California’s Leadership in Wine and Craft Beer Inspires Innovation
SAN FRANCISCO, July 1, 2025 – California produces over 85% of the nation’s wine and boasts more breweries than any other state. This rich heritage of quality and innovation inspires Old Potrero’s latest additions to its California Cellar Series – two premium cask-finished rye whiskeys. The highly allocated Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey Finished in Gundlach Bundschu Gewurztraminer Barrels (57.3% ABV, 700ml, $79.99 SRP) and Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Almanac Beer Co. Imperial Stout Oak Barrels (57.5% ABV, 700ml, $79.99 SRP) are now available in key markets and online, showcasing the synergy of California’s artisan producers.“Old Potrero California Cellar Series is an exciting opportunity to highlight other California producers,” says Head Distiller for Old Potrero, Kevin Aslan. “We all share a commitment to the quality of the final product and an openness to innovation. It was inspiring to collaborate with other exceptional producers from our home state to create these uniquely Californian expressions.”
Tasting Notes for Old Potrero’s California Cellar Series
Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey Finished in Gundlach Bundschu Gewurztraminer Barrels(57.3% ABV, 700ml, $79.99 SRP) Aged for 5 years and 8 months, then finished for 14 months in Gundlach Bundschu Gewurztraminer barrels, this whiskey offers a delicate yet intense flavor profile:
- Nose: Ripe fruit, grassy, caramel, lychee
- Palate: Candied caramel, cantaloupe, tropical fruit
- Finish: Floral, ginger root, slightly fruity
“We were excited by the opportunity to collaborate with Old Potrero as it’s the ‘OG’ creator of California rye with roots in our ancestral home city of San Francisco. We are even more excited by the results,” says Jeff Bundschu, president of Sonoma’s award-winning Gundlach Bundschu Winery, which was founded in the 1850s. “We’ve always strived for balance and nuance in our wines, and those attributes are in full effect with this intense but delicate new whiskey.”
Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Almanac Beer Co. Imperial Stout Oak Barrels
(57.5% ABV, 700ml, $79.99 SRP) Aged for 6 years and 6 months in new charred American oak barrels, then finished for 5 months in barrels that previously aged a custom imperial stout from Almanac Beer Co. for 8 months:
- Nose: Rich, chocolate, hint of vanilla, barrel rickhouse
- Palate: Caramel, roasted malt, spiced apricot
- Finish: Viscous, long finish, deep stone fruit, rye spice
“Born of the ethos ‘Farm to Barrel,’ Almanac and Hotaling & Co. Distillery share deep roots in California,” says João Alameida, brewmaster for Almanac Beer Co. “The result of our collaboration – marrying a strong, malt-forward stout with Old Potrero barrels – brings forward the signature spicy rye note from Old Potrero accompanied by a milk chocolate, dark-malt brûlée nose reminiscent of the beer.”
Where to Find Old Potrero’s California Cellar SeriesThese exclusive California Cellar Series expressions are available for purchase online. Visit OldPotrero.com for more details on Old Potrero and HotalingandCo.com for information on Hotaling & Co.’s full portfolio.
About Old Potrero
Old Potrero Rye Whiskey embodies the pioneering spirit of American craft distilling. Created by Fritz Maytag, the visionary behind Anchor Brewing and the original Anchor Distilling Co. (now Hotaling & Co.), Old Potrero is recognized as the first American craft whiskey since Prohibition. Distilled in small copper pot stills at Hotaling & Co.’s San Francisco distillery using a 100% rye malt mash, it delivers bold, authentic flavors.
About Hotaling & Co.
Hotaling & Co., a San Francisco original, is a leading distiller and importer of artisanal spirits. Founded in 1993 as Anchor Distilling Company, it reintroduced copper pot distilling to the U.S. with iconic brands like Junipero Gin and Old Potrero Rye Whiskey. Named after A.P. Hotaling, a legendary spirits dealer from the Gold Rush era, Hotaling & Co. curates a portfolio of premium brands, including Luxardo Liqueurs, Nikka Whisky, HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys, and more. Visit HotalingandCo.com to explore their full range.
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