluga Noble Gold
Russia  38

Belvedere
Poland 19

Grey Goose
France  19

St. George All Purpose
California  18

Titos Handmade
Texas 18

Gin

Bombay Sapphire East
England  19

The Botanist Islay Dry
Scotland  19

The Botanist Cask Rested
Scotland  21

Empress
Canada  18

Hendrick’s
Scotland  18

Monkey 47
Germany  32

Oxley
England  19

Plymouth
England  18

Sipsmith London Dry
England  20

St George Botanivar
California  19

St George Dry Rye
California  19

Tanqueray/No. 10
England  18 / 20

Rum

Appleton Signature
Jamaica  17

Avua Prata Cachaça
Brazil  18

Clement Vsop Rhum
Martinique  24

Diplomatico Exclusiva
Venezuela  19

Don Q Gran Anejo
Puerto Rico  20

Goslings Black Seal
Bermuda  18

Mt. Gay Black Barrel
Barbados  18

Rhum J.M. Gold
Martinique  18

Ron Zacapa 23
Guatemala  18

Santa Teresa
Venezuela  19

Sailor Jerry Spiced
U.S. Virgin Islands  18

Smith & Cross
Jamaica  18

Mezcal

Casamigos Joven
Oaxaca  20

Clase Azul Mezcal
Jalisco  91

Del Maguey Vida
Oaxaca  19

Del Maguey San Luis Del Rio
Oaxaca  30

Del Maguey Pechuga
Oaxaca  64

Madre Ensamble Mezcal
Oaxaca  19

Mezcal Union
Oaxaca  17

Nuestra Soledad
Oaxaca  19

Rancho Tepua

Bacanora
Sonora  20

Vago Elote
Oaxaca  21

Tequila

Altos Plata

Jalisco  17

Avion Reposado

Jalisco  18 / 20 / 22

Casa Del Sol Blanco Reposado / Añejo / Angel’s Reserve

Jalisco  22 / 25 / 32 / 61

Casadores Blanco / Reposado

Jalisco  17 / 20

Casamigos Blanco Reposado / Añejo

Jalisco  20 / 24 / 28

Clase Azul Reposado / Añejo
Jalisco  49 / 98

Don Julio Blanco / Añejo

Jalisco  18 / 25

Don Julio 70
Jalisco  30

Don Julio Primavera / Rosado
Jalisco  38 / 38

Don Julio 1942
Jalisco  50

Don Julio Ultima

Jalisco  130

Lalo Blanco

Jalisco  18

Patrón Silver / Reposado / Añejo
Jalisco  19 / 20 / 32

Patrón El Alto

Jalisco  37

Patrón Gran Platinum
Jalisco  51

Tequila Ocho Plata / Añejo
Jalisco  18 / 26

Bourbon

Angels Envy
Louisville  20

Booker’s
Clermont  24

Elijah Craig 18
Bardstown  40

Four Roses Small Batch
Lawrenceburg  19

Knob Creek
Clermont  18

Makers Mark
Loretto  18

Michter’s
Louisville  18

Rabbit Hole Cavehill
Louisville  24

Jefferson’s Reserve
Louisville  21

Old Forester 100
Shively  18

Woodford Reserve
Versailles  19

American Whisky

Blackened
Vermont  18

Gryphon & Grain

California  27

Jack Daniels
Tennessee  18

Jack Daniels Single Barrel
Tennessee  22

Old Potrero 18th Century Spirit
California  40

Smooth Ambler Old Scout
West Virginia  18

St. George Breaking & Entering
Kentucky  18

Westland Single Malt
Washington  31

Westward
Oregon  30

Rye

Angels Envy Rye
Louisville  28

Gryphon & Grain

California  27

Few
Illinois  26

Michter’s
Kentucky  18

Old Potrero
California  40

Pikesville Maryland Style
Kentucky  18

Rittenhouse
Pennsylvania  18

Russell’s Reserve  6
Kentucky  18

Whistlepig 12 “Old World Cask”
Vermont  46

Scotch Whisky

Aberfeldy 12
Highlands  22

Aberlour A’bunadh “Cask Proof”
Speyside  34

Balvenie 12
Speyside  31

Balvenie 14 “Caribbean Cask”
Speyside  31

Balvenie 17 “Doublewood”
Speyside  44

Bowmore Darkest 15
Islay  26

Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie
Islay  20

Chivas Regal 12
Blend  20

Dewars 12
Blend  20

Glenfiddich 12
Speyside  20

Glenfiddich 14 “Bourbon Cask”
Speyside  24

Glenfiddich 18
Speyside  40

Glengoyne 10
Highlands  21

Glenlivet 12
Speyside  19

Glenlivet 18
Speyside  44

Glenlivet Nadurra “Peated Cask”
Speyside  32

Glenrothes ‘Sherry Cask’
Speyside  20

Glenmorangie 10 / 18
Highlands  20 / 38

Glenmorangie Quinta Rubon
Highlands  28

Highland Park 12 “Viking Honor”
Orkney  21

Johnnie Walker Black / Blue
Kilmarnock  23 / 77

Laphroaig 10
Islay  24

Longrow Peated
Campbeltown  21

Longrow Peated 18
Campbeltown  48

Kilkerran 12
Campbeltown  24

Macallan 12 / 18
Highlands  24 / 68

Monkey Shoulder
Blend  18

Port Charlotte Heavily Peated
Islay  28

Springbank 10 / 18
Campbeltown  26 / 57

Talisker 10
Skye  28

World Whiskey

Hibiki Harmony
Japan  26

Jameson Black Barrel
Ireland  19

Kaiyo Mizunara
Japan  23

Kaiyo Cask Strength
Japan  30

Kikori
Japan  23

Lot 40 Rye
Canada  18

Nikka “Coffey Grain”
Japan  26

Red Breast “Lustau Edition”
Ireland  18

Teeling “Small Batch”
Ireland  18

Teeling “Single Malt”
Ireland  21

Tullamore Dew / Cider Cask
Ireland  18 / 19

Brandy, Cognac, Armagnac

Christian Brothers Sacred Bond
California  18

D’usse Cognac VSOP
Cognac  28

Hennessy VS / VSOP Privilege
Cognac  25 / 29

Janneau VSOP
Cognac  24

Lheraud 10
Cognac  41

Martell XO
Cognac  59

Park XO
Cognac  41

Pierre Ferrand Ambre
Cognac  19

House Of Remy

Remy Martin VSOP

Cognac  29

Remy Martin 1738
Cognac  31

Remy Martin XO
Cognac  65

Louis XIII

1/2 Oz Pour  175
1 Oz Pour  350
2 Oz Pour  700

Other Brandy

Barsol Primero

Quebranta Pisco
Peru  18

Pisco Porton

Mosto Verde
Peru  21

Singani 63
Bolivia 18

Liquer, Aperitif, Digestiv

Amaro Braulio
Italy  17

Ancho Reyes
Mexico  17

Ancho Reyes Verde
Mexico  17

Aperol
Italy  17

Averna
Italy  17

Benedictine
France  17

Campari
Italy  17

Chartreuse Green / Yellow
France  19 / 19

Cointreau
Italy  17

Cynar
Italy  17

Drambuie
Scotland  17

Fernet Branca
Italy  17

Grand Classico
Italy  17

Grand Marnier
France  18

Lillet Blanc / Rose
France  17 / 17

Amaro Montenegro
Italy  17

Amaro Nonino
Italy  17

Luxardo Maraschino
Italy  17

Mandarine Napoleon
Italy  17

Pimms
England  17

Plymouth Sloe Gin
England  17

Seedlip Spice
England  17

Sfumato Rabarbaro
Italy  17

St George Bruto Americano
California  17

Suze
France  17

Reserve Liquor

VINTAGE BOURBON

1990, HENRY MCKENNA
SOUR MASH STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY 750ML, 40%ABV, 80PF

producer

Heaven Hill Distillers Inc.
Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, KY

A bourbon brand with an interesting history. Henry McKenna was distilled by Seagram’s for most of the 20th century at the Henry McKenna distillery in Fairfield, Kentucky, which they acquired from the family in 1941.

Seagram’s closed the Fairfield distillery in 1976, and in an unusual deal, sold the domestic rights to the brand to Heaven Hill a few years later. Seagram’s retained ownership of the export version however, producing it at their Four Roses distillery until their eventual dissolution in the early 2000s.

This is a 1990 bottling of the domestic product, distilled at the old Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown prior to it burning down in 1996. This was exported at a later date to the Japanese market. These bottlings are known for being unexpectedly well executed for what was marketed as an inexpensive batch product at the time. The lower proof bundles the flavors and lessens the complexity while showcasing the spirit
for what it is meant to be: enjoyed regularly.

color Warm, rich amber, golden honey.
nose Strong spiced rye, pure oak, scant char, well balanced.

palate Strong caramel, boisterous and robust hickory,
the nose pales in comparison to the quality felt on the palate.

finish Follows up on the caramel, rye spice, and hickory wood. Aggressive finish, char is enjoyable and mild.

ounce cost $20

1991 OLD TAYLOR 6-YEAR
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY 750ML, 40%ABV, 80PF

producer

The Old Taylor Distillery/National Distillers Frankfort, KY/Clermont, KY

Old Taylor Bourbon was named in honor of Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., who was born in Columbus, Kentucky, in 1832. Taylor was a grand nephew of
U.S. President Zachary Taylor. Like various other figures in the Kentucky whiskey industry, Taylor is often referred to in public relations materials as a “Colonel”, since he held the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel. The honorary title resembles that of the military rank but is not actually associated with military service and has primarily been used for public relations purposes (e.g., by “Colonel” Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken). Taylor started and owned seven different distilleries throughout his career, the most successful being the O.F.C. and Carlisle distilleries, the forerunners of today’s Buffalo Trace Distillery.

  1. H. Taylor is said to have lobbied in favor of the Bottled-in-Bond Act, a
    law that gave participating whiskey producers a tax break and a government certification of product quality. Unlike most distilleries of the time that looked like little more than a sawmill sitting in a thicket, Taylor’s distillery on Glenn’s Creek, near Frankfort, was designed to resemble a medieval castle with the landscaped grounds of an estate. The distillery attracted tourists and picnickers who were given complimentary “tenth pint” bottles of Old Taylor.

In the late 1940s, Old Taylor bourbon was promoted with the slogan, “Sign of a good host”.

Old Taylor Distillery remained in local control after Taylor died in 1922 until National Distillers (ND) acquired the operation in 1935. ND, formed out of
a merger in 1934, operated Old Taylor until it was purchased by Jim Beam
in 1987. This bottling, distilled in 1985, would have been one of the last of those National Distillers runs to be released by the company—notated by the “86259” in the barcode on the back label. These are highly sought after and are known for being of some of the highest quality whiskeys in the market at the time.

color Darkgold,shimmeryandlight.
nose Cinnamon, rye, vanilla custard, raspberry candy, tangerines, jasmine, denim.

palate Cherry, scant bitterness, slightly sweet, rich vanilla, cayenne pepper, tart berry, tart citrus.

finish Simple,mediumlength,sweet,floralpeppery. ouncecost $160

1960S I.W. HARPER ‘GOLD MEDAL’ KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY 750ML, 43%ABV, 86PF

Producer:

I.W. Harper Distilling Company (currently owned by Diageo) Louisville, Kentucky

The I.W. Harper brand has been around since the late 1800s and was created by Mr. Isaac Wolfe Bernheim, a German immigrant who came to the USA
in 1867 with $4 in his pocket. After working for a liquor wholesaler, Loeb, Bloom, & Co., and saving up enough money, Isaac brought his brother Bernard to the United States. The Bernheim brothers opened their own liquor operation in 1872 and in the early 1890s the bought a distillery in Louisville, renamed it the Bernheim Distillery, and went to work until their warehouse burned down in 1896. 100 years later, in 1996, the distillery known as the Old Bernheim distillery (Heaven Hill) would burn down after it’s warehouse also caught fire. The Bernheims sold their distillery to the now defunct, but once large, drinks brand Schenley in 1937. Schenley was acquired by an Israeli businessman in 1968 who then sold the company to Guinness in 1987, who is owned by Diageo, which is where the I.W. Harper brand lives today.

Always focusing on quality in the days when bad bourbon was widespread, this 1960s bottling was labeled ‘Gold Medal’ referencing a gold medal at the World’s Fair in New Orleans in 1885.

Color Bright amber, soft hues of straw and gold. Nose Light and fresh, vanilla, split oak, caramel corn.

Palate Sweet and rich, floral, vanilla caramel, orange blossom honey, very mild tannins and pleasant depth.

Finish Lean, crisp and fresh, slight spice. Ouncecost $100

1979 I.W. HARPER ‘BOTTLED-IN-BOND’
750ML, 50% ABV, 100PF
DISTILLED IN SPRING, 1974 / BOTTLED IN FALL, 1979

Producer:

I.W. Harper Distilling Company (currently owned by Diageo) Louisville, Kentucky

Bottled in bond is a label for an American-made distilled beverage that has been aged and bottled according to a set of legal regulations contained in
the United States government’s Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits,
as originally laid out in the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. As a reaction to widespread adulteration in American whiskey, the act made the federal government the guarantor of a spirit’s authenticity, gave producers a tax incentive for participating, and helped ensure proper accounting and the eventual collection of the tax that was due. Although the regulations apply to all spirits, most bonded spirits are whiskeys in practice.

To be labeled as bottled-in-bond or bonded, the liquor must be the product of one distillation season (January–June or July–December) by one distiller at one distillery. It must have been aged in a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision for at least four years and bottled at 100 (U.S.) proof (50% alcohol by volume). The bottled product’s label must identify the distillery where it was distilled and, if different, where it was bottled. Only spirits produced in the United States may be designated as bonded.

Some consumers consider the term to be an endorsement of quality, while many producers consider it archaic and do not use it. However, because bottled-in-bond whiskey must be the product of one distillation season, one distillery, and one distiller – whereas ordinary straight whiskey may be a product of the mingling of straight whiskeys (of the same grain type) with differing ages and producers within a single state – it may be regarded as a better indication of the distiller’s skill, making it similar in concept to a single malt whisky, small batch whiskey, or single barrel whiskey.

This 1979 bottling was distilled in the Spring of 1974. The 1970s BIBs were an outlier of the already waning whiskey market at the time as consumers were looking towards clear spirits and liqueurs. It is widely assumed that many of these were used as incentives by wholesalers to peddle other brands. In today’s market, the higher proof bottled-in-bond bourbons are some of the most coveted by collectors and consumers alike.

Color Maple and amber, thin-syrupy legs.
Nose ‘Wheater’ nose, fruits, chocolate, pronounced heat.

Palate Orchard fruits, background of milk chocolate and strawberry, medium- body, hot and bold.

Finish Scant dryness, abbreviated heat and prolonged fruit, ‘candy dust’. Ouncecost $150

VINTAGE RYE WISKEY

1978, OLD OVERHOLT STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY 1 QUART 43%ABV, 86PF

producer

National Distillers Cincinnati, Ohio

Old Overholt, said to be America’s oldest continually maintained brand
of whiskey, was founded in West Overton, Pennsylvania in 1810. Henry Oberholzer (Anglicized to “Overholt”), a German Mennonite farmer,
moved to West Overton, Pennsylvania, on the banks of Jacobs Creek in Western Pennsylvania in 1800. His family came from the area of Germany which specialized in distilling “korn”, or rye whiskey, and Henry took up
the tradition. In 1810, Henry’s son Abraham Overholt (1784–1870) took
over management of the distillery and made it into a business. By the 1820s, the distillery was putting out 12 to 15 gallons of rye whiskey per day. Abraham grew the company rapidly; by 1843, Baltimore newspapers were advertising Overholt’s “Old Rye”; at that time, only the very few top distilleries were advertised by name. By 1859, Overholt incorporated his business as

“A. Overholt & Co.” He operated out of a new distillery building that was six stories high, 100 feet long, and which could produce 860 gallons per day.

The company eventually became part of National Distillers, which had facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio and Frankfort, Kentucky, and also produced Old Crow, Old Grandad and Old Taylor. In 1987, National Distillers Group sold the spirits business to the Fortune Brands holding company,

which became Beam Inc.

This 1978 bottling is a lower proof than what is widely available today: Old Overholt Bottled-In-Bond.

color Clean and golden, pale straw and amber.
nose Graham cracker, caramel, vanilla, citrus.
palate Low viscosity, leather, cinnamon, orange peel. finish Short and sparse, expressive for a lower proof spirit. ounce cost $75

1974 Rittenhouse ‘Five Years Old’ 

Straight Rye Whiskey, Italian Export 

75cl, 43% ABV, 86pf

producer

Continental Distilling Corporation

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Continental Distilling Co. was a subsidiary of Publicker Industries, Inc. Publicker Industries began with Mr. Harry Publicker, who started off steaming old whiskey barrels and extracting from them the gallon or two of whiskey that had soaked into the charred wood. This he sold, and when the government tried to prosecute him for not paying the revenue tax on the whiskey, he became highly indignant. In 1912 he built and operated a distillery at the corner of Snyder Street and Swanson Avenue, and at the riverfront between Bigler Street and Packer Ave. After prohibition was repealed, it was only natural for them to apply that leverage of scale and their modern technologies to the production of potable spirits. In August of 1933 they spent what would be over $27 million dollars in today’s money to remodel their smaller distillery into what would become the Continental Distilling Corporation. 

They introduced “Rittenhouse Square Rye” in 1934. It was named after Philadelphia’s famous Rittenhouse Square, which itself was named after David Rittenhouse, a renowned astronomer, inventor, and mathematician. The “Square” was dropped from the product’s name in 1948, and it’s remained known as Rittenhouse Rye ever since.

By the 1970s, whiskey had become less popular in America, as clear spirits—vodka in particular—grew in popularity. Bourbon sales were falling, and rye became nearly extinct. The few original rye makers that were still around in Pennsylvania (and elsewhere) struggled and began to close. Continental began to wane in the early 1980s. Heaven Hill Distillery swooped in and bought the rights to several rye brands, including Rittenhouse, as the original distilleries went out of business.

Heaven Hill introduced their version of Rittenhouse Rye in the 1990s. Although Heaven Hill is, of course, famous for being a bourbon maker, the company deserves a lot of credit for keeping rye whiskey alive in the US. Even when bourbon started to become a popular drinking choice once again, rye was slower to reemerge. For many years, Heaven Hill spent only a single day per year distilling rye whiskey—the rest of the year was devoted to bourbon. But they kept it alive, even if only once a year.

This 1974 Italian Export bottling was distilled in 1969. In earlier iterations, some export bottles still read as “Bottled-In-Bond” even though the contents were under 100 proof, as the Bottled In Bond laws did not translate overseas. Rye whiskey was incredibly rare in the 1960s and 70s, making this beautiful example of a classic American brand, incredibly unique. 

color  Mahogany and gold, incredibly clean and bright

nose  Dried apricot, dried cherry, sweet pepper, toffee  

palate  Dark cacao, clean, rich, cinnamon, citrus, vanilla, nutmeg 

finish  Lingering maple, spice, white pepper, medium length

ounce cost  $300

 

VINTAGE JAPANESE WHISKEY

1980S SUNTORY RESERVE

JAPANESE BLENDED WHISKEY

750ml, 43.4%ABV, 86.8pf

Producer

Suntory Holdings Limited

Distillery Yamazaki, Kyoto, Japan

A slight notch down from Suntory Royal is Suntory Special Reserve, another blended whiskey. This one was born in 1969 to celebrate the company’s 70th anniversary, being blended by second-generation company president Keizo Saji. The timing of the release is important. Nikka’s first Coffey Still went online at their Nishinomiya facility in 1963, enabling them to release the blended Hi Nikka in 1964. The second-generation Black Nikka was also released in 1965. Both were successful for Nikka, so Suntory needed to respond.

The late 60s and early 70s were pivotal for Japanese whisky for several other reasons too:

• The 1970 World’s Fair, the first ever held in Japan, was right in Suntory’s hometown of Osaka. The company needed a bottle that could appeal to international visitors.

• More foreign whiskies were reaching Japanese shores in the early 70s, meaning Suntory also had to compete with them in their home market.

• These years also saw the birth of distilleries that would help define Japanese whisky for the next several decades: Nikka’s Miyagikyo in 1969, Kirin/Seagram/Chivas Fuji Gotemba in 1972, SunGrain Chita in 1972, Suntory Hakushu in 1973.

Special Reserve helped the company shore up their reputation. Like Royal, its formula has evolved over the years, age statements have come and gone, and several limited editions have been produced. Secondary markets are loaded with such bottles, and compared to prices for other Japanese whiskies, they’re relatively affordable. These days, the company says the key malt of Suntory Special Reserve is Hakushu aged in white oak casks. There’s Yamazaki in there too, of course. 

This early 1980s bottling of Suntory Reserve was released before “Special” was included in the labeling, which was somewhere in the mid-1990s. 

color  Thick and heavy gold, bright and colorful.

nose  Prunes, apricot, more sherry than Royal, orange.

palate  White pepper and orange, bitter chocolate, oak, sugary and balanced.

finish  Medium-length, lasting dried fruits, scant oak bitterness.

ounce cost  $130

 

VINTAGE IRISH WHISKEY

1967 DUNPHY’S ‘7-YEAR OLD’ BLENDED IRISH WHISKEY 4/5QT, 43.4 %ABV, 86.8PF

producer

Irish Distillers
Old Midleton Distillery, Midleton, County Cork, Ireland

Not much is known about the Dunphy’s brand other than its existence as an arm of the Midleton Distillery, producers of the world’s most popular Irish whiskey, Jameson. Dunphy’s was created for the American Market initially as
a bargain-priced product used for Irish Coffee and other drinks. The company then became very popular in its homeland and rivaled brands like Jameson, Powers, and Bushmills. Around the middle-1960s there was a new extension of the brand created, also strictly for export: Dunphy’s 7-Year. This only lasted for a short while as distribution in the United States fully ceased in the 1980s.

This 1967 bottling is an incredibly rare item and most likely one of the few that still exist. Dunphy’s can be found in Ireland to this day but is still difficult to locate.

color Bright amber, soft hues of straw and gold.
nose Creamy vanilla, chocolate cookies, clean and vegetal.
palate Rich and spicy, low viscosity.
finish Warm Christmas baking spice, balanced and efficient finish. ounce cost $140

1980S JOHN POWER & SON, ‘GOLD LABEL’ IRISH WHISKEY
750ML, 40%ABV, 80PF

producer

Irish Distillers
Old Midleton Distillery, Midleton, County Cork, Ireland

In 1791 James Power, an innkeeper from Dublin, established a small distillery at his public house at 109 Thomas St., Dublin. The distillery, which had an output of about 6,000 gallons in its first year of operation, initially traded as James Power and Son, but by 1822 had become John Power & Son, and had moved to a new premises at John’s Lane, a side street off Thomas Street. At the time the distillery had three pot stills, though only one, a 500-gallon still is thought to have been in use.

In 1871, the distillery was expanded and rebuilt in the Victorian style, becoming one of the most impressive sights in Dublin. After expansion, output at the distillery rose to 700,000 gallons per annum, and by the 1880s, had reached about 900,000 gallons per annum, at which point the distillery covered over six acres of central Dublin, and had a staff of about 300 people.

During this period, when the Dublin whiskey distilleries were amongst the largest in the world, the family-run firms of John Powers, along with John Jameson, William Jameson, and George Roe, (collectively known as the “Big Four”) came to dominate the Irish distilling landscape, introducing several innovations. In 1886, John Power & Son began bottling their own whiskey, rather than following the practice customary at the time, of selling whiskey directly to merchants and bonders who would bottle it themselves. They were the first Dublin distillery to do so, and one of the first in the world. A gold label adorned each bottle, and it was from these that the whiskey got the name Powers Gold Label.

In 1966, with the Irish whiskey industry still struggling following Prohibition in the United States, the Anglo-Irish Trade War, and the rise of competition from Scotch whiskey, John Powers & Son joined forces with the only other remaining distillers in the Irish Republic, the Cork Distilleries Company, and their Dublin rivals John Jameson & Son, to form Irish Distillers. Soon after, in a bold move, Irish Distillers decided to close all their existing distilleries, and to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility in Midleton (the New Midleton Distillery) alongside their existing Old Midleton Distillery. The new distillery opened in 1975, and a year later, production ceased at John’s Lane Distillery and began anew in Cork, with Powers Gold Label and many other Irish whiskeys reformulated from single pot still whiskeys to blends.

This 1980s bottling shows a distribution label of Dillon Wines & Spirits LTD of Belfast, making this a domestic Irish bottling that made its way to the US via transport, not export.

color Warm gold, clear and velvety.
nose Rich cinnamon, white pepper, honey, toasted oak, orange zest.
palate Brown sugar, slight nutmeg boldness, vanilla, dried oak, orchard fruits. finish Long, oily, spice fades into barley and toasted wood.
ounce cost $60

1950, PADDY, 10-YEAR OLD IRISH WHISKY
4/5QT, 43%ABV, 86PF

producer

Irish Distillers (On behalf of Sazerac)
Old Midleton Distillery, Midleton, County Cork, Ireland

The Cork Distilleries Company was founded in 1867, and by 1868 had five distilleries under its control. In 1882 the company hired Paddy Flaherty as a salesman. He was so successful with his techniques (which included buying rounds of drinks for patrons) that when publicans ran low, they would write the distillery to reorder cases of “Paddy Flaherty’s whiskey”. In 1912, with his name becoming synonymous with the success of their spirit, the distillery officially renamed the whiskey in his honor: Paddy Irish Whiskey.

In the 1920s and 1930s in Ireland, whiskey was sold in casks from the distillery to wholesalers, who would then sell it to publicans. To prevent dilution in these casks by middlemen and fluctuations in quality, Paddy began to bottle their whiskey themselves, becoming one of the first to do so. Paddy was part of the sale to Pernod Ricard in 1988 and was ultimately purchased by the American company Sazerac in 2016.

This stunning 1950s bottling was produced when Paddy still had an age statement (10 years old) and before Irish Distillers began using an ‘e’ in ‘whiskey’ for the brand.

color Deep golden amber, rich hues of brown and bronze.
nose Oily, fresh floral notes, cereal grain, dried fruits.
palate Medium-bodied richness, slight butterscotch/vanilla, faint rosewater. finish Dry spice, black pepper, scant toasted oak, mild tannins.
ounce cost $70

VINTAGE TEQUILA

1986 TEQUILA HERRADURA BLANCO NOM-1119
1L, 46%ABV, 92PF

producer

Grupo Industrial Herradura & Brown-Forman Corporation Amatitán, Jalisco, Mexico

The first known owner of the tequila producing property was Feliciano Romo in the early 19th century. The official history of Herradura begin with Félix López, who began as the distillery administrator under then owners Josefa Salazar and her sons. In 1870, López took over the distillery and agave fields and registered it as a tequila producer under the name of Hacienda San José del Refugio.

Félix López married Carmen Rosales and they had two children, Aurelio
and María de Jesús. The couple modernized the production of tequila at the hacienda, building a facility that remained in use until 1963. López died in 1878 and Rosales took over the business along with her brother Ambrosio Rosales and his wife Elisa Gomez Cuervo. Later, the business was inherited by Aurelio López.

The name Herradura, which means horseshoe in Spanish, is a said to have come from the finding of a horseshoe on the hacienda property. In the 1920s the Cristero War broke out, with both Aurelio and his sister María de Jesus as sympathizers. At one point government troops surrounded the hacienda but the siblings were able to escape. However, Aurelio never returned to the hacienda again.

The hacienda passed into the hand of Aurelio’s cousin David Rosales, who kept the tequila 100% agave despite the trend towards blending to cut costs. María de Jesús was able to return to Herradura and distinguished herself with charitable works to the town of Amatitán, including the building of wells in an area with little water.

In the 1990s, there was conflict over sales of shares in the company by some members of the family as well as agave growing land. Part of the legal problems stemmed from the sale of shares to non-Mexican entities. In 2004, Herradura bought back foreign owned shares, making the company 100% Mexican owned again. At this time, the company controlled thirty percent of the Mexican tequila markets behind Jose Cuervo’s forty percent share.

However, in 2007 all assets of the company were sold for $USD 776 million to the US-based company Brown-Forman. That same year Herradura was named “best distillery of 2007” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

This 1986 bottling was produced at NOM-1119, still to this day one of the few plants that produces for one sole brand. Most tequila houses will produce distillate for multiple brands and companies.

color Crystal-clear, medium viscosity.
nose Clean agave, papaya, guava, pineapple, apricot, slight medicinal top note.

palate Round and sweet up front, typical highland ‘burn’, grassy, vegetal; white pepper, stone fruit on the back.

finish Medium and brisk, menthol, white pepper, tropical fruit. ounce cost $180

VINTAGE VODKA

1990, WODKA GRASOVKA ‘BISON GRASS VODKA’ 500ML, 40%ABV, 80PF

producer

Nisskosher Wytwórnia Wódek Gatunkowych Bielsko-Biala, Poland

This zubrowka vodka is flavored with Hierochloe Odorata grass, better known as ‘bison grass’ due to its growing in the Biełowieża Forest in Biełowieża National Park on the border between Poland and Belarus. This is an area where Europe’s last wild bison are known to graze. The original recipes originated from areas where the art of composing diverse liqueurs in homes of Polish noblemen was intertwined with the skills of Jewish distillers who immigrated to Poland from many parts of Europe.

This is a 1990 bottling of the UK export. Nisskosher no longer makes the product under the Grasovka label as it was discontinued in 2013.

color Clear, very faint green tinge.
nose Aromatic yet delicate, grassy with pear skin,

soapy shortbread, scant pistachio nuttiness.

palate Grassy and herbal, mild sweetness, light peppery bite, jasmine and peppermint tea.

finish Light white pepper spice. ounce cost $45

Bites

Bites
Weekdays from 5 pm | Sat & Sun from 4pm

MARINATED OLIVES  10

SPICED ALMONDS  10

FRENCH FRIES vg | gf | df 13
Add Truffle, Parmesan, Tarragon Oil  +4

DEVILED EGG  V  5
Seaweed, Sesame, Chile Salt. Add Smoked Salmon  +3

STUFFED POTATOES V | GF  14
Mushroom Bacon, Cheddar Cheese Fondue, Scallions, Dill

SWEET POTATO QUESADILLA v | gf 18
Black Mole, Oaxaca Cheese, Cilantro, Tomatillo Salsa

CRISPY FISH TACOS GF  20
Local Cod, Cabbage and Sea Bean Slaw, Avocado, Smoked Habanero Cream

STUFFED PEPPERS gf 20
Ground Beef, Almond, Olive, Raisins, Cilantro

LEMONGRASS CHICKEN WINGS gf 22
Thai Chili Buttermilk Ranch

PROPER SLIDERS gf 21
Kimchee Thousand Island, Cheddar, Brioche Bun
Add Bacon +4  |  Add Avocado +6

DIPS
With Housemade Pita Chips. Add Crudite  +6

ROASTED EGGPLANT DIP  vg | gf  14
Fennel Soffritto, Vegan Feta, Shishito Pepper

SMOKED COD  df  |  gf  16
Local Cod, Soft Boiled Egg, Olive Relish

SPINACH & ARTICHOKE  v  |  gf  14
Yogurt, Garlic, Parmesan, Parsley

STICKS
2 For 12

MUSHROOM & VEGETABLES  vg

LAMB SHOULDER  gf

PORK BELLY SKEWERS df

GRILLED JAPANESE CHICKEN MEATBALLS df

DESSERT

RED VELVET WHOOPIE PIE  v   11

GIANT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE  v  11

ALEPPO SALTED CARAMEL POPCORN  v | gf  11

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