Two Unique Single Malt Ryes Only from K&L
“Sometimes different is actually better, and nowhere is that more clear than what they’re doing with the wonderful Old Potrero whiskey.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L SoCal Spirits Buyer
We’ve secured two amazing single-barrel expressions of Old Potrero. Building upon the reputation of this iconic brand, these expressions are destined to impress longtime fans and draw legions of new followers. Each has its own distinct profile while capturing the inherent spiciness of straight rye whiskey. We couldn’t be more pleased with this pair, as they offer all the range, depth, and complexity we’ve come to expect from Old Potrero. In barrel #12, you’ll find notes of brown sugar, raisins, and a spicy touch of cinnamon. The #13, for its part, serves up ample notes of cherry, wood accents, and Christmas spice. It’s a true delight to compare one against the other. Whether you decide to go with both (why not!) or just one of the pair, you’ll immediately taste why Old Potrero is still firmly ensconced in the pantheon of the best whiskeys out of the West. Quantities are limited, so don’t waste any time in securing your bottles today.
Old Potrero “K&L Exclusive Barrel #12” 63.33% Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($99.99)
Our first barrels under the new Hotaling brand instead of the old Anchor brand! Again, we’ve selected a pair of casks that showcase two different sides of Hotaling’s flavor spectrum. Cask #12 is enormous. It’s loaded with chocolate, cinnamon, coffee, and tobacco. It’s decidedly on the dark and rich side of the Old Potrero rye spectrum. Casked in 2013, this comes in right around 6 years old.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019
We used to sell out of these single barrel Old Potreros the moment they arrived, but now people have so many options they tend to get overlooked. Finally, though, they’ve put together a barrel program that really works. Cask strength, single barrel, and one of the most pleasurable craft spirits anywhere! Sometimes different is actually better, and nowhere is that more clear than what they’re doing with the wonderful Old Potrero whiskey. This cask is VERY different from the other. It’s even a slight shade lighter in color, and the nose is dominated by big oak spice and earthy malt. The palate brings tons of evergreen, mint, angelica, anise, ginger, and sage. With a bit of water, some more wild honey, but it’s bold, prickly spice on display here. We’re in total esoterica here. A real treat for those want a full throat experience and love earthy spice.
Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 17, 2019
Barrel 12 expressed more of what I would consider to be classic Potrero rye notes, almost hitting some from their 18th Century spirit as well. On the nose the combination of oak and cola nut reminded me of their original bottlings but deeper aromas of black raisins and brown sugar melted in butter were also in the forefront. The palate was a bit tight and fairly spicy compared to barrel #13. Again, brown sugar made its appearance but it intermingled with the spice and a faint note of cinnamon. With the addition of water, the spice was toned down and more fruit notes surfaced, including something that reminded me of purple gobstoppers. The finish was interesting and definitely reminded me of the Old Potrero 18th Century Spirit, which always had an RC Cola note to me.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 12, 2019
Both of the single barrel offerings that are now in stock are unique and very good. Tasting them side by side shows why the single barrel bottlings are so interesting. Barrel #12 is elegant and a little lighter in body than barrel #13.Subtle spice and savory notes are present,wrapped up together with a pleasant sweetness. A splash of water gives it a creamy mouth feel. Barrel #12 can be enjoy with or without the addition of water.
Stefanie Juelsgaard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 02, 2019
This is a straight rye whiskey to the max. Definitely not lacking in spice and power, this reminds me a lot of the “Red Hots” candies we dared to stuff in our mouths as kids. The charred American oak barrel influence is more present in this whiskey than Barrel #13, with dark chocolate, coffee grounds, and leather notes dominating. The versatility of 100% rye is astounding. We ended up with two very different barrels, each fascinating and delicious in their own right. If you like the heat and a bigger style whiskey, this guy is for you. If your a little trepidatious or like you booze a little softer, go for the Barrel #13 offering. Or try both side by side to compare. Both high impact and bold on flavor, but in very different ways.
Old Potrero “K&L Exclusive Barrel #13” 63.21% Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($99.99)
Check out our first barrels under the new Hotaling brand instead of the old Anchor brand! Again, we’ve selected a pair of casks that showcase two different sides of Hotaling’s flavor spectrum. Cask #13, while still big in proof and robustly flavorful takes a much more delicate approach than #12. It’s beautiful and spicy, sweet and soft, and drinks like it’s much lower in alcohol than it really is. Visit the elegant side of Hotaling. Casked in 2012, this barrel comes in right around 7 years old.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019
The famous old craft distiller in Potrero Hill is no longer referred to by its original name, but that doesn’t make the juice they’re bottling any less arresting. The single malted rye filled into new charred American oak is their most sought-after expression and it’s always been my favorite way to experience the entrancing nuance of the 100% malted rye. The nose explodes with bold Christmas spice and dark red cherry compote. The dense fruit wafts toward sweet lacquer and old expensive hard wood aromas. On the palate the high proof is somewhat masked by an oiliness that is somewhat the hallmark of Potrero. Big bold cherries and freshly shaved cassia bark envelope the palate. With a bit of what the texture surprisingly remains but the wood and spice dominate now. With and without water the finish is pure candied cherries. This one is a bit of a cherry bomb, but also a spice bomb and a wood bomb. One large, highly controlled detonation
Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 17, 2019
Barrel 13 had a little more fruit notes going on and a roasted/toasted/malty/toffee/coffee thing going on that I couldnt quite put my finger on but loved it. The nose had strong influences of oak, dried dark plums and sweet cherrys; it really reminded me of Panettone, the Italian Holiday Cake. Turbinado sugar and hints of that roasted coffee undertones seemed to be the last ones on the trail. The palate carried over from the nose with Panettone again being the big player. Other notes of spiced cherries, prunes and just a touch of toasted caramel were also prevalent and quite delightful. The finish on this one was long and where I picked up on a lot of the roasted/toasted etc etc flavor that was hinted at in the nose and palate and also got a bit of cinnamon cookie at the very end.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 12, 2019
It is very nice to be able to taste individual and unique single barrels of Old Potrero.Of the two offerings that are now in stock , they area both different from each other and very good. The barrel #13 is concentrated and rich, just layered with flavors and complexity. With a splash of water a hint of spice comes through. I think that one could drink this with or without water depending on what tastes one is looking for.
Stefanie Juelsgaard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 02, 2019
I’m always super happy to support our local distilleries, and even more so when they put out a product like this! Old Potrero is consistently high quality and I love to taste 100% rye whiskeys, as you don’t come across them all that often. It shows a lot of skill on the producers part to ferment 100% rye into a whiskey of this caliber. This is on the sweeter side for a straight rye and the classic rye spices are slightly more subdued in this cask, though I’m certainly not hating on that. It shows the versatility of the grain and the skill of Old Potrero to coax something this smooth out of a brasher initial product. At 63.21%, this isn’t shy on the heat, but the sweeter fruit and spice profile help tame the burn.
Shaun Green | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 31, 2019
A wonderfully delicious and layered rye. It’s amazing that the difference between this and the 13 is only the barrel. Softly sweet, and a wonderful cinnamon spice stand out — it is very, very sippable, even neat. In fact, our lovely office colleague Frances took a small sip and immediately announced she was having a little more!
