Jason C./Yelp
SF Cocktail Week rolls into town tomorrow and honestly, wow: Even we're a little afraid of the sheer volume of cocktails and events going down. Thankfully we know the key to survival: eating and hydration.
15 Romolo is hosting explorations of vodka, gin, fortified wines ― for free.
A week-long celebration of spirits, bars, and culture, this week promises something for everyone's thirst and budget. To help you navigate, we've highlighted the top free events. Grab your liver and your ID ― but feel free to leave your cash at home.
Thurs., Sept. 23:
Fortified Wines in Cocktails
When: Noon-2 p.m.
Where: 15 Romolo, 15 Romolo Alley (at Broadway)
Cost: Free
The skinny: Bacardi portfolio mixologist and tequila specialist Manny Hinajosa and 42BELOW brand ambassador Borys Saciuk will discuss and taste vermouth, sherry, port, aromatized wine, and other fortified wines and their applications in drinks.
The Great Evolution of Vodka
When: 2:30-4:00 p.m.
Where: 15 Romolo, 15 Romolo Alley (at Broadway)
Cost: Free; RSVP required ― e-mail bsaciuk@42below.com
The skinny: 42BELOW brand ambassador Borys Saciuk leads a lesson in vodka's history and production, a discussion of how vodka is enjoyed today, and where it's future lies, followed by a tasting flight of the various styles on the U.S. market. Plus a taste of modern, classically inspired vodka cocktails.
Fri., Sept. 24:
Modern Distillation: Flavor Capture and Expression
When: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: 15 Romolo, 15 Romolo Alley (at Broadway)
Cost: Free
The skinny: Jaime Evans discusses the unique production processes used to make Oxley gin. Includes a tasting challenge (no, that doesn't mean a race to slam the most tastes) to identify various distilled flavors.
Sat., Sept. 25:
Tours of Distillery No. 209
When: 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: Distillery No. 209, 50 Pier 48, #B
Cost: Free; RSVP required ― e-mail wendi@distillery209.com
The skinny: Get a tour of the production facilities of San Francisco gin producer Distillery No. 209, which is not generally open to the public. Offers a rare peek inside the distillery, along with insight into production methods.
