“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.
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.
General Inquiries
(628) 895 2039
info@charmainessf.com
Group/Event Inquiries (15+ Guests)
(628) 895 2032
sfp.sales@properhotel.com
San Francisco Proper Hotel
Rooftop
1100 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
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, California 16 / 80
Chandon Brut
Napa Valley, California 16 / 80
Telmont Réserve Brut
Champagne, France 30 / 150
White
Kokomo Sauvignon Blanc
Timber Crest Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, 2023 18 / 72
Alois Lageder Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio
Alto Adige, Italy, 2022 17 / 68
Fritz Haag Riesling Trocken
Mosel, Germany, 2021 18 / 72
La Follette ‘Los Primeros’ Chardonnay
Sonoma County, 2021 23 / 90
Pink
Angels & Cowboys Grenache Rosé
Sonoma County, California 2022 16 / 64
Henri Bourgeois Rosé Pinot Noir
Sancerre, 2022 24 / 94
Red
Paitin ‘Serra’ Barbera D’alba
Piedmont, Italy, 2021 20 / 100
La Follette ‘Los Primeros’ Pinot Noir
Sonoma County, 2021 23 / 90
Obsidian Wine Co Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Red Hills, Lake County, 2021 28 / 111
Chateau Haut Selve ‘Graves’ 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
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.
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
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
Sep 01, 2024
11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Rediscover Sunday afternoons at Charmaine’s Rooftop with Paella & Rosé! Indulge in a Mediterranean inspired culinary journey offering paella cooked over fire and versatile Rosé pairings. Admission is $30 (excluding tax and fees) per person and will include unlimited Paella.
Sep 08, 2024
11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Rediscover Sunday afternoons at Charmaine’s Rooftop with Paella & Rosé! Indulge in a Mediterranean inspired culinary journey offering paella cooked over fire and versatile Rosé pairings. Admission is $30 (excluding tax and fees) per person and will include unlimited Paella.
Entrance at 45 McAllister St 1100 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102 USA
Front Desk: 1 (415) 735 7777
Reservations: 1 (888) 730 4299
Charmaine's: 1 (415) 786 3467
sfp.frontdesk@properhotel.com