(SAN FRANCISCO, June 25, 2024) – Born and bred in San Francisco since 1993, Old Potrero is recognized as the first American craft whiskey in the U.S. post-Prohibition. San Francisco’s artisanal spirits producer, Hotaling & Co., today announces the reintroduction of Old Potrero 18^th Century Style Whiskey, now called Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Whiskey, distilled in a small copper pot still from a mash of 100 percent rye malt and aged in new, toasted, 24-month air-dried, handmade, extra-fine grain American White Oak barrels for a minimum of 6 years. Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Whiskey will be released on Thursday, July 4, to commemorate American Independence Day and pay homage to America’s leadership in craft whiskey distilling.

“America’s first great whiskey was rye and it was originally made in copper pot stills. But by the late twentieth century, the spirit was barely hanging on for life. Just as it seemed that it might completely disappear, Anchor Distilling, now Hotaling & Co., came to the rescue and kicked off the rebirth of rye with the launch of Old Potrero Whiskey that is even made in copper pot stills,” says Noah Rothbaum, author of The Art of American Whiskey and the forthcoming Whiskey Bible.

“We originally called it 18^th Century Style Whiskey because in 18th-century traditional barrel making, the cooper heats the staves over a fire of oak chips, allowing them to be bent and formed into a barrel,” says Master Distiller Bruce Joseph. “During this process, the inside of the barrel becomes lightly toasted. Charred barrels weren’t created until the 19^th Century. We are reintroducing Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Whiskey at a much older age than the original 18^th Century Style Whiskey, and it continues to be the only rye on the market aged entirely in toasted oak barrels.”

Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Whiskey, Aged 6 Years

51.2% ABV; 700ml; $64.99 SRP

Nose:     Dark fruitiness, malty with a lively spiciness and a hint of vanilla

Taste:    Rich and complex, balanced sweetness, fresh clean oak, pronounced rye spice with maltiness and a pleasant grain character

Finish:    Long, lingering and complex with a substantial mouthfeel and depth

“Our dedication to artisanal spirits first started 30 years ago, and today, the Hotaling name remains a part of San Francisco drinking culture as we carry on that pioneering legacy with Old Potrero,” says Dan Leese, CEO of Hotaling & Co. “Old Potrero Whiskey, like its birthplace, San Francisco, embodies boldness and innovation. Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Whiskey continues to represent how integral we are to the city’s history and the timeless traditions of American whiskey.”

For more information on Old Potrero, visit OldPotrero.com; for more information on Hotaling & Co. visit HotalingandCo.com.

About Old Potrero
Old Potrero Rye Whiskey is a testament to the power of the pioneering spirit and the celebrated return of pot-distilled whiskey in the United States. Created by Fritz Maytag, the same beverage visionary who sparked the craft beer movement with his purchase of Anchor Brewing in 1965 and the founder of the original Anchor Distilling Co., now Hotaling & Co., Old Potrero is credited as the first American craft whiskey to hit the market since Prohibition. Old Potrero whiskies are distilled in a small copper pot stills at the Hotaling & Co. Distillery in San Francisco from a mash of 100% rye malt.

About Hotaling & Co. 
A born and bred San Francisco original, Hotaling & Co. is the leading distiller and importer of artisanal spirits and cocktail essentials. With dedication to artisanal spirits first started in 1993 under the name Anchor Distilling Company, which heralded the return to copper pot distilling in the U.S. with the original craft introductions of Junipero Gin & Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, Hotaling & Co. carries on a pioneering legacy through its name, giving a nod to the local legend A.P. Hotaling, who ventured West during the Gold Rush and quickly became one of the most reputable spirits dealers in the country and a notable figure in American drinking culture. Fueled by a passion for beverage expertise, education, and hospitality, Hotaling & Co. carries on this tradition of artisanal excellence by bringing together a family of like-minded spirits that share a commitment to craft and care. Today, Hotaling & Co.’s portfolio is synonymous with brands of unmatched quality and character, including Luxardo Liqueurs & Cherries, Nikka Whisky, HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys, Junipero Gin, HINE Cognac, Convite Mezcal, Fiero Tequila, Kavalan Whisky, Denizen Rum, Writers' Tears Whiskey, Old Pulteney Whisky, Speyburn Whisky, Balblair Whisky, Arran Whisky, Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, and more. Visit www.HotalingandCo.com to explore the full range of brands.