The Long-Awaited Return of an All-Time K&L Classic Rye
Old Potrero 6 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)
“It’s better than ever, and rye lovers should take note—you’ll be hard pressed to find a better rye whiskey being made anywhere.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer
Many a proverbial tear was shed in 2018 when the old Anchor Distilling company was purchased by Hotaling & Co. and it was announced that their most popular item, the Old Potrero Rye, would be discontinued. Little did we know then, only a few short years later they would resurrect this insanely popular whiskey to great anticipation, and we’re thrilled to say they delivered in spades. In fact, it’s an unequivocally better expression than the previous renditions ever were. Long-time Anchor/Hotaling head distiller Bruce Joseph has truly nailed this one. At a six-year age statement, it’s marvelously complex, eminently approachable, yet still its old familiar self. That’s to say, it’s still that beloved, classic west coast rye that skyrockets off the QPR charts at under $60, which might be the most jaw-dropping feature of this stellar new release. With all the hype and eager enthusiasm surrounding it, Hotaling could have easily raised the price through the roof. But as spirits buyer Andrew Whiteley observes, “It’s a miracle that this whiskey didn’t take a massive price increase with the relaunch.” As it now stands, this is arguably the best rye buy in our inventory, and certainly the most triumphant return of an old K&L favorite that we’ve seen in a very long time.
Old Potrero 6 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 07, 2022
Hotaling—formerly Anchor Distilling—has finally relaunched the Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, and it is far and away the best it has ever been. In a slick new package, it now comes with a respectable 6-year age statement. It’s still 100% malted rye, a highly unusual mashbill that harkens back to the early days of American distilling and was revived by Fritz Maytag and Head Distiller Bruce Joseph when Anchor was founded in 1993. In fact, Bruce still makes the whiskey today, nearly 30 years later. Add to that the extremely high-quality barrel selection made from new, fine-grained American oak and aging in SF’s unique climate, and you’ve got a true San Francisco original with history, pedigree, and excellent flavor. Insane cinnamon is definitely the first note. It jumps out of the glass, quickly followed by vanilla, butterscotch, and a touch of savor reminiscent of green tree bark. The nose moves seamlessly into toasted coconut and brown sugar. It’s an expansive survey of a classic American oak profile. The rye itself jumps out next; it’s sweet, spicy, and a little yeasty. As you move onto the palate, the whiskey is very lively. It’s richer than expected, especially as the pour rests in the glass. You get chocolate (milk and dark) mingled with coconut and mocha. Cracked pepper and freshly harvested alfalfa come to mind—it is almost surprising how present the rye character is given how sweet the nose and palate are. With a little bit of water, an even sweeter profile emerges, particularly amping up the vanilla notes. Gloriously, it doesn’t ever lose the stiff rye backbone. The aromatics open up even further. Cinnamon adds nutmeg and allspice. Butterscotch morphs into caramel. The black pepper becomes more rounded. The finish is long, clean, and sweet with ample kick from the 48.5% ABV. It’s a miracle that this whiskey didn’t take a massive price increase with the relaunch. It’s better than ever, and rye lovers should take note—you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better rye whiskey being made anywhere.
