Excellent selection, but the coldest retail staff I've ever experienced. I work in a fairly well known bar in the East Bay. I'm also a student at UC Berkeley's Art & Design Center, a block away. Naturally, I can't help but stop in every week. The shop is gorgeous and well stocked with amazing spirits. But man, the staff are a bunch of d-bags. There is one guy, ONE, I've met that was semi-cordial. Everyone else (especially the young brunette with the nose piercing) is smug, cold, rude, disinterested, and unhelpful. They all look miserable literally every time I'm there. I probably won't return because I hate dealing with the staff. I'd love to engage them in conversation (and I've tried many times), but they clearly couldn't care less. Last month, I bought a $70 bottle of scotch (a very rare single malt). I had been looking for it, unsuccessfully, so I was pretty excited to see it at Cask. I told the girl at the counter how excited I was to find it. When I did she raised her eyebrows, cocked her head, and pursed her lips, as if to tell me I was an idiot. That was her response. The only thing she said was, "Do you want a bag?" She has been equally unenthusiastic every time I've dealt with her. Jesus, at least feign interest. It's not hard to do, and it's a hell of a lot better for your reputation. I don't know what's wrong with the staff at Cask, but these guys need an attitude adjustment. They act like teenagers working at a record store, which is seriously unprofessional given the supposed seriousness of Cask. Wtf? Are they trying to turn people away? They certainly turned me off! There ate probably 200 other places to buy spirits with 5 miles. Why not go to one of them instead? read more

STOP GOING TO BEVMO, GUYS And if you're a human buying a gift for a male human- this is where you go. It was my favorite co-worker's birthday and I wanted to get this whiskey drinker a nice gift, so I stopped in on my way to BART because Cask is *right* there. I was thinking of getting Jameson 12-year. They didn't have it, though they kindly offered to order it (as if I plan ahead). What is so great about Cask is that they have locally distilled bottles with very nice looking, old timey labels. This makes for an exponentially better gift. I purchased a really nice looking single malt made right here in San Francisco. They do a great job gift wrapping, which is great because I do not (!) Come here to grab an unfamiliar bottle-- No more Bevmo, support local businesses, buy better stuff ya'll. read more

Wow! I'm a Scotch fan and this place is amazing! I really loved that they broke up the different types of Scotch by the location they were made in Scotland, such has Islay, Highland, etc. Highly recommended if you're looking for a bottle of whiskey that is out of the ordinary or you are on an unlimited budget ;) read more

Cask is awesome; I don't know much about whiskey/bourbon, but my girlfriend's dad loves it. So, I had to make a good impression when I bought a bottle.. and Cask helped me out. The staff was really knowledgeable, and was able to help pick some options from my very bad descriptions of what he usually drinks. read more

I was really excited about finally getting to visit this place. They have a few hard to find Whiskeys. With that said, it's overpriced by quite a bit so. It's okay. Still fun to visit and pick up a unique bottle when you're in hurry and don't want to wait. read more

Really great selection of hard-to-find things; but the staff is rude and unhelpful. I feel uncomfortable every time I walk inside that store...I think I will take my business elsewhere. read more

Wine selection was okay. Great whiskey selection. I bought two bottles of wine- both were corked which makes me wonder about how the wines are stored. read more

This place always seem to carry the obscure liquor I'm looking for. The people in the store are really knowledgeable and make excellent suggestions! I didn't catch her name but an associate recommended a smoky, bitter Italian liquor that was a great addition to our bar! (We love smoky and this hit the spot!) read more

I'm not really allowed to go here without supervision. If I do go here without supervision I find myself broke, or on a fast track to the poor house. Cask has all the things I like in life, the sweet, the bitter, the sour and the down right potent browns clears and ambers that make the days between Friday and the next worth living. My shelves have become thicker and more replete with wondrous alchemical substances thanks to this shop. If it was ever in a barrel, or went through a still, or found its way from a sugar cane field into a mash this place probably has it, has heard of it or will tell you it's not worth imbibing. The Volstead act was probably put into place to prevent places like this from springing up at ever corner. I'm glad Cask is downtown where parking costs an arm or a leg or I'd be there more often, scratch that, all too often. read more

This is booze heaven! Their tequila selection always keeps me happy and it's fun to learn about other new spirits. When I'm party planning or gifting, their online shop and shipping is a breeze. read more

If Cask had a motto, it would be "Hey! Have you tried the Willet?" Yes, yes I have tried the Willet. Many times. Thanks. Can you recommend something else? Apparently not. I've been to Cask on several occasions after a local bartender recommended I check it out for their substantial bourbon selection. The store is beautiful, well-organized, and they carry one of the better selections in the city (for bourbon and other spirits of your choice.) The staff was friendly and willing to offer recommendations. Luckily, on my first visit, I already knew what I wanted. A few visits later, I was looking for a birthday present for my boyfriend and wanted a new and exciting bourbon. I told the girl working he was a fan of Noah's Mill and Eagle Rare. She suggested the Willet 6-year (hand-picked by Cask). Perfect. He'd previously had a bottle of the 6-year (hand-selected in Kentucky by the Party Source) and loved it. When I came in looking for something similar to the Elijah Craig 18 on my next visit, Cask referred me to the Willet. On a more recent trip, after learning the Jefferson's Presidential Select was backordered until god-knows-when, I wanted a substitute similar in quality and taste. Once again, Cask recommended Willet. I could probably wander in and say that my total absolute fav is Maker's Mark and all I wanted to do was take copious amounts of shots and Cask would point me toward Willet. They would be equally likely to do so if I said I had a $1600 bottle of the original Hirsch at home, but wanted something a bit more casual to sip on in the mean time. Because, as they say, when at Cask, buy the goddamn Willet. In short, Cask has a great selection but the customer service is blah and they do not know their bourbons. However, they do have some of the best pricing in the city! So if you know what you're looking for, head to Cask. If you don't, you'll end up with a Willet. read more

Fine, concise collection. But the service is lacking. They were completely unfriendly, unwelcoming, and couldn't be arsed to assist you. I immediately felt unwelcome in that store. I would describe them as liquor snobs. And poop-faces. read more

After circling for parking and finally getting lucky, I walk in and get completely ignored! I find the liquor I'm looking for and decide to just walk out after no acknowledgment by any of the 3 people working that afternoon. I then make the drive to D&M on Fillmore and get great service (with a way better selection)---Never going back to CASK. Another business way too cool for customers! read more

As everyone points out, the selection here is pretty amazing. That selection paired with knowledgable staff would be a killer combination, which is why I bought a $100 gift certificate for my father here. We visited on a weekday for him to cash in his card; after looking over the vast inventory, he asked a not unreasonable question: "I like this scotch, and this one, and this one and those over there. Show me something that's of that kind that I might like." The young man waiting on us didn't hesitate for a second and pulled out a bottle neither of us had seen before. So far, so good. My dad then bought a bottle of one of his favorites as well. It's a good thing he did, as the scotch laddie had picked out wasn't in any way similar to the kind my father likes... I'm not expert, but this one violated the spec asserted pretty drastically. It was recorked and put aside, probably to be dumped down the drain. So, in my test consisting of a sample of one, Cask failed. With great selection should come great expertise. Such was not the case in our experience. read more

Really cool place, and has a wonderful selection. BUT, the young blonde guy (really wish I had found out his name) that works there (I was just there at 5:30 on 12/13/2016) is a total asshole. I'm not sure if it was because I looked young, or because I don't speak the way he would prefer (which is like an uptight snob), but every response he threw at me was laced with distaste and annoyance. I asked TWO questions about the sample sized bottles, and he looked at me like I was a total waste of his time. Then, I made the HORRIBLE MISTAKE of accidentally asking him if he was in line, because I hadn't looked up at his face, and he practically spat "ummmm, no, I work heeerre" at me. I've worked retail, and I still never have any feelings of superiority over someone just because they hold a lower paying position than I do, but it took everything I had not to ask him "who the fuck are YOU?" It's sad, because Cask should've been a fun experience for someone who enjoys quality liquor, but it was not. read more

Great selection of bourbons. I picked up a few bottles that were suggested by the staff, and they were really good. Also, they weren't the most expensive bottles in the store. Most of the stock is displayed on open shelves, so you can browse without trying to peer into glass cases like at the big liquor stores. read more

A week ago, I had an incredible rye whiskey called Colonel E.H. Taylor at Paisan in Berkeley. Wanting to purchase this immediately, I called around to several places which are noted for carrying high end whiskies. When I contacted Cask in SF, I was told that they did not have it but would I care to leave my contact number and they would look into it. The other places I contacted had responses such as "this is a specialty item with limited release" to no response at all. I spoke with Cask Thursday morning and Saturday afternoon I received a voicemail from Joe at the Cask store in Berkeley saying that had it and would be holding it for me. This is excellent service and I was deeply impressed by professionalism of the Cask staff and it was a pleasure to call back and speak with Joe. This is great business. thank you Joe Bellew Point Richmond read more

The first time I went into Cask, I was actually kind of intimidated. I know what Scotch I like, but didn't know how to translate that into the impressive wall of single malts before me, and I was too shy to ask the staff. But within a few days I went back (in part because they had the last bottle of Jura 21 in the known universe, and I wanted it) and not only did I buy the Jura, but one of the employees turned me on to a couple of other less-spendy whiskys that prompted future visits. Every time I come here, I learn about something new that I'll go back for. In that sense, Cask is dangerous -- because you find yourself buying all sorts of hard-to-find, classy booze. And it doesn't come cheaply. read more

I wanted to make classy Manhattans for my friend, and the calm and friendly staff helped me pick out all the ingredients I sought. If you are in a hurry, it may be difficult - - they wanted to wrap my bottles in old-fashion-y looking brown paper and string (ha!). No, thanks. Just FYI in case you are in a hurry - the waitstaff is not. read more

Started up by the same friendly folks that brought you Bourbon & Branch, Cask is your next stop for less common cocktail ingredients if you can't get them at K&L. Their wares are a bit pricier than K&L, but no one can beat their selection of rare & exotic finds. For example, when Bittermens first started selling The Bitter Truth in the US, that was the only place I could find them. (They're much easier to find now.) I love the cozy, old-world feel of the shop, there are lots of cool books on cocktails & how to make them, and the staff are always happy to give advice or help you find something. read more

Ok I came here once and wow. Let's just say this place has a great selection and knowledgeable staff. Very cool decor and a place where you could easily spend an hour and a fortune. read more

The ladies here really know what they're talkin about. They are a good resource for odd questions about rare items.

I had the good fortune of staying at the Westin just across the street from Cask. I wandered in here during a break from the meetings and it was like I fell into the wonderful rabbit hole of whiskeys, liquers, and all things wonderful. I could literally spend an hour in here browsing their selections and getting a wonderful education in regions and various types of whiskeys from their very knowledgeable staff. read more

If you have a special bourbon you are hunting for, this is the place to find it. If you want to browse an impressive display of whiskey and feel overwhelmed by the selection, this is the place for you! Pop in and look around and they even thank you for coming by when you leave. Love having no pressure to actually buy something the first time you stop in. read more

I'm changing it to four stars because it's a little pricey here. I found Old Potrero and Sazerac, for example, much cheaper elsewhere--- but if I need to special order anything or need a really good recommendation, I'm coming to Cask. read more

It's a high end liquor store that delivers on that title. You get what you pay for, which is a great selection of liquors, expert advice and a great location. read more

The best thing about this place is the incredibly helpful and knowledgeable staff. Every time I have been in Cask they have been busy with other customers but still make the effort to acknowledge me and provide assistance. Not your average liquor store by a long stretch. read more

I've only browsed here so far, but the selection is amazing. If you like single malt scotch, rye, or others, and you want to find them nesting in a beautiful and somewhat bespoke environment... Cask is for you. read more

This is an excellent store. The selection is outstanding, the staff has a profound understanding of the product and the personal touch is charming, even crush-worthy. read more

I was in Cask earlier today looking for a book to help with my mixology skills.

The unpretentious service and educational advice here largely make up for the higher prices. They helped me pick out a 1985 Glenrothes that allowed me to get a great gift for a scotch lover without embarrassing myself. read more

Excellent store for the discerning drinker. Two kinds of Maraschino and two kinds of orange bitters!

So while I realize that reviewing Cask on Yelp marks me as a chronic, if not serious, drinker, I can't resist adding to the fan waves. Cask is so so SF. If only because their staff are so utterly kick-ass knowledgeable about the booze they sell. And that most of this staff looks as if they have yet to graduate from college. And they really don't look like grizzled alcoholics, which is a good thing if you don't want to scare off the customers :::ooooh is this what will happen to me if I pursue this serious Bourbon fetish?::::: Plus, they're located next to one of the better Starbucks in town, where you can get your Clover, jack-up the nervous system with unadulterated caffeine and head over to Cask to talk premium Anejo Tequila with the hipsters. I love SF. read more

Lovely selection of hard to find scotches and other yummy distilled goods! They are super helpful, and although the prices are high, you are paying for hard to find stuff that no one else carries. Not a place for everyday alcohol purchases - but when you need a special gift, this is a great place to go! read more

Their website says they close at 9:00 pm. I showed up at 8:40 and the door was locked with a bike but no person sitting inside the store. Either hire employees who will close when you say you will close or change your posted hours to reflect their lazy behaviors. read more

We are in town for one day from the Midwest and staying in the south bay. We wanted to make sure we got to go here while we were in town based on friend's recommendations so we called to get the hours (their website did not post hours). They told us that they were closing early at 5 for a tequila tasting. Odd, but OK. Glad we called! We then planned our day to get there via public transportation at about 4:15 and arranged for friends to pick us up in their car at 5:00, assuming we would have bought some things that we could then leave in the car and then go downtown from there. We got to Cask at about 4:25. They were closed. Not cool. read more

I love spirits. To the point I've already put my name on the liver transplant waiting list, just in case. I also love high quality spirits, which this place carries exclusively. They have an excellent selection of high end scotch, bourbon, brandy, cognac and wine. What I don't love is high prices. As in a 20+ percent premium for already expensive bottles. Sure, when you are spending $100 or more dollars on a bottle, you are likely not doing price comparisons beforehand. Well, at least I'm not. But I do them after my impulse purchases. And this place consistently makes me feel dirty after the date. Like yesterday, when I purchased a Bowmore 15 on a whim for $84. Turns out K&L down the street has the same bottle for $69. And this is not the first time. More like the fourth time. 20% premium for a great selection and location? No, thanks. If you aren't making an impulse buy, you are better off finding your prized bottle elsewhere. It's a damn shame, too. I'd gladly pay a 5% premium for the proximity to my office. read more

Wide selection of spirits but fall short of impressing on quality. Wine selection really not its forte. Some rare whiskey in the back.

For a place that positions itself as experts in the spirit world, I'm not thoroughly impressed. I called to ask about some Gammel Dansk but they had never heard of it. I then called bevmo, and received some help. Step yo game up son! read more

Best selection of everything. Love the tastings they have. The guys are great that work there. We stop by everytime we are in town.