Gold Bar Distillery
About Gold Bar Distillery
The Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery, located in the heart of San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its award-winning American Whiskey.
The distillery’s master blender, Montgomery Paulsen, a second-generation winemaker from Napa Valley, brings his expertise from 25 years in winemaking. Gold Bar Whiskey is unique for its finishing and double maturation process in former wine barrels from Napa Valley.
The distillery is also known for its iconic ‘Lady of Fortune’ coin, minted at America’s oldest operating private mint and designed by Californian artist Steven Noble.
This coin symbolizes good luck and prosperity and is hand-pressed onto each bottle. The distillery’s bottles, shaped like solid gold bars, feature a brass collector’s grade ‘Lady of Fortune’ coin. Gold Bar Whiskey offers a collection of Napa Wine Cask finished whiskies, crafted with pride in San Francisco.
Awards Won by Gold Bar Distillery
- Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2016): This prestigious award signifies exceptional quality and craftsmanship in the spirits industry. It’s one of the most respected competitions globally.
- Gold San Francisco World Spirits Packaging Competition (2016): This award is for the packaging design of their product, judged on creativity, impact, execution, aesthetics, and brand context.
- Best in Show – Denver International Spirits Competition: This award is another significant recognition in the spirits industry, highlighting the quality of Gold Bar Whiskey.
- Gold Medal San Diego Spirits Festival: A testament to the whiskey’s quality, this award is given to outstanding spirits.
- Gold Medal SIP Awards (2016): This is an internationally respected award, further confirming the excellence of Gold Bar Whiskey.
Gold Bar Distillery Tour Information and Experience
Location and Operating Hours
- Address: 1 Avenue of the Palms, San Francisco, CA.
- Hours: Monday-Friday: 2 PM-7 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 11 AM-7 PM.
- Holiday Hours: Special hours for holidays like December 24th and New Year.
Transportation and Access
- Getting There: Options include Uber, Lyft, public transport, driving, or the Treasure Island Ferry.
- Ferry Details: Departs from the Ferry Building in San Francisco, a short 5-10 minute ride costing $10 for a round trip.
Distillery Offerings
- Whiskey Tasting: Sample award-winning whiskies with a stunning city skyline view.
- Purchases: Gold Bar Whiskey products and merchandise available for sale.
Family and Pet-Friendly Environment
- Underage Visitors: Welcomes guests under 21 for food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Pet Policy: Pets allowed on a leash.
Event Hosting
- Private Events: Suitable for parties, weddings, corporate, and charity events.
- Catering: Local crafted menu items available, with options for large-scale event catering.
Amenities
- Parking: Available directly in front of the Distillery, including accessible spaces.
- Outdoor Patio: An outdoor seating area for guests.
- Accessibility: ADA accessible facility.
- WiFi: Publicly accessible internet connection.
Beverage Options
- Diverse Selection: Offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages besides whiskey.
Flask & Barrel Review of Gold Bar Distillery
First off, the location is killer. Right in the heart of San Francisco with some amazing views of the city skyline – it’s a great spot to kick back and enjoy some quality whiskey. The vibe of the place is just right, not too pretentious but still classy.
Now, onto the main event – the whiskey. Gold Bar’s selection is top-notch. Their Napa Wine Cask finished whiskies are something else. You can really taste the unique flavors that come from their double maturation process. It’s clear these guys know what they’re doing when it comes to crafting a good whiskey.
The tour itself was super informative without being dry or boring. I’ve been on tours where you just zone out, but the guide here kept things interesting and engaging. Plus, getting to taste their award-winning whiskies while soaking in that view? Can’t beat that.
I also appreciated the little touches, like the ‘Lady of Fortune’ coin pressed onto each bottle. It’s details like these that show the care and thought put into their product.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the only downside was that it got a bit crowded, but that’s just a testament to how popular this place is. And honestly, it didn’t take away from the experience.
Overall, I’m giving Gold Bar Distillery a solid 4.7 out of 5. Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or just looking for a cool spot to hang out in San Francisco, this place is worth a visit. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
What To Do Nearby Gold Bar Distillery
- Treasure Island’s Natural Beauty and Beaches: Treasure Island is known for its stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and offers outdoor activities like sunbathing on sandy beaches and leisurely strolls along trails.
- Historical Sites and Museums: The island’s rich history can be explored through its museums and historical landmarks, such as the Treasure Island Museum and Lighthouse Point Park, perfect for sunset views.
- Festivals and Events: Treasure Island hosts various events throughout the year, including the Treasure Island Music Festival with live performances and the Treasure Island Flea Market, ideal for finding unique vintage items and handmade crafts.
- Storytelling and Theater Performances: For a unique cultural experience, check out the Treasure Island Storytelling Festival and various theater performances.
- Dining and Shopping: Enjoy a variety of cuisines at local restaurants, cafes, and bars, and explore craft breweries and wineries. The island also offers several shops for souvenirs and gifts.
- Outdoor Activities at Treasure Island Overlook Park: Engage in water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The park also offers trails for biking and paths for leisurely walks.
- San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge West Span Bicycle and Pedestrian Path: This path offers breathtaking views and access to different areas of the island, including historical sites, museums, parks, and galleries.
- Priscilla and Robert Tesoro Nature Center: This center on a former military base provides a tranquil nature experience with guided hikes, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.
- Sailing Adventures: The Treasure Island Sailing Center offers sailing trips and classes for all levels, including overnight trips to explore the bay and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Fishing and Kayaking at the Marina: Charter fishing trips and kayak rentals allow for exploration of the bay’s coves and inlets, as well as sailing opportunities.
- Exploring the Island’s Past: Learn about the island’s history through interactive exhibits at the Treasure Island Museum, and explore the island’s historical park with its unique stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Gold Bar Distillery?
- Mersea Restaurant, Bar and Venue: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 699 Avenue of the Palms, San Francisco, CA 94130.
- Mel’s Drive-In: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 801 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +14152270793.
- MKT Restaurant and Bar: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 757 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +14156333838.
What hotels are near Gold Bar Distillery?
- Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman´s Wharf: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +14153625500.
- The Jay, Autograph Collection: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 433 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94111.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +14152962900.
- San Remo Hotel: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 2237 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +14157768688.