Old Potrero Hotaling's Whiskey is a 13-year-old bottled-in-bond rye from San Francisco, made from 100% malted rye and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). It is a limited annual release that comes in a commemorative box with an Old Potrero metal bottle topper.
The whiskey is aged for 13 years in once-used, charred, fine-grain American oak Old Potrero barrels. A 100% malted rye mash bill is a rarity in American whiskey, where most rye recipes blend unmalted rye with corn or other grains, and it gives Old Potrero its distinctive malt sweetness alongside the rye spice. Old Potrero has been made in San Francisco since 1993 and is often called the original craft whiskey.
Since 2006, the distillers at Hotaling & Co. have released this whiskey each year to commemorate San Francisco's resilience and rebirth after the 1906 earthquake and fire. The name honours A.P. Hotaling & Co.'s Jackson Street whiskey warehouse, which survived the disaster undamaged, a story immortalised by Charles K. Field: "If, as they say, God spanked the town for being over frisky, why did he burn the churches down and save Hotaling's whiskey?" The amount released each year is decided by tasting the barrels and judging whether the spirit is ready.
The aroma is elegant, with citrus, baking spice and sandalwood. The palate is sweet on entry, with soft stone fruit, brightness, a hint of peppercorn and creamy spice, and the finish brings orange flower water, delicate rye spice and black tea, crisp to the end.
In its commemorative box with the metal topper, it is a collector's gift with a great San Francisco story.
Tasting Notes
-
Aroma: Elegant: citrus, baking spice and sandalwood.
-
Palate: Sweet on entry, soft stone fruit, peppercorn and creamy spice.
-
Finish: Orange flower water, delicate rye spice, black tea; crisp.
Specifications
-
Producer: Hotaling & Co. (Old Potrero)
-
Style: Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey
-
Mash Bill: 100% malted rye
-
Age: 13 years
-
Proof / ABV: 100 proof (50% ABV)
-
Cask / Finish: Once-used, charred fine-grain American oak
-
Region: San Francisco, California, United States
-
Size: 750ml, in a commemorative box with metal topper
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat to enjoy the citrus and sandalwood, or add a drop of water. It pairs with dark chocolate, stone-fruit desserts or a cigar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Hotaling's?
It honours the A.P. Hotaling & Co. whiskey warehouse that survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.
What is it made from?
100% malted rye.
What comes with it?
A commemorative box and an Old Potrero metal bottle topper.
Explore more in our Rye collection.
