A Pair of Can’t-Miss K&L Exclusive Barrels from Old Potrero
“Anchor Distilling Company was one of the great craft distillers of the modern era.”
-David Othenin-Girard
In case the news hasn’t found its way to you yet, sadly, Anchor Distilling Company and its Old Potrero brand are going away. For all the ins and outs and what’s on the horizon, check out our recent blog post. But for those short on time, the long and the short of it is that because of a change in ownership, this iconic brand will no longer be produced. However, there are still casks of these remarkable spirits to be had—at least for the time being. As longtime fans of Old Potrero, we’ve always picked up their limited production whiskeys whenever the occasion arose. Hence, we when were given a chance to select a pair of Old Potrero barrels exclusively for K&L, we knew we had to act. Never before had we been offered such an opportunity, so this, coupled with the imminent retirement of the brand, made this a proposition too good to miss. Featured here are casks No. 3 and No. 9. Both are a beautiful swan song as you’ll ever find and stunning examples of the groundbreaking work at this historic distillery. Both are unique expressions that beautifully illustrate why so many collectors have a special place in their hearts for Old Potrero. This truly is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and a chance to own part of history. Scroll below for our tasting notes and learn what makes this pair so captivating. Allocations are limited and demand is already high, so don’t miss out. We can’t think of a better way to bid adieu to this legendary brand.
Old Potrero “K&L Exclusive Barrel #3″ Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($99.99)
Old Potrero has finally begun a formal single cask program and we were so excited we bought two! Barrel No. 3 is lights out. At 61.96% alcohol it is full throttle, no holds barred, 100% rye malt. Both barrels were double distilled in traditional copper pot stills on August 1, 2012 and bottled exclusively for K&L on July 27, 2018, just four days short of their sixth birthdays. Who doesn’t like to celebrate a little early? The whiskey entered its 53-gallon, extra fine grain American Oak barrels at 62% and that ABV pretty much held steady over the years. The result for barrel No. 3 is punchy, intense, and spicy, like a Red Hot wrapped in a Christmas cookie. You have two chances for barrel proof Old Potrero 100% Single Malt Rye, don’t miss!
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2018
Well this is it. Kind of the end of an era. And we scored two of the most special barrels I’ve ever tried yet from these guys. Both casks come a lot closer to the insane and unavailable Hotalings offerings that are sold at 10-16 years old rather than the younger offerings, which are regularly available. The power rye malt and six years in a new charred oak barrel are a heady combination. I found cask No. 3 to be the drier of the two showing tons of baking spice, minty woodsy tones, and a rich malty character that sets the Old Potrero apart from other modern ryes. Bold, spicy and dry, there’s almost nothing on the market quiet like these and they easily rank as some of the finest craft whiskies we’ve ever sold. A truly special offer that will never be available again under this label.
Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2018
This rye smells high-octane because it is, coming in at a rather robust 123.92 proof. The nose is woody and intense with the smell of Red Hots candy. There’s a big cinnamon kick with other spice notes of clove, cardamom, pepper, and a cedar wood quality. The taste mostly follows the spicy nose but with the addition of gentle vanilla, menthol, and a hint of salt.
Sean Fernandez | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 18, 2018
Scrumdiddlyumptions. A marriage of the power of a George T Stagg and the grace and complexity of a Sazerac 18. Weighty and viscous in the mouth with deep rich caramel and cinnamon. Never as hot as the proof suggests and with a warming spicy finish inviting you back for more. Wonderful item to have on hand when the Antique collection is out of reach.
Old Potrero “K&L Exclusive Barrel #9″ Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($99.99)
Old Potrero has finally begun a formal single cask program and we were so excited we bought two! Barrel No. 9 is a sophisticated, well-balanced number. At 61.57% alcohol it shows the more nuanced side of 100% rye malt. Both barrels were double distilled in traditional copper pot stills on Aug. 1, 2012 and bottled exclusively for K&L on July 27, 2018, just four days short of their sixth birthdays. Who doesn’t like to celebrate a little early? The whiskey entered its 53-gallon, extra fine grain American Oak barrels at 62% and that ABV pretty much held steady over the years. The result for barrel No. 9 is more of a baked bread character and exceptional balance. It’s warm, inviting, and you hope the glass never empties. You have two chances for barrel proof Old Potrero 100% Single Malt Rye, don’t miss!
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2018
The Old Potrero brand is venerated particularly among California spirits geeks. For years the stocks were so small that we couldn’t even get the standard releases consistently. When I saw it out at bars, I ordered it. When the supplier had it, we bought everything. Over the last several years a lot has changed at Mr. Maytag’s old distillery, but they’ve always made this idiosyncratic single malt rye that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Now they’re starting to have enough stock to sell barrels outright, usually cask experiments, but we knew we had to jump on the new charred oak barrels as soon as they came up. With the recent sale of the Anchor Beer brand to the Japanese, the distilling component is moving away from the old branding, so these will be the very last Old Potrero barrels we’ll ever see. And what a way to go out. Barrel No. 9 is showing less minty rye and more deep dark malt, cacao and savory spice. Textured and full bodied, this stuff is truly palate coating. Not for the faint of heart but an impressive example of why the Old Anchor Distilling Company was one of the great craft distillers of the modern era. A new chapter begins.
Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2018
This is another intense, full-throttled rye, but it’s not as spicy as the No. 3 barrel we also have here at K&L. The spice is still bold, but it’s tempered by luscious caramel and cream. With a touch of water, additional notes of buttered toffee, cocoa, and leather emerge. This dram has a nice, long, and woody finish.
