For Bitter For Worse is inspired by husband and wife team, Shelley and Jeff’s long, sparky marriage and love for celebration. 

A whale-watching trip on the Salish Sea led to an obscure neurological malady with a fantastic French name…As a result of this health challenge, Shelley broke up with booze. She’s a Taste Maven. She drew from years of experience as a cocktail enthusiast to create her own nuanced non-alc recipes. Jeff’s a Reverse Bootlegger. He invented their patent-pending process and converted Shelley’s recipes to scalable formulas. For Bitter For Worse has been starting parties since 2020!

If you missed the last For Bitter For Worse tasting, come by on the 23rd to and taste the Eva’s Spritz, Rose City Fizz and the Saskatoon!

Pekut & Carwick Independent Bottlers will be back again on Saturday, Sept. 23rd, pouring more of their variety of spirits offerings.

You’ll have a chance to taste some of our favorites from Nate Darling, the owner of Pekut & Carwick Independent Bottlers, located in Berkeley, CA. We will have the Vin d’ Orange, Maiden Voyage California Single Malt, and the All Wheat California Straight Whiskey. Help us welcome and celebrate the Autumn Equinox with some delicious, warming spirits!

Join us for a special tasting event that celebrates the world of alcohol-free beverages. We will be featuring Abstinence Spirits, a South African brand known for their exceptional alcohol-free spirits and aperitifs.

Abstinence Spirits are crafted in Cape Town, South Africa, utilizing botanicals indigenous to the region. Through small batch distillations, unique flavors are extracted without the use of alcohol. Techniques such as maceration, vapor infusion, and hydrosols are employed to achieve their distinctive profiles. Each batch is meticulously blended, tasted, and tested before being bottled.

During the tasting, you will have the opportunity to sample the Blood Orange and Lemon Aperitifs, the Cape Floral and Cape Citrus NA alternatives, as well as their latest release: The Blood Orange Aperitivo Spritz. These offerings provide delicious and satisfying options for those seeking alcohol-free beverages.

Come by this Friday for another round of offerings by Nate Darling, the owner and founder of Pekut & Carwick Independent Bottlers, who crafts and distributes unique and delicious spirits.

During the tasting, you will be provided with an opportunity to experience the flavor of California Umeshu Liqueur, a heavenly elixir crafted from Japanese plums known as ume, which are botanically more akin to apricots. These plums originate from family-operated, organic orchards located in Southern California, and the liqueur undergoes production and creation under the hands of Nate in Berkeley.

You will also have the opportunity to sample a pair of unique gins crafted by Dissident Spirits, a distillery based in Richmond. Monterey Pine Gin and the Peppercorn Gin are both beautifully balanced gins with delicate notes and a depth of flavor. You won’t want to miss the chance to taste these!

Chareau Aloe Liqueur prides itself on using only the finest natural ingredients, with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The result is a unique liqueur that captures the essence of California's bountiful agriculture and natural beauty.

Chareau Aloe Liqueur is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed on its own as a digestif or mixed in a variety of cocktails. Its delicate yet complex flavor profile makes it an ideal ingredient in summer drinks, particularly those with a citrus or herbal twist.

If you're interested in trying Chareau Aloe Liqueur, swing by the shop this Saturday from 12-3pm. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a refreshing new spirit to try, Chareau is sure to impress.

Rachael Petach crafts C. Cassis in the Hudson Valley, just a few miles away from the blackcurrant fields. Her fascination with the spirit began during her time WWOOFing on organic farms in France. Years later, she decided to create her own version, emphasizing herbaceous and almost savory flavors.

Blackcurrant cultivation in the U.S. faced a setback in the early 20th century when it was deemed a threat to white pine. However, in 2003, a New York botanist took up the cause, leading to the overturning of the ban on blackcurrants in New York state.

C. Cassis exclusively sources all of its blackcurrants from New York State. The liqueur takes a less sweet and more vermouth-style approach compared to the classic version. It serves wonderfully as an aperitif, in a spritz, or even as a vermouth alternative.

This mezcal-based liqueur draws inspiration from two captivating and significant cultures of Mexico: the Oaxacan and Pueblan. It beautifully combines the essence of the long-leaved, succulent agave plant that characterizes Oaxaca with the flavorful and smoky ancho chile from Puebla.

Flor de Luna was founded in Mexico City in 2015 by Hillhamn Salome, establishing the country's first female-powered distillery. The production team, consisting of five women, including Hillhamn herself, leads the way in this venture. The name "Xila" holds great significance as it translates to "woman" in the indigenous Mexican language of Zapotec. The unique recipe comprises seven carefully chosen notes that harmonize perfectly with one another.

Come join us in experiencing a novel assortment of whiskies, a collaborative venture by the renowned distillers of Okinawa, Japan. The Kujira and Hayashi whisky lines undergo saccharification, fermentation, and distillation utilizing exclusive 100% Indica rice and distinctive black Koji indigenous to the region. The whiskies are then aged in oak casks, resulting in an exceptional deep amber hue and a one-of-a-kind flavor profile. Situated at the southernmost point of Japan, the Ryukyu Islands form a subtropical archipelago. The constant hot and humid climate throughout the year accelerates the whisky aging process, creating a richer and more rounded body that enhances the distinct fragrance of the Indica rice.

Join us for a tasting with Mijenta Tequila, crafted by Maestra Tequilera Ana Maria Romero, one of the most trusted, respected and awarded tequila authorities in Mexico. Ana Maria brings over 25 years of experience in the tequila industry.

Mijenta stands as an acclaimed Tequila hailing from the highlands of Jalisco, renowned for its accolades and commitment to sustainability. Rooted in Mexican traditions, it mirrors the essence of the land and its inhabitants. With an unwavering dedication to using superior ingredients and an exacting production process, Mijenta Tequila aspires to embody the essence of a truly remarkable tequila: intricate, harmonious, and a culinary delight. At its core, Mijenta's mission centers around community and sustainability, which have been integral since its inception. Proudly achieving full carbon neutrality, Mijenta Tequila stands alone as the sole tequila producer with B Corp certification. The name "Mijenta," derived from "Mi Gente," which translates to "My People," signifies a collective of kindred spirits who unite to revel in the joy of existence, because life is better shared.

Join us for a tasting of Kentucky Bourbon with Carolina roots.

Jessie Carpenter, Brian Burton, and Courtney Tucker, childhood friends, drew inspiration from Old Hillside, the oldest Historically Black high school in Durham, NC, and founded a whiskey in its honor. Their passion for bourbon and horse racing led to creating a brand commemorating the success of black jockeys before segregation. Read more about Old Hillside and the history of Black Jockies in America here.

We’ll be tasting the Straight Bourbon and Straight Rye Whiskies.

Provecho will be holding down the back bar. Come for small plates of smoked brisket, duck pastor, and tuna tartare tostadas.

We are also excited to launch the residency of Just Cultured Barber Studio upstairs at the shop.

Wines by the glass and ready-to-drink bevs will also be available throughout the evening. 

Enjoy shopping late and exploring the upstairs as we open it to the public for the first time! 

Join us for a tasting with the Bay Area’s own St George Spirits! Established in 1982, St. George Spirits has undergone a remarkable transformation from a dedicated eau de vie distillery to a versatile enterprise producing an array of artisanal spirits.

Their commitment to the art of distillation knows no bounds, yet they only introduce a new spirit to the world when they believe it brings a fresh and meaningful perspective to the table. Their goal is to create spirits so extraordinary that they can be identified solely by aroma and flavor, reflecting their exceptional nature.

With a commitment to crafting quintessential spirits that bring joy to both pleasure seekers and masterful mixologists, St. George aspires for the essence and excellence of their libations to eloquently communicate their ethos when they grace your palate.

We’ll be tasting the Botanivore Gin, Baller Whiskey and Bruto Americano.

Meet Carly and Ian, a dynamic duo who crossed paths while working as sommeliers at The French Laundry, one of the world's finest restaurants located in the Napa Valley. Their professional lives were centered around wine, beer, and cocktails.

However, after becoming parents, they made the decision to exclude alcohol from their lives. Nonetheless, their passion for delicious beverages remained strong. This led them to embark on an exciting journey into the realm of non-alcoholic drinks.

To their surprise, they discovered a limited selection of alcohol-free bitters on the market, with nothing that truly captured the classic essence they sought. Determined to fill this gap, they took matters into their own hands and decided to create their own non-alcoholic bitters. Countless tests, experiments, and tastings ensued, and after much dedication, they believe they have perfected some of the most flavorful and beneficial bitters in the world, whether they contain alcohol or not.

Mezcal de Leyendas focuses on showcasing the distinct characteristics of mezcal from specific agave species and regions. Each bottle is labeled with detailed information about the agave used, the region of origin, and the mezcalero.

Mezcal de Leyendas offers a wide range of expressions, including single-agave varietals and unique blends. The brand works closely with mezcaleros from different communities, promoting sustainable practices and fair trade principles. They aim to support the preservation of traditional mezcal production while ensuring that mezcaleros receive fair compensation for their expertise.

Peloton de la Muerte focuses on creating artisanal mezcal using traditional methods, including the use of traditional earthen pits for cooking the agave and copper stills for distillation.

Both Mezcal de Leyendas and Pelotón de la Muerte Mezcal have contributed to the growing popularity of mezcal globally by producing high-quality spirits that showcase the complexity and diversity of this traditional Mexican beverage.

Come by the shop on Saturday to taste some locally-made craft beers with Dokkaebier! The name Dokkaebier was inspired by dokkaebi, the shape-shifting creatures in Korean folklore known for their playful and mischievous nature. Like these spirits, they too love good times and good company.

Founder and Owner, Youngwon’s mission is to experiment with beers, using their favorite ingredients from all over Asia. While some of these flavors may be familiar and enjoyable, others might challenge your palate. Nevertheless, they take pride in continuously creating new and fun flavors to keep your taste buds delighted. We’ll be tasting popular favorites Kimchi Sour and Yuza Blonde.

Benesin is a hand-crafted, small-batch mezcal produced in the indigenous village of San Juan Del Rio, Oaxaca. Master distiller Efrain Nolasco learned the art of mezcal production from his family, resulting in the creation of award-winning Benesin mezcal. By purchasing Benesin, you support indigenous initiatives and help build a sustainable local economy in Oaxaca.

Tr3s Tiempos Mezcal is a family cooperative that has surged from a lesson of life. Their goal is to democratize the resources obtained by mezcal to prevent intermediaries from forgetting the origin and essence of this agave spirit, which can affect producers and consumers. The goal of TR3S TIEMPOS is authenticity. Within five generations, they have honored the spirit of their ancestors by traditionally distilling and allowing nature to indicate and decide the exact times during the process. They take pride in the aromas and excellent taste of their mezcal; quantity is irrelevant.

Indulge in a week-long celebration of Alkali Rye’s 3-year anniversary, while also championing women and BIPOC owned and led businesses! We’ve curated a selection of spirits that align with our vision, and we invite you to join us for tastings and exploration.

Du Nord, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, holds the distinction of being the country's first "legal" black-owned distillery. Chris Montana and his wife, Shanelle, are the founders behind this pioneering establishment. Their brand, Du Nord, operates with a mission to promote inclusivity and diversity within the beverage industry.

Following the protests sparked by the tragic killing of George Floyd in 2020, their distillery faced damage. However, this setback inspired Chris and Shanelle to establish the Du Nord Foundation. This foundation is supported by the proceeds from every bottle sold at their distillery. Its primary focus is to address racial inequities and foster economic justice in the Twin Cities area. The foundation achieves this by offering both immediate relief and long-term investments to support entrepreneurs and business leaders of color in the region.

We’ll be tasting the Foundation Vodka, Prominence Gin and Mixed Blood Whiskey!

Katie and Scott, a husband and wife team, embarked on a mission to reduce their alcohol consumption and ventured into the world of crafting delectable non-alcoholic beverages. Their journey began with the creation of a Verjus base, derived from the pressed juice of unfermented, unripened grapes. Through experimentation and a blend of real food ingredients such as fruits, teas, and botanicals, they discovered an endless array of delightful flavors to satisfy the discerning palate. Come taste their newest releases of Kally non-alc wine alternatives!

Hella Coastal aims to shine a spotlight on beer enthusiasts and makers who are currently underrepresented in the craft brewing community. Their main goal is to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity present in all aspects of brewing. Whether it's the unique lifestyle of two individuals who transformed their passion for beer drinking into beer crafting, resulting in the first Black-owned brewery in Oakland, they are dedicated to showcasing the effort and pride that goes into the craft of brewing. Co-Owners Mario and Chaz embrace the inclusive nature of their origins, recognizing the richness of diversity in their community as a whole.

Stop by the shop on Friday to taste the 4th brewing of the first release under their own label: The Coastal IPA and their latest release, The Coastal Lyte.

The Bay Spirits Collective comprises a group of beloved local producers, including Common Ground Spirits, Home Base Spirits, and Frijolotes Purveyor of Awesome Mezcals. These Bay Area-based companies have joined forces to create a team of independent, underrepresented, craft spirits producers. The collective is comprised of the following members:

Tory Brown and Julian Peebles of Common Ground Spirits work to create Sustainable Spirits Through Local Ingredients and Partnerships.

Sam & Ali of Home Base Spirits, a female-owned and sustainable business, believes whiskey should be fun, made with premium ingredients, and accessible for everyone.

Young and Fred of Frijolotes are passionate aficionados of Mezcal. We’ll be pouring their Hop Mez, a Mezcal infused with beer hops!

Swing by the shop and taste these producer-owned mezcals. Leonel Isoriano of Nolasco Spirits will be pouring these delightful mezcals.

Los Ocotales Mezcal is a family-owned business operated by a 3rd generation of Maestro Mezcaleros. They oversee every step of the mezcal-making process, from cultivating the agave plants to bottling the final product, ensuring the preservation of its authentic flavors and quality.

Adolfo Santiago, Victoria Mendez, and their family members in San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca co-own and produce Los Ocotales Mezcal. Their range of mezcal expressions includes Espadin, Tobala, Cirial, as well as a blend of Espadin and Cirial.

Benesin is a meticulously crafted mezcal, produced in the indigenous village of San Juan Del Rio, Oaxaca. Efrain Nolasco, a skilled master distiller, learned the art of mezcal production from his family, resulting in the creation of the acclaimed Benesin mezcal. By purchasing Benesin, you not only enjoy a fine mezcal but also support indigenous initiatives and contribute to the development of a sustainable local economy in Oaxaca.

In the remote countryside of Oaxaca, you'll find the quaint town of Río de Ejutla, home to just 368 residents and completely disconnected from modern society. Here, Maestro Lucio carries on the legacy of his father, Adrián, producing Lola Mezcal entirely by hand using traditional methods.

Come by the shop and try Mommenpop's refreshing Citrus aperitifs. The Meyer Lemonpop has a subtly sweet and floral taste, balanced with fresh tarragon and Meyer lemon leaves for a vibrant and herbaceous profile.

The Blood Orange California Aperitif is a refreshing and rich choice with a citrusy and juicy flavor reminiscent of biting into a ripe blood orange. It has warm notes of pepper and florals, making it perfect to enjoy while cooking tomato sauce or listening to music. It pairs well with olives as a pre-dinner drink, complements pasta dishes during dinner, and goes nicely with salt-studded dark chocolate after the meal.

Don’t miss the chance to purchase a bottle of the seasonal release of Makrut Limepop, made using organic California Makrut Limes (and leaves!), a tangy, bright beverage that makes for the perfect base of a spritz.

We also have Mommenpop Paloma Ready to Drink cocktails available for tasting and purchase. They offer the classic Paloma flavor in a convenient bottle.

El Mero Mero mezcal is created, distilled, and bottled in San Dionisio, Ocotepec, Oaxaca. Their Maestra Mezcalera, Hidelberta Martinez Hopolito, ensures that the production process adheres to the revered traditions of artisanal mezcal production. El Mero Mero offers three distinct expressions: Espadin, Tobala, and Tepextate.

The Espadin variety matures for 7 years, influenced by the region's low rainfall. It showcases herbal, damp, wet clay, and earthy notes.

Tobala is harvested from the wild and matures for 12 years, revealing flavors of sasparilla, grapefruit pith, and a vegetal yet creamy profile.

Tepextate takes the longest to mature, ranging from 18 to 25 years. It presents notes of vegetal, white pepper, buttered popcorn, umami, and seaweed.

Home Base Spirits, a female-owned and sustainable business, believes whiskey should be fun, made with premium ingredients, and accessible for everyone.

Founders Alexandra and Samantha Blatteis are twins born and raised in Oakland—their home base. In 2011, the sisters were first inspired to start Home Base when touring a distillery that emphasized whiskey not just as a libation, but as an agricultural product that could support local farms. After years of research at local distilleries and small family farms, distilling coursework and studies, and through the founding a women's whiskey club, the Blatteises officially launched Home Base Spirits in 2015. 

Eric Szeto of Shades of Sugar Bakeshop will be selling his limited edition macaroon made with Home Base Spirits. Eric creates exciting, adventurous flavors with combinations unlike others. A Bay Area native, he takes pride in his macarons for using local California ingredients to showcase the bountiful flavors of all the seasons.

Indulge in a week-long celebration of Alkali Rye’s 3-year anniversary, while also championing women and BIPOC owned and led businesses! We’ve curated a selection of spirits that align with our vision, and we invite you to join us for tastings and exploration

Join us for a tasting experience with Frijolotes Importer & Distributor of Mezcal! Young and Fred, passionate aficionados of Mezcal, will be showcasing the exquisite La Jicarita Pechuga Mezcal, Hop Mez, and Young's unique creation, Bok Gin. Young's gin was inspired by her mother, a renowned restaurateur known for her beloved banchan and kimchi. Don't miss out on this exceptional event!

Indulge in a week-long celebration of Alkali Rye’s 3-year anniversary, while also championing women and BIPOC owned and led businesses! We’ve curated a selection of spirits that align with our vision, and we invite you to join us for tastings and exploration.

Freeland Spirits celebrate the women of the craft. From the gals who grow the grain, to those who run the still, they’re creating superior spirits that celebrate all the Northwest has to offer.

Freeland Spirits is one of the very few women-owned and run distilleries in history. Master distiller Molly Troupe was born wearing a pair of chemist goggles and never took them off. With a background in biochemistry and a Masters Degree in Distillation from Heriot-Watt in Scotland, Molly commands perfection with every spirit she orchestrates.

RSVP HERE! The first five to RSVP and arrive will receive a goodie bag of mixers to pair with the delicious spirits.

Three Spirits is a brand that offers a range of non-alcoholic drinks designed to make you feel good, using active, ethically sourced ingredients. The brand was created by a team of bartenders, plant scientists, and women who wanted to provide an alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks.

The Three Spirits lineup includes The Livener, Social Elixir, and Nightcap. Livener is a refreshing and energizing drink that contains natural caffeine from green coffee beans, as well as adaptogens and nootropics to enhance focus and concentration. Social Elixir is a sophisticated and complex drink that features a blend of botanicals and spices to provide a balanced flavor and relaxing effect. Nightcap is a calming and soothing drink that contains valerian root and other herbs to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

In addition to their core lineup, Three Spirits has also introduced a range of wine alternatives called Blurred Vines. This includes Spark and Sharp, two flavors that mimic the taste of white and red wine, respectively, but without the alcohol. Blurred Vines is a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste of wine without the negative effects of alcohol.

Looking for a low abv spritz to quench your thirst? Aperitifs are a great way to whet your appetite before a meal, or to enjoy as a refreshing drink on a hot day. Come taste some of our favorite aromatized wines this Friday!

Aromatized wines are wines that have been infused with herbs, spices, or other natural ingredients to enhance their flavor and aroma. These wines are often enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestif, and are a popular choice for cocktail enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

We’ll be pouring Byrrh Grand Quinaquina, Comoz Blanc Vermouth de Chambéry and Bonal Gentiane Quina at The Back Bar.