Some bars have history. Elixir has layers. Tucked into the corner of 16th and Guerrero in San Francisco's Mission District, Elixir has been pouring drinks since 1858 — making it the city's second oldest continuously operating bar. It survived the 1906 earthquake (barely — it burned to the ground and was rebuilt in 1907), outlasted Prohibition by quietly rebranding as a "soda fountain," and has worn many names over the decades before H. Joseph Ehrmann took over in 2003 and helped turn it into one of the country's most respected whiskey destinations.

That's the kind of place worth warming up for.

Kick off Whiskey Week early with a special Saturday class led by Nick Madden of Elixir SF. Nine Sips to Understanding American Whiskey is the perfect primer before the week's festivities begin — whether you're a seasoned sipper or just getting started.

Save 10% on any ticketed class at Elixir with code FOGCITY10 — valid through the Sunday after the Social.