SPIRIT OF IRELAND
This year ‘Spirit of Ireland’ is being hosted at Casements Bar located in the heart of the Mission district in San Francisco.
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is delighted to announce an exciting weekend of events at Casements Bar in San Francisco, in collaboration with Bar 1661, and Invest NI, from October 11 to 13. This celebration will offer consumers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts a series of unique experiences that pay tribute to the rich traditions of Irish food, music, and culture.
The three days of events will feature opportunities to engage with the makers of 18 distinct Irish spirits brands through seminars, tastings, cocktails, educational sessions, and interactive activations. Additionally, Dave Mulligan, Ivana Marešić and Annie Rattigan from Bar 1661 in Dublin will be in attendance, introducing Poitín to the American market. Poitín (pot-cheen), a traditional Irish distilled spirit often known as ‘Irish moonshine’, is an integral part of Ireland’s cultural heritage, with a history of being produced for centuries in small, often illegal stills using local ingredients like potatoes.
Bar 1661, consistently recognized as one of Ireland’s Best Cocktail Bars, is dedicated to honoring Ireland’s native drinks, particularly by elevating Poitín and securing its place in the modern cocktail scene. This event offers a unique opportunity for both consumers and industry professionals to experience the diversity of Irish spirits, including the introduction of Poitín to the American market.
“We’re excited to celebrate Ireland’s heritage and elevate modern Irish spirits as standout components in modern mixology.”
Participating Irish spirits brands include Mad March Hare Poitín, Lost Irish Whiskey, Method-Madness, Boann Distillery, Gunpowder Gin, Roe &Co Irish Whiskey, J.J. Corry, Dingle Distillery, Bán Poitín, Echlinville Distillery and more.
LINEUP
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3 - 4pm – Roe & Co. Sampling (PATIO)
4 - 7pm – Polo Live Sessions (BAR)
4 - 10pm – Roe & Co Vinyl set by Music Please and patio takeover feat. outdoor bar, tasting cart, DIY Tote bag area , giveaways & sampling of Roe & Co infused trout roe. (PATIO)
4 - 7PM - Two Stacks whiskey Sampling - sample some of their signature blends. A new adventurous chapter in Irish whiskey. Inspired by the traditions of old, disruptive makers of the new. (BAR)
7 - 9pm – Steven Lewis & his big band of fun (PATIO)
7 - 10pm – BAR TAKEOVER from the incredible pals at Bar 1661 showcasing their award winning menu & hospitality (BAR)
6 - 10pm – BFF.FM resident DJ (BAR)
10 - 1am – Resident DJ (BAR)
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2 - 3pm – Poitín sampling . Discover the true spirit of Ireland. (PATIO)
4 - 6pm – Ghost Town Messengers live (PATIO)
3 - 5pm – A Poitín Masterclass with Dave Mulligan of Bar 1661 accompanied by a sampling of rare bottles & Belfast coffees (PINK ROOM)
6 - 7pm – A Pot Still Masterclass feat. Clonakilty whiskey, Method & Maddness, Boann Distillery & The Whistler. The class will be lead by Head DIstiller Gary Ring of Boann Distillery (PINK ROOM)
4 - 5pm – Gunpowder Gin DIY Cocktail Class Session (BAR)
6 - 7pm – Dingle G&T Happy Hour feat. SF's Finest (BAR)
6 - 8pm – Juke the Band live set (BAR)
7 - 10pm – DJ Mr.P feat music of the Diaspora.(OUTSIDE)
9 - 1am– Detroit House beats by DJ Lamont (BAR)
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2 - 5pm – Traditional Irish Music LIVE
3 - 4pm – Guinness, Oysters & Roe and Co Happy Hour.
3 - 4pm – Girly Drinks - A panel discussion from women in the Industry feat. Ivanna Marešić Beverage Director at Bar 1661, Annie Rattigan Front of House Manager Bar 1661, Gillian Fitzgerald Owner Casements Bar & Palm Springs Bottle Shop, Donna Stewart West coast Brand Ambassador Lost Irish Whiskey. (PINK ROOM)
4 - 5pm – Happy Hour feat. JJ Corry, Dingle , Roe & Co (BAR)
5 - 7pm – Speed Pour Irish Coffee Competition - bartenders from across San Francisco will race against the clock to see who can make the best and fastest Irish Coffee in the west (BAR)
7 - 10pm – BAR TAKEOVER from the incredible pals at Bar 1661 showcasing their award winning menu & hospitality (BAR)
7 - 10pm DJ Tom Thump (BAR)
FAQ’s
Any Live Music?
Glad you asked. Performances by Duke the Band, Polo, Steven Lewis and his big band as well as house bands Ghost Town Messengers and Our trad trio. DJ sets include Legendary DJ Lamont, Music Please, BFF.FM, DJ Tom Thump, & DJ Mr.P.
How do I get there?
Public Transport lines: BART 16th and Mission / MUNI 33, 22, 14, 9 & 49 all have stops 3 blocks or less away from the bar. Casements is located right next to a parking garage (12 hour rates apply). We highly suggest that if imbibing public , private transport should be taken. All car services like Lyft, Uber and Waymo operate in the area.
Where can I purchase tickets?
What ticket? We want you to come in and enjoy the experience of Irish Hospitality at its finest. Are all ages permitted at Spirit of Ireland? Under 21 folks must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian. No one under 21 is allowed to stay post 8pm. No exceptions.
Will there be Bike Parking?
Unfortunately Casements does not have the capacity to take bikes on premises. Bikes locked up outside are at the owner's risk.
Will there be a cloak room?
There will not be a cloak room.
Will the bars take cash?
Cash / Apple Pay and Cards are accepted.
How many areas will there be?
The weekend's festivities will be split into 3 separate entertainment areas.
The Bar - The interior of the bar will host several events over the weekend including Bar 1661’s Pop ups on Friday & Sunday.
The Pink Room - The covered area of the patio will be utilized for group discussions, panels and educational seminars.
The Patio - Exterior bar area, live music, sampling , giveaways and toasts will happen here. Pack your sunscreen. It looks to be a perfect San Francisco October weekend.
Disability Access
If you require assistance in relation to disability access to this event please email gillian@casementsbar.com with ‘Spirit of Ireland’ – Disability Access Question’ in the subject bar. Disabled parking is available at the adjacent car park.