5 places to get your scotch on
Contrary to Principal Skinner’s declaration to Bart Simpson that “There’s no such thing as Scotchtoberfest,” Bay Area watering holes and Scotch dens will pay homage to Scotland’s famous whiskeys throughout October. The even better news? Participating in Scotchtober will not land you three months’ detention.
Here are five spots to imbibe (responsibly) in the Bay Area. Psst, if you’re Gold Countrybound, check out Sonora’s Bourbon Barrel (www.facebook.com/ SonoraBarrel), where the impressively thick whiskey menu is bound in leather and a glass of scotch, bourbon or rye pairs wonderfully with the wild boar meatballs.
1 Elixir #WhiskeyWeek
Underway now through Oct. 11, San Francisco’s second oldest continually operating saloon — since 1858 — celebrates not just Scotch whisky, but Irish, American, Canadian and other craft whiskeys too. Mix and mingle with spirits pros and sip your way through some of the world’s top scotch distillery bottlings, and learn how to concoct whiskey cocktails and punches. www. elixirsf.com
2 Alexander’s Steakhouse and The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse
This trio of South Bay, Peninsula and San Francisco eateries are devoted to everything scotch. Head to the Cupertino or San Francisco steakhouses or the Palo Alto seafood restaurant for single malts, blended scotch and rare spirits (think Macallan “M”
or Highland Park 1968). Each location has a different scotch list and cocktail menu. You’ll find the Scotchy Scotch Scotch ($16, made with Madeira, vermouth and Grand Marnier) and Braveheart Mule ($15) in Cupertino. Look for flights to be offered soon. Don’t miss the four-course Glenfiddich Scotch whisky dinner ($200) on Oct. 5 at the Cupertino restaurant. www.alexanderssteakhouse.com
3 Acme Bar & Company
A true scotch lover’s emporium, this Berkeley bar’s shelves are stocked with more than 300 whiskeys from around the world. The scotch selection alone boasts some 60 single malt and blended scotch labels, including a rare Celtic Heartlands 1980 Caol Ila finished in amarone wine casks and a vintage 1967 Tomintoul scotch. You can select from three or four rotating scotch flights too, with four ½-ounce pours ($20-$200 depending on scotch selection). Or customize your own flight for $25-$300 (if you pick the really good stuff). www.acmebarandcompany.com 4 Paper Plane
Head to San Jose’s whiskey-centric bar to sample a variety of single malt and blended scotch. Named for the classic bourbon whiskey cocktail, Paper Plane also boasts a respectable Scotch whisky collection, including a couple dozen rare, old or hard-to-find spirits. The seasonal cocktail menu lists several scotch libations, including the Shield Maiden ($13) with Drambuie and matcha. www.paperplanesj.com 5 Cold Bar at China Live
Seek out this scotch den, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco’s China Live food hall complex on its second floor. When you see the black bats on the wall, you’ll know you’ve arrived at the unmarked entrance. (The bats, by the way, symbolize luck in China.) The entire back bar is lined with a plethora of scotch bottles. Play around and build your own flight, or go for sips of the limited high-end Macallan Edition No. 1. Or go for the signature Sometimes Old Fashioned cocktail ($16), a unique concoction made with duck fat-infused Speyburn 10 scotch, or Nothing Sacred ($16), a sunset-hued libation with mango puree. www.chinalivesf.com